Soft Inquiry (Soft Pull)
A soft inquiry (also called a soft pull or soft credit check) is a type of credit report access that does not impact your credit score and is not visible to other lenders. Soft inquiries occur in situations where no formal credit decision is being made — such as when you check your own credit score, when a lender sends you a pre-approved offer, or when an employer runs a background check. They are completely harmless from a credit score perspective.
Understanding the difference between hard and soft inquiries helps you make smarter decisions about when and how to interact with your credit file. Regularly checking your own credit through a soft pull is actively encouraged as good financial hygiene.
Quick Facts
| Type of Soft Inquiry | Example |
|---|---|
| Checking your own credit | Equifax, TransUnion, credit monitoring apps |
| Pre-approval checks | Bank pre-screening for card offers |
| Employment background checks | Employer with your consent |
| Account reviews | Existing lenders checking your file periodically |
| Utility or rental checks | Landlord screening (in some cases) |
| Insurance underwriting | Some auto/home insurers |
Does a soft pull affect your credit score? No — never.
Canadian Context
In Canada, pre-approved credit card offers (received by mail or online) are generated using soft inquiries. The important distinction to remember: receiving a pre-approved offer is a soft pull, but accepting and submitting a formal application triggers a hard pull. Some Canadian banks offer credit score monitoring tools (BMO, Scotiabank, TD, etc.) that check your score via soft inquiry, allowing you to monitor your file frequently without any score impact. Checking your own credit is not only harmless but recommended — it’s the best way to catch errors, fraudulent accounts, or identity theft early. See our credit scores guide for more context.
Related Glossary Terms
Information on this page is provided for general educational purposes. Inquiry classification can vary by lender and bureau — check with the requesting organization if you’re unsure whether a check will be hard or soft.