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A soft credit search is a check a lender or broker can run on your credit file that does not leave a mark visible to other lenders. It is often used for early eligibility checks and mortgage agreements in principle, so you can gauge your chances without affecting your credit score. A hard credit search, by contrast, is recorded on your file and used at full application stage.
This guide explains the difference between soft and hard searches, whether they affect your credit score, how they relate to a mortgage agreement in principle, and how to protect your credit file before you apply.
What is a soft credit search?
A soft credit search, sometimes called a soft check, looks at your credit information without recording a footprint that other lenders can see. You can see soft searches on your own credit report, but they do not influence how lenders assess you. Comparison sites, eligibility checkers, and many mortgage agreements in principle now use soft searches, which is why you can check what you might qualify for without any impact on your score.
Soft search vs hard search
| Soft credit search | Hard credit search | |
|---|---|---|
| Visible to other lenders | No | Yes |
| Affects your credit score | No | Can have a small, short-term effect |
| Typical use | Eligibility checks, many agreements in principle | Full mortgage or credit applications |
| Leaves a footprint | Only you can see it | Recorded on your file for others to see |
Do soft credit searches affect your credit score?
No. Soft searches do not affect your credit score and are not visible to other lenders when they assess an application. You can run as many eligibility checks as you like using soft searches without harming your file. It is hard searches that can have an effect, and even then the impact is usually small and temporary, mainly becoming a concern when several are made in a short space of time.
Soft searches and mortgage agreements in principle
A mortgage agreement in principle, also called a decision in principleA preliminary decision by a lender to offer a mortgage, base... More, is an early indication of how much a lender might be willing to offer. Many lenders now run these using a soft search, so getting one does not usually harm your credit score. It is worth checking whether a particular lender uses a soft or hard search before you proceed, because some still use a hard check at this stage. An agreement in principle can be useful when house hunting, as it shows estate agents and sellers you are a credible buyer.
How to check your own credit file
Checking your own credit report is always a soft search and never affects your score. Reviewing your file before you apply lets you spot errors, outdated information, or accounts you do not recognise, and gives you time to correct them. It is sensible to check your report with more than one credit reference agency, as lenders do not all use the same one, so the picture can differ between them.
How to protect your credit score before applying
Before a mortgage application, try to avoid multiple hard searches close together, keep existing credit commitmentsAny existing financial commitments, such as credit card or l... More up to date, and make sure you are on the electoral roll at your current address. Keeping credit card balancesOutstanding credit card balances, which may affect a borrowe... More well below their limits and avoiding new borrowing in the run-up to applying all help present a stronger profile. A broker can often use soft searches to match you to lenders likely to accept you before any hard search is made, reducing unnecessary marks on your file.
Frequently asked questions
Does a soft search show up on my credit report? You can see soft searches on your own report, but other lenders cannot, and they do not affect how your application is assessed.
Do mortgage agreements in principle use a soft or hard search? Many lenders now use a soft search for an agreement in principle, but some still use a hard search, so it is worth checking before you apply.
How many hard searches is too many? There is no fixed number, but several hard searches in a short period can concern lenders. Spacing out applications and using soft-search eligibility checks first helps.
Can a broker check lenders without affecting my score? Yes. A broker can often use soft searches to identify suitable lenders before any hard search is carried out, helping protect your credit file.
For help checking your options without harming your credit score, you can speak to our team via the meet our team page or browse more guides in our mortgage, property and money advice hub.
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Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Needing Advice is an independent, FCA-regulated whole of market mortgage broker. This article is general information only and does not constitute financial or mortgage advice. Availability and lender criteria vary and can change, and any arrangement depends on your individual circumstances. There is no obligation, and we recommend seeking personalised advice before making any decision.