Does Checking Your Credit Score Lower It? Let’s Clear the Confusion

Does checking your credit score lower it? If you’ve ever worried about this, you’re not alone. Many people share this common concern, and checking your credit score is also important, as it serves as your financial report card.

This blog will guide you through everything you need to know about checking your credit score, including what types of credit score checks affect it.

Does Credit Check Reduce Credit Score?

The short answer: No, checking your own credit score does not reduce it. When you check your own credit score (also known as a soft inquiry), it has no impact on your score at all. In fact, regularly checking your credit score is a smart financial habit that helps you monitor your credit health.

However, not all credit checks are treated the same. To understand the impact of credit score inquiries, it’s essential to distinguish between soft inquiries and hard inquiries.

Types of Credit Score Inquiries

1. Soft Inquiries or individual enquiry

Soft inquiries happen when you check your own credit score or when a company checks your credit as part of a background check (like during a job application). These do not affect your credit score.

Examples of soft inquiries:

You check your credit score online through a website like CRIF.
A credit card company pre-approves you for an offer.
A potential employer performs a background check.

You can do a credit score online check as often as you'd like without hurting your credit.

2. Hard Inquiries or institutional enquiries

Hard inquiries occur when a lender checks your credit report because you’ve applied for a credit product, like a loan or a credit card. Unlike soft inquiries, these can affect your credit score, although the impact is usually small.

Examples of hard inquiries:

Applying for a home loan
Applying for a car loan
Submitting a credit card application

While a single hard inquiry might reduce your score by a few points, multiple hard inquiries in a short period (especially for different types of credit) can signal to lenders that you're financially stressed, which may lower your creditworthiness.

How Much Do Inquiries Impact Your Credit Score?

The credit score inquiry impact is usually less. Soft enquiries do not affect your score at all, and hard inquiries take off just 5 to 10 points from your score. The effect of the score also lessens over time and disappears from your report in 12 months.

Here’s a breakdown:

1–2 hard inquiries: Likely no major impact.
3–5 inquiries in a short time: May slightly affect your creditworthiness.
More than 5 inquiries in a few months: Can be an issue for the lenders.

Why Should You Still Check Your Credit Score Frequently?

Even if you’re concerned about the impact of inquiries, remember that checking your own score is safe and beneficial. Here’s why you should continue to monitor it:

Stay Informed

A credit score isn’t just a number—it tells you how healthy your financial profile is. Regular credit score online checks help you stay on top of your financial standing and notice any unexpected changes.

Spot Errors Early

Sometimes, your credit report may contain mistakes like incorrect balances, wrong account details, or payment errors. Catching these early helps you avoid disputes and start improving your credit score.

Plan Better

If you plan to take a loan soon, it’s wise to check your score at least 3–6 months in advance. This gives you enough time to fix any problems and increase your chances of approval.

Tips for Improving Credit Score

If you want to keep your score healthy—or give it a boost—try these easy strategies:

Pay your EMIs and credit card bills on time – Payment history is one of the biggest factors affecting your credit score.
Maintain a low credit utilisation ratio – Try to use less than 30% of your total credit limit.
Avoid too many hard inquiries – Only apply for new credit when necessary.
Keep old accounts open – A longer credit history usually works in your favour.
Check your credit score online regularly – Track your progress and take early action if your score drops.

When Should You Check Your Credit Score?

Even though checking your credit score doesn’t hurt it, many people still wonder how often is too often. Here are a few instances where it's good to do a check:

Once every three months as a healthy habit
Before applying for any kind of loan or credit
After paying off a big loan
If you notice a sudden drop in your score
When you suspect fraud or identity theft

There’s no limit to how often you can check your own score, so go ahead and make it part of your financial routine.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between soft and hard inquiries helps you make smart credit decisions. While hard inquiries may cause a slight dip in your score, soft inquiries, like your personal credit score online checks, are completely safe and recommended.

Keep an eye on your score, fix issues early, and focus on improving your credit score over time.