What Is a Soft Credit Check? UK Guide

A soft credit check is a type of search of your credit file. It can help a business view certain credit information about you. However, it does not leave the same type of search record that lenders can see from a hard credit check.

A soft credit check may be used when you check your own credit report. A lender may also use one when checking your eligibility for credit.

However, not every lender uses credit checks in the same way. The type of search can depend on the provider, product and stage of the application.

This guide explains how a soft credit check works. It also covers credit scores, hard searches, catalogue credit and affordability.

What Is a Soft Credit Check?

A soft credit check lets certain information on your credit file be viewed.

It is also known as a soft search.

A soft search can be recorded on your credit file. However, it is not visible to other lenders in the same way as a hard credit search.

For example, you may see soft searches when you view your own credit report.

A business may use a soft search for an eligibility check too.

Therefore, a soft search can help a business make an initial assessment without carrying out a full hard search.

However, a soft search does not guarantee that you will get credit.

How Does a Soft Credit Check Work?

A soft credit check uses information held by a credit reference agency.

Credit reference agencies collect information about how people use credit.

For example, your credit file may contain details about some of your credit accounts.

It may also show your payment history on accounts that are reported.

In addition, public information can form part of your credit file.

A lender or other business may use some of this information during a soft search.

However, the information used will depend on the reason for the check.

What Can a Soft Credit Check Show?

A soft credit check can give a business access to credit information that is relevant to its search.

However, a soft search does not always show every piece of information in the same way.

Your credit file can contain information such as:

• credit accounts reported in your name;
• your repayment history on reported accounts;
• outstanding balances;
• your use of available credit;
• certain public record information;
• address information; and
• records of some previous searches.

The exact data available can vary.

Also, different credit reference agencies may hold different information.

Therefore, do not assume every credit file is identical.

Does a Soft Credit Check Affect Your Credit Score?

A soft credit check does not affect your credit score in the way a hard application search can.

Other lenders do not see your soft searches in the same way as hard searches.

Therefore, checking your own credit report should not damage your chances of getting credit.

Eligibility tools may also use soft searches.

This can let you explore possible credit options without making a full application.

However, an eligibility result is not a guarantee.

A full application may involve more checks.

Can You See a Soft Credit Check?

Yes. You may be able to see a soft credit check on your own credit report.

This can help you see which organisations have searched your file.

However, other lenders do not see those soft searches in the same way as hard application searches.

Therefore, there is an important difference between a search being recorded and it being visible to other lenders.

If you see a search you do not recognise, check the name carefully.

Sometimes a company may use another business to carry out a check.

If you are still unsure, contact the relevant company or credit reference agency.

Soft Credit Check vs Hard Credit Check

A soft credit check and a hard credit check both involve your credit file.

However, they are not the same.

A soft search is not normally visible to other lenders.

A hard search is different. Other lenders can usually see it on your credit file.

Hard searches are often linked to applications for credit.

Therefore, several hard applications over a short period may be relevant when a lender reviews your credit history.

This is one reason to avoid making many credit applications at once.

When Might a Soft Credit Check Be Used?

A soft credit check can be used for several reasons.

For example, it may be used when:

• you check your own credit report;
• a company checks your identity;
• you use some credit eligibility tools;
• a lender carries out an initial eligibility check; or
• a company reviews an existing account.

However, the process varies between businesses.

Therefore, check the provider’s information before you apply.

When Might a Hard Credit Check Be Used?

A hard search is often used when you make a formal credit application.

For example, a lender may carry out one before making a final lending decision.

However, not every application follows the same process.

Some lenders may use a soft search at one stage and a hard search later.

Others may have a different process.

Therefore, ask what type of search will take place if you are unsure.

Does a Soft Credit Check Guarantee Approval?

No. A soft credit check does not guarantee that you will get credit.

This is important.

A lender may use a soft search to make an initial assessment.

However, it may consider other information before making a final decision.

For example, it may look at affordability.

It may also use its own lending rules.

In some cases, further credit checks may take place.

Therefore, a positive eligibility result should not be treated as guaranteed approval.

Soft Credit Check and Catalogue Credit

A soft credit check may form part of a catalogue credit application.

However, catalogue providers can use different processes.

One provider may use a soft search when you register.

Another may use different checks.

Further checks may also take place later.

Therefore, you should not assume all catalogue providers follow the same process.

Check the provider’s current application terms first.

Our guide to how catalogue credit works explains the wider process.

Soft Credit Check and Buy Now Pay Later

A soft credit check may also be used for some Buy Now Pay Later products.

However, there is no single process used by every provider.

Some providers may use a soft search.

Others may use a hard search at some stage.

The type of check can also depend on the credit product.

Therefore, read the application information before continuing.

This is especially useful if you are comparing several providers.

Soft Credit Check and an Affordability Assessment

A soft credit check is not the same as an affordability assessment.

A credit search looks at information on your credit file.

An affordability assessment has a different purpose.

It considers the risk that repayments could put too much pressure on your finances.

For example, income can be relevant.

Essential spending and existing credit commitments can matter too.

A lender may use credit file information as part of its wider checks.

However, a credit search alone does not tell the full story about affordability.

Read our guide to what an affordability assessment is for more information.

Soft Credit Check and Your Credit History

A soft credit check may let a business view information from your credit history.

Your credit history is a record of certain financial information.

For example, it can show how reported credit accounts have been managed.

