A soft credit check is invisible to lenders and leaves no mark on your credit file. A hard check is permanent and visible. Understanding the difference could save your credit score.
What Is a Soft Credit Check?
A soft credit check (also called a soft search or soft enquiry) is a type of credit check that does not leave a mark on your credit file that other lenders can see. It gives the checker a partial view of your credit history — enough to assess eligibility — without the consequences of a full search.
Key fact: Soft searches are only visible to you when you view your own credit report — not to any other lender or company making a search on you.
Soft Check vs Hard Check — The Key Differences
| Soft Check | Hard Check | |
|---|---|---|
| Visible to other lenders? | ✓ No — invisible | ✕ Yes — visible for 12 months |
| Affects credit score? | ✓ No | ✕ Can reduce score temporarily |
| Your consent required? | Not always | Always — must be explicit |
| Typical use | Eligibility checks, pre-approvals, identity verification | Formal loan/mortgage applications |
When Does OFFLEND Conduct a Credit Check?
OFFLEND's initial eligibility check is a soft search only. It is completely invisible to other lenders and leaves no mark on your credit file. A full (hard) credit check is only conducted:
- When you formally apply for a specific product
- With your explicit consent, confirmed in writing
- By the lender directly — not by OFFLEND
How Many Soft Checks Are Too Many?
There is no limit that harms you. Soft checks do not affect your credit score regardless of how many times they are conducted. However, multiple hard checks in a short period can reduce your score and signal to lenders that you are in financial difficulty — which is exactly why OFFLEND uses soft checks only for eligibility.
How to Check Your Own Credit File (Soft Check)
Checking your own credit report is always a soft check and never harms your score. UK credit reference agencies:
- Experian: Free basic score; paid reports for detail
- Equifax: Free via ClearScore
- TransUnion: Free via Credit Karma
Lenders can use any or all three agencies. Check all three if you are preparing a finance application.
Frequently Asked Questions
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OFFLEND PARTNERS LTD — credit broker, not a lender · Free to you · Commission from lender disclosed before proceeding