A credit check that occurs when you apply for new credit, which can temporarily lower your score.
Hard inquiries happen when a lender checks your credit report as part of a lending decision, such as a credit card or loan application. Each hard inquiry typically causes a small, temporary dip in your score and stays on your report for two years, though its effect on your score usually fades after several months.
Not to be confused with: A soft inquiry, which doesn't affect your score and happens with things like pre-qualification checks or your own score checks.
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