Does a "Hard Pull" Expire from Your Credit Score?

A hard inquiry, also known as a "hard pull," occurs when a lender checks your credit report as part of a credit application. While it can temporarily affect your credit score, its impact is not permanent.

What is a Hard Inquiry?

A hard inquiry is recorded when you apply for credit, such as a loan or credit card. It signals that you are actively seeking new credit.

How Long Does a Hard Inquiry Stay on Your Credit Report?

Hard inquiries typically remain on your credit report for up to 24 months. During this time, they are visible to lenders reviewing your credit history.

How Long Does It Affect Your Credit Score?

The impact of a hard inquiry on your credit score is usually limited to about 12 months. After this period, it no longer influences your score, even though it may still appear on your report.

Why the Impact Fades Over Time

Credit scoring models place more importance on recent credit activity. As time passes, older inquiries become less relevant in assessing your credit risk.

Multiple Inquiries and Rate Shopping

In certain cases, such as shopping for a mortgage or auto loan, multiple inquiries within a short period may be treated as a single inquiry to minimise impact.

Can You Remove a Hard Inquiry Early?

Legitimate hard inquiries cannot typically be removed before the reporting period ends. However, if an inquiry is incorrect or unauthorized, you can dispute it with the credit bureau.

Managing Hard Inquiries Wisely

Avoid applying for multiple credit accounts in a short time. Space out applications to reduce the impact on your credit score.

Do Hard Inquiries Matter in the Long Run?

While they can cause a temporary dip, their long-term impact is minimal compared to factors like payment history and credit utilisation.

The Bigger Picture

Hard inquiries are a normal part of using credit. Understanding their timeline—the 12-month scoring impact and 24-month reporting period—helps you manage your credit applications effectively and maintain a strong credit profile.

Credit scores are indicative and subject to change. Stashfin is an RBI-registered NBFC. A credit score does not guarantee loan approval. Terms vary by applicant profile.