A hard inquiry is a background search performed by a prospective loan grantor to review a potential client's credit record after he applied for credit with them. Credit checks are often used if the customer has applied for an auto loan, mortgage, or credit card.

Hard inquiry, in comparison to soft inquiries, have a negative effect on the credit score, reducing it by many points. Generally, a single hard inquiry would not have a major effect on the client's credit record, regardless of whether the client is accepted or rejected for a new card or loan. And before the hard inquiry is deleted from the credit sheet, the credit score will eventually increase.

How Long Do Hard Inquiries Last on Your Credit Report?

Hard investigations stay on the credit record for two years, but they have little negative effect on the credit score over that period. A rough investigation usually has a negative impact on the credit report for no more than twelve months and only where there are more than one.

While applying for credit reduces your credit score by a few points, multiple inquiries in a short period of time count as a single inquiry when applying for a mortgage, car loan, or student loan.

A single hard inquiry has little impact on your credit score. Even two rough investigations had little impact on it. However, if there are three rough investigations within a year, the credit score will adjust marginally.

How To Remove Credit Inquiries From Your Credit Report?

It is advised that credit reports be checked on a regular basis. If any errors are discovered, such as the presence of a hard inquiry on the credit record without the client's consent, it is advised that the credit agency be contacted.

A hard investigation must follow a certain requirement in order to be removed from a credit report. If mistakes have been made and there are inquiries that are liable for dismissal, the customer may write a protest letter to the credit bureau.

The customer may even contact the credit bureaus directly where the erroneous inquiry appears. Since not all borrowers report all details to all three major credit bureaus, certain queries can appear on only one of the three credit reports.

It is advised that all communications and supporting files sent to and collected from borrowers and/or credit agencies be kept track of.