When Do Hard Inquiries Fall Off Your Credit Report?

6 min read

Hard inquiries can ding your credit score—usually by a few points—but they tend to show up at the worst time: when you’re applying for new credit. Whether you’re financing a car, taking out a mortgage, or opening a credit card, those credit checks can add up fast.

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They stay on your credit report for up to two years, but only affect your credit score for about 12 months. If you’re trying to protect your score or clean up your report, it’s worth knowing when these inquiries fall off—and how to avoid unnecessary ones going forward.

Key Takeaways

  • Hard inquiries remain on your credit report for up to two years, but their effect on your credit score fades after the first 12 months.
  • They happen when a lender checks your credit for a loan or credit card application, unlike soft inquiries, which don’t affect your score.
  • You can reduce the impact by comparing rates before applying, grouping applications within a short window, and checking your credit report for errors.

What Triggers a Hard Inquiry on Your Credit Report

A hard inquiry, also known as a hard credit inquiry, occurs when a potential lender, credit card issuer, or service provider checks your credit report to determine your creditworthiness. This typically happens when you apply for a new loan or credit card.

Hard vs. Soft Inquiries

There are two types of credit inquiries: hard inquiries and soft inquiries. While hard inquiries result from a lender’s assessment of your creditworthiness, soft inquiries occur when you or a third party (such as a potential employer) check your credit for non-lending purposes. Soft inquiries do not affect your credit score.

Common Situations Resulting in Hard Inquiries

  • Applying for a mortgage or car loan
  • Opening a new credit card account
  • Requesting a credit limit increase
  • Renting an apartment or signing up for utilities

How Hard Inquiries Impact Your Credit Score

Your credit score is influenced by several factors, including your payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, and types of credit. Hard inquiries are one of these factors and can affect your credit score.

How Much Hard Inquiries Can Lower Your Credit Score

Hard inquiries make up about 10% of most credit scores. One inquiry might lower your credit score by a few points, but several close together—especially outside of a rate-shopping window—can cause more noticeable damage.

How Credit Scoring Models Treat Multiple Inquiries

If you’re rate shopping for a mortgage, student loan, or auto loan, credit scoring models usually count multiple inquiries as one—so long as they happen within a short window, typically 14 to 45 days. This gives you time to compare offers without getting penalized multiple times.

When Hard Inquiries Fall Off Your Credit Report

Hard inquiries usually stay on your credit report for up to two years, but they only affect your credit score for the first 12 months. After that, they’re still visible to lenders but don’t factor into most credit scoring models.

If an inquiry shows up that you didn’t authorize—such as one tied to identity theft or a reporting error—you can request its removal by filing a dispute with the credit bureau.

How to Minimize Damage From Hard Inquiries

One hard inquiry won’t do much harm, but several in a short time can drag your credit score down. Here’s how to limit the impact and stay in control.

Compare Offers Before You Apply

Check rates, terms, and prequalification options before submitting full applications. This helps you avoid unnecessary hard inquiries and focus on lenders that are a good match.

Time Your Applications Strategically

If you’re applying for a mortgage, car loan, or student loan, submit all applications within a short period—typically 14 to 45 days. Credit scoring models often group these into a single inquiry to reduce the impact.

Strengthen the Rest of Your Credit Profile

Pay bills on time, keep credit card balances low, and avoid taking on new debt you don’t need. These habits carry more weight in your credit score and help offset any minor dips from hard inquiries.

Review Your Credit Report Regularly

Get your free credit reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion at AnnualCreditReport.com. Check for errors or unfamiliar hard inquiries that could signal identity theft or reporting mistakes.

Dispute Inquiries That Shouldn’t Be There

If you spot a hard inquiry you didn’t authorize, dispute it with the credit bureau. The dispute process typically involves the following steps:

  • Gather supporting documentation: Collect any evidence that supports your claim, such as correspondence with the lender or proof that the inquiry was not authorized.
  • Write a dispute letter: Clearly explain the reasons for your dispute and include your personal information, the details of the hard inquiry, and any supporting documentation.
  • Send your dispute letter: Mail your credit inquiry dispute letter and supporting documents to the credit bureau via certified mail with return receipt requested. This will provide proof of delivery and help you track the progress of your dispute.
  • Follow up with the credit bureau: Credit bureaus have 30 days to investigate disputes and provide a response. If you haven’t heard back within this time frame, follow up with the credit bureau to check on the status of your dispute.

Get Help From a Credit Repair Company if Needed

If you’re dealing with multiple errors or don’t want to handle disputes on your own, a credit repair company might be worth considering. Just make sure you:

  • Research the company through customer reviews and complaint records.
  • Understand the costs, whether it’s monthly fees or one-time charges.
  • Know your rights under the Credit Repair Organizations Act.
  • Avoid companies that promise guaranteed results or quick score boosts.

Monitor Your Credit for Free

Free credit monitoring tools can alert you to changes in your credit score and flag any new hard inquiries. They’re also a helpful way to catch errors or early signs of identity theft before they turn into bigger problems.

What to Do About Hard Inquiries You Didn’t Authorize

If you see a hard inquiry on your credit report that you don’t recognize, it could be a sign of identity theft—or just a reporting error. Either way, don’t ignore it.

Spot the Signs Early

Unfamiliar inquiries are often the first red flag. You might also notice new accounts you didn’t open, bills for services you never used, or sudden drops in your credit score.

Take Action Right Away

Start by placing a fraud alert on your credit file. This tells lenders to take extra steps to verify your identity before opening new accounts. You only need to contact one credit bureau—Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion—and they’ll notify the others.

You can also take it a step further with a credit freeze, which blocks all access to your credit file until you lift it. This is free and easy to do online.

Report the Fraud

If you suspect identity theft, file a police report and create a recovery plan through the FTC’s IdentityTheft.gov site. Then, send copies of your police report and any supporting documents to the credit bureaus when you dispute the inquiry.

Final Thoughts

Hard inquiries won’t hurt your credit forever, but too many at once can make a difference—especially if your score is borderline. The best move is to apply with purpose, keep your credit habits strong, and check your reports regularly for anything that looks off.

Credit is easier to manage when you know how it works. Keep learning, stay consistent, and give your credit score the chance to grow.

Brooke Banks
Meet the author

Brooke Banks is a personal finance writer specializing in credit, debt, and smart money management. She helps readers understand their rights, build better credit, and make confident financial decisions with clear, practical advice.