Compliance Center
Soft Pull vs. Hard Inquiry
The difference between a soft credit inquiry and a hard pull — and why a soft inquiry does not affect the consumer’s credit score.
The definition
A soft inquiry (soft pull) is a review of a consumer’s credit that is not tied to an application for new credit — it does not affect the consumer’s credit score and is visible only to the consumer. A hard inquiry (hard pull) occurs when a consumer applies for credit and a lender pulls a full report; it can affect the score and is visible to other lenders.
Side by side
- Soft pull — used for prescreen marketing, account review, and consumer self-checks. No score impact. Visible only to the consumer.
- Hard pull — triggered when a consumer applies for credit. Can lower the score by a few points. Visible to other lenders on the report.
Why it matters for mailers
Soft pull mailers rely on soft inquiries, so reaching a shopper with a credit-based offer never touches their score. A hard inquiry only happens later — if and when the consumer chooses to apply for financing. That is what lets a dealer market to credit-qualified buyers responsibly and at scale, without a downside for the consumer.
Primary sources
Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. §1681a (definitions of consumer report and inquiry) and §1681b (permissible purposes, including prescreen); and CFPB consumer education on the difference between hard and soft credit inquiries and their effect on credit scores.
This page is educational and is not legal advice. Confirm your program, offer terms, and disclosures with qualified counsel before you mail. Soft Pull Mailers is not a credit bureau.