No. A soft-search eligibility check does not affect your credit score. It lets you see whether finance may be available before you make a full application. If you decide to proceed, a lender may later carry out a hard search with your consent.
Last reviewed 7 July 2026
Short answer
A soft-search check has no initial impact on your credit score. It is commonly used for eligibility checks and quote tools so you can explore options first.
Soft searches are not visible to lenders in the same way as hard searches.
A soft search does not lower your credit score.
A later hard search may happen if you apply with a lender.
Multiple direct applications can create extra hard-search footprints.
A soft search is used for checks like eligibility tools, identity verification or checking your own credit file. It does not affect your score. A hard search usually happens when you make a full credit application. It can be visible to other lenders and may affect your score slightly, especially if there are several in a short period.
Eligibility tools are designed to help you understand your options before you commit to a full application. That is useful if you want to avoid unnecessary hard-search footprints, compare lenders, or check whether finance may be realistic based on your circumstances.
If you choose to move forward, the lender will carry out its own checks and make the final decision. That can include a hard credit search. The lender should explain what it is doing and, where required, obtain your consent.
No. A soft search is not visible to other companies in the same way a hard search is.
No. Checking your own report is a soft search and does not affect your score.
Not always. It usually only happens if you decide to make a full application.
Footprints are the search records left on your credit report. Soft and hard searches leave different types of footprints.
These official sources informed this guide.
States that soft searches do not affect your credit score.
Explains how soft and hard credit checks are recorded.
Useful background on improving credit health.
