Does checking your credit score lower it?

Wondering if checking your credit score hurts it? Discover the difference between soft and hard checks, and how each one affects your credit score in the UK.

Man smiling at his phone and credit card

Written by Hayley Bevan and Victoria Smith

Published on November 26th, 2025

Last reviewed on November 26th, 2025

3 mins read

Understanding credit cards

Despite what many believe, performing a credit check doesn’t impact your credit score. It’s what’s known as a ‘soft inquiry’ which you can perform as often as you like – without worrying about the impact it might have on your score.

However, there are other types of inquiries that could impact your score, such as a hard credit check. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different types of credit checks, why they’re used, and how to check your own credit score.

Does checking your own credit score affect it?

Checking your own credit score is a type of soft check which is only visible to you and credit reference agencies. It means you can check your score as many times as you like without harming your credit health.

There are a range of online tools available where you can check your score for free. Depending on the purpose of your check, you might want to assess your eligibility for a credit card or loan, or simply check in on your overall credit status.

Another instance where a soft inquiry might be used is when an employer or landlord runs a check on your credit. Or it could be used by lenders to see if you prequalify for an offer. In both instances, you might be asked for permission to check your credit.

What’s the difference between a soft and hard credit check?

Understanding the difference between a soft and hard credit check can put you in a better position to protect your credit score. By making use of soft searches, you’ll get a clearer picture on your eligibility and whether it’s worth permitting a hard check.

Soft credit check

Visibility to lenders: Not visible to lenders. It’s a private check only available to you and credit reference agencies.

Impact on credit score: Doesn’t affect your credit score. But remains on your report for up to two years.
When it’s used: Checking your own score, loan pre-qualification, assessing your eligibility for promotional offers, or renting a property.

Permission: May not require your permission

Hard credit check

Visibility to lenders: Visible to lenders and leaves a mark on your file that others can see when they check your credit.

Impact on credit score: Can temporarily lower your credit score and remains on your report for up to two years.
When it’s used: Applying for financial products such as a loan, credit card, mortgage, leasing a car, or renting a property.

Permission: Requires your permission

Where a single hard check may cause a temporary drop in your score, requesting multiple checks over a short period can have a longer-lasting impact. For that reason, limit hard inquiries wherever possible and only apply for products where you meet the lender’s criteria.

How to check your credit score safely

Regularly checking your credit score is a smart way to assess how your financial habits might be impacting your credit file and keep on top of your credit score.

All major UK credit reference agencies (such as Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) give you the ability to check your score for free. Each of which use their own weightings, algorithms, and scoring models to determine the average credit score.

To check your score, create an account with your chosen credit reference agency. After submitting your details, you can view your credit score instantly (which is usually updated automatically every 30 days).

Other ways to check your score for free could include credit card issuer or lender websites, as well as non-profit credit counsellor sites.

Checking your credit score with a soft check doesn’t lower it. It’s a private check which is only visible to you and credit reference agencies.

Getting in the habit of checking your credit health and how your relationship with money could be impacting your ability to borrow is a smart way to future-proof your finances.

Not only can it give you insights on how to improve your credit score, it can also open doors to future offers, promotions, and products that could help you get back on track with your finances.

Representative 39.9% APR (variable) for Aqua Classic.

Failure to make payments on time or to stay within your credit limit means that you will pay additional charges and may make obtaining credit in the future more expensive and difficult.

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