Does checking my credit hurt my score?
No—checking your own credit usually does not hurt your credit score. The big risk is misunderstanding how “self-checking” works versus certain types of checks lenders use for new credit.
Checking your own credit usually won’t hurt your score, but applying for new credit can create hard inquiries that may temporarily affect it.
Quick answer: can checking hurt your score?
Usually, no. When you check your own credit (often called a “soft check”), it generally does not affect your credit score.
What can affect your score is when a lender or company checks your credit for a “hard inquiry,” usually because you’re applying for new credit. A hard inquiry can temporarily lower your score a little, but it’s not permanent damage.
If you’re trying to build or rebuild credit, it’s normal to check your progress. Just be mindful about applying for new credit too often at once. Learn how credit scores work to see where the different check types fit in.
Self-checking vs. lender checking (soft vs. hard)
Here’s the practical difference:
- Soft check: You (or sometimes your existing credit card company) checks your own credit. These are generally not used to make you look “riskier,” so they typically don’t change your score.
- Hard inquiry: A company checks your credit because you’re applying for credit (a credit card, loan, apartment screening in some cases). These inquiries can affect your score for a short time.
Credit score rules can vary a little by scoring model and by what data source is used, but the soft vs. hard idea is the same in most cases.
What to do today (free and safe)
If you want to see where you stand, start with free options and avoid unnecessary applications.
- Get your free credit reports (you can do this yourself).
- Review for errors (name, accounts, balances, dates, and anything that doesn’t look right).
- If you find mistakes, dispute them yourself—this is allowed at no cost.
Important: Under US law (the FCRA), you have the right to get your credit reports for free and dispute errors yourself. If someone offers to “fix” your file but discourages you from disputing accurate information, that’s a red flag.
You can also learn more general next steps at Credit Footing help resources.
If you’re applying for new credit
Applying for credit can trigger hard inquiries, so it’s smart to plan.
- Apply only when you truly need it.
- Avoid stacking many applications in a short period unless you’re sure the lender will likely approve you.
- If you’re rate-shopping for certain loans (like some mortgages or auto loans), there are sometimes special “shopping windows” where multiple inquiries are treated differently. Rules depend on the type of credit and scoring model.
This isn’t about “never checking.” It’s about minimizing unnecessary hard inquiries while you build a steady credit history.
What if my credit is being checked a lot?
Some situations can cause repeated credit checks, for example: frequent credit applications, certain account reviews by lenders, or background screening processes.
If you see inquiries you don’t recognize, start by verifying what they are on your credit report. You can then dispute items that are incorrect or not yours.
If you want help understanding next steps and finding a legitimate free or nonprofit option, Credit Footing can match you with a participating credit-repair or nonprofit credit-counseling provider at get matched. Credit Footing is a FREE matching service, not a credit-repair company, and we don’t repair credit ourselves. Providers should explain what they will do, how much it costs (if anything), and what you can do yourself for free.
A fair warning: no one can guarantee a score
Be careful with anyone promising fast results or guaranteed score increases. Your score depends on your credit file and takes time.
Also remember: you can dispute errors yourself for free under the FCRA. If a “credit repair” company tells you not to dispute, or asks for upfront payment before doing any work, that can be a scam or a violation of consumer protections. Under CROA rules, reputable companies generally must not charge before the work is done and must provide a written contract with cancellation rights.
If you want, we can point you to guidance on what to watch for at Credit Footing help.
Common questions
How often can I check my credit without hurting my score?
Checking your own credit is usually a soft check and typically does not hurt your score. There’s no “magic number” for soft checks, but you should avoid applying for new credit repeatedly just to test approvals.
What is a “hard inquiry” and does it stay on my report forever?
A hard inquiry usually happens when you apply for credit. It can affect your score for a short time and typically appears on your credit report for a period of time, but the exact duration can vary by reporting and model.
Can I check my score for free?
Often, yes—many services let you view your score, and you can always access your credit reports for free under US law. If you want the most reliable information for disputes, use your free credit reports to confirm what’s actually listed.
Should I dispute things even if I’m not sure?
You can dispute information that you believe is inaccurate or incomplete. If you’re unsure, start by gathering the exact details from your report, then look up the account or contact the provider listed. You can also ask a nonprofit counselor for general education.
Will credit repair companies remove all negative items?
No legitimate provider can guarantee removal of accurate negative information, and you should be suspicious of promises like “erase bad credit” or guaranteed score boosts. Results depend on what’s in your credit file.