How Credit Inquiries Affect Your Score (and How Much)

Last Updated on July 21, 2025 by Amanda

You’re just trying to see if that fancy travel credit card you saw on Instagram is really worth the hype. You know — the one with the bonus points that could cover your hotel and maybe even your Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party ticket this year.

Next thing you know, your FICO score drops a few points — like it caught you cheating on your debit card.

The credit world has some wild rules, and the difference between a soft inquiry and a hard inquiry is one of those things that can sneak up on you if you’re not paying attention. Let’s break it down like we’re on the couch with a PSL and a dream Disney itinerary — because understanding this could mean the difference between booking your trip or getting blocked at checkout.

What Even Is a Credit Inquiry?

Every time someone checks your credit — whether it’s you, your bank, or that apartment complex you just applied to — it’s called a credit inquiry. And while some inquiries are harmless little glances, others come with long-term consequences that can mess with your credit score for months.

That’s where the difference between soft and hard inquiries really matters.

The Two Types of Credit Checks (and Why You Should Care)

Soft Inquiries (aka Soft Pulls)

Soft inquiries are the low-stakes version of a credit check. These don’t affect your score at all, and honestly, they’re kind of like someone peeking through the blinds to see if you’re home — curious, but no harm done.

Think about the times you’ve checked your own credit on Experian or Credit Karma, or when you got one of those “you’ve been pre-approved” mailers. Those companies ran a soft pull to get a basic look at your credit profile — like a vibe check, not a background investigation.

It’s the same with certain job applications or lease inquiries. Some employers and landlords will run a soft pull to make sure there are no major red flags, but they’re not digging too deep.

So if you’re just browsing, checking your own score, or seeing if you might qualify for something — like that dreamy travel card you’re eyeing for your fall Disney trip — you’re good. Your score stays untouched.

Hard Inquiries (aka Hard Pulls)

Now, this is where things shift.

A hard inquiry means someone is seriously evaluating you for a financial commitment — a credit card, a loan, a mortgage. They’re not just peeking; they’re pulling receipts.

It’s the credit equivalent of someone calling your high school teacher, your ex, and your last employer to ask, “Is this person trustworthy with money?” And because they’re digging into your full credit report, your score usually takes a temporary hit — about 5 to 15 points, depending on your overall credit profile.

This kind of pull shows up when you apply for:

• Credit cards
• Car loans
• Mortgages
• Personal loans
• Some apartments (especially ones that use third-party background screening tools)

So yeah, if you’re thinking about applying for a shiny new card to fund your fall adventures, that hard pull is going to leave a footprint. The good news? One or two won’t break you — but too many can send the wrong message.

How Much Do Hard Inquiries Actually Affect Your Credit Score?

Hard inquiries make up about 10% of your FICO credit score. That might not sound like a lot, especially compared to categories like:

• Payment history (35%)
• Credit utilization (30%)

But here’s the thing — if your score is teetering between “good” and “very good,” those few points can be the difference between a low interest rate… and a rejection.

And when lenders look at your report, they’re not just judging the number. They’re watching for patterns — like whether you’ve been applying for a lot of credit recently, which could signal financial stress.

Here’s how it typically breaks down:

If you’re not sure where you fall on that scale — or you just want a reality check before applying for that travel card to help fund your fall Disney getaway — this is your sign.

Check your report today (no hit to your score) with my full guide on How to Check Your FICO Score for Free. It’ll tell you exactly how many inquiries are on your report — and give you a clearer picture of how close you are to “too many.”

How Many Hard Credit Inquiries Does the Average American Have?

According to a LendingTree study, about 45.6% of U.S. consumers had at least one hard inquiry in a six-month period. That’s nearly half the country getting their credit pulled — so if you’ve had one (or a few), you’re definitely not alone.

Most credit experts consider 1–2 hard pulls per year pretty standard. But once you cross the 3–5 mark, you enter a gray area where lenders might raise an eyebrow. And if you rack up 6 or more within a short window? That’s where it can start to hurt. According to MyFICO, consumers with six or more inquiries are up to 8 times more likely to declare bankruptcy than those with none — which is why lenders start to get nervous.

Final Thoughts: Travel Dreams Deserve Score-Savvy Moves

You’re not digging into credit reports for fun. You’re doing it because you want freedom. The kind of freedom that lets you book a last-minute flight, unlock exclusive travel perks, or say “yes” to a magical night at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party without side-eyeing your FICO score the next morning.

Understanding hard vs. soft inquiries is your first line of defense. Because protecting your credit is how you earn that freedom — without sacrificing opportunity along the way.

Need a reset? Before you apply for anything, make sure you know exactly where you stand. Here’s how to Check Your FICO Score for Free — no impact, no cost, just clarity.

And if this post helped you breathe a little easier, share it with someone who’s eyeing their next big move. Good credit shouldn’t be a mystery — and now, it doesn’t have to be.