It may also show balances and payment history.

However, your credit file is not a complete record of your financial life.

Not every payment or bill will appear.

Also, lenders can use information from other sources.

Therefore, a credit file is only one part of a lending decision.

Soft Credit Check and Your Credit Score

A soft credit check and a credit score are different things.

A soft search is a type of credit-file search.

A credit score is a number used to help assess credit risk.

You may see a score when you check your credit report.

However, lenders do not all use one universal score.

They can use their own systems and criteria.

Therefore, a high score from one service does not guarantee acceptance.

Likewise, a lower score does not explain every lending decision.

Why Might a Soft Credit Check Be Useful?

A soft credit check can be useful when you want to explore your options.

For example, some eligibility tools use soft searches.

This may give you an idea of whether you could meet a lender’s initial criteria.

It can also reduce the need to make several full applications just to compare options.

However, remember that an eligibility result is only an indication.

The final decision can be different.

Therefore, always read the wording used by the provider.

Can Several Soft Credit Checks Cause Problems?

Several soft credit check records do not have the same effect as several hard searches.

Other lenders do not see soft searches in the same way.

For example, checking your own credit report more than once does not create a series of hard applications.

However, this does not mean you should make many full credit applications.

A full application may involve a hard search.

Therefore, make sure you know which type of search is being used.

Can a Soft Credit Check Become a Hard Search?

A soft credit check does not simply turn into a hard search.

However, a lender may carry out another search later.

For example, an eligibility check may use a soft search.

You might then decide to make a full application.

That application could involve a hard search.

Therefore, the two searches may happen at different stages.

Check what will happen before submitting a full application.

Can You Fail a Soft Credit Check?

People sometimes talk about “passing” or “failing” a soft credit check.

However, this wording can be misleading.

The search itself provides information.

A business then uses that information as part of its decision or eligibility process.

For example, you may not meet a provider’s initial lending criteria.

That does not mean there is necessarily something wrong with your credit file.

Different lenders can use different criteria.

Therefore, the same information can lead to different outcomes.

What If a Soft Credit Check Finds Poor Credit History?

A soft credit check may show information about past credit problems where those details are on your credit file.

However, this does not tell you what the final lending decision will be.

Different lenders have different criteria.

They may also consider other information.

For example, affordability can be important.

The type and amount of credit can matter too.

Therefore, avoid claims that a soft search means someone with poor credit will be accepted.

Credit is always subject to the lender’s decision.

Soft Credit Check and Credit Reference Agencies

A soft credit check normally uses information held by a credit reference agency.

The main UK credit reference agencies include Experian, Equifax and TransUnion.

However, the information held by each agency may differ.

This is because not every lender reports to every agency.

As a result, one credit report may contain information that another does not.

You can check your own credit reports.

Doing so can help you find errors or unfamiliar information.

How to Check Your Credit File Before Applying

Checking your own credit report can help you understand what lenders may see.

First, check that your personal details are correct.

Next, look at the credit accounts listed.

Then check the payment history.

Also look for accounts you do not recognise.

If something appears wrong, contact the relevant organisation.

You may also need to contact the credit reference agency.

Checking your own report uses a soft search. Therefore, doing this does not create a hard credit application.

Soft Credit Check Before a Catalogue Application

Before applying for catalogue credit, find out whether a soft credit check will be used.

Also check whether a hard search could happen later.

Then look at the cost of the credit.

Check the repayment amount and frequency too.

If pre-payments may be required, read those terms carefully.

A number of pre-payments may be required in some cases.

However, requirements can vary between providers and customers.

Our catalogue pre-payments guide explains this topic in more detail.

Soft Credit Check and Responsible Borrowing

A soft credit check can provide useful information.

However, it does not tell you whether borrowing is right for you.

Before applying, look at your budget.

First, list your income.

Next, add your essential spending.

Then include existing debt payments.

Finally, add the proposed new repayment.

Make sure you still have enough money for essential costs.

Also leave room for unexpected bills where possible.

A small regular payment can still become difficult if your budget is already tight.

Soft Credit Check FAQs

Does a Soft Credit Check Affect Your Credit Score?

A soft credit check does not affect your credit score in the same way as a hard application search. Other lenders cannot see soft searches in the same way as hard searches.

Can Lenders See a Soft Credit Check?

Soft searches are not visible to other lenders in the same way as hard application searches. However, you may see them when viewing your own credit report.

Does a Soft Credit Check Guarantee Approval?

No. A soft credit check does not guarantee credit. A lender may use other information and checks before making a decision.

Is a Soft Credit Check the Same as a Credit Score?

No. A soft credit check is a search of credit-file information. A credit score is a number used to help assess credit risk.

Is a Soft Credit Check the Same as an Affordability Check?

No. A soft credit check looks at credit-file information. An affordability assessment considers whether repayments could put too much pressure on your finances.

Can a Catalogue Use a Soft Credit Check?

Yes, some catalogue providers may use a soft credit check. However, processes vary. Further checks may also take place.

Can a Soft Credit Check Be Declined?

The search itself is not an offer of credit. Instead, a lender may use the information to decide whether you meet its criteria. Therefore, an eligibility check may result in no credit option being offered.

Soft Credit Check: Key Points

A soft credit check is a type of search of your credit file.

You may see a soft search on your own credit report.

However, other lenders do not see it in the same way as a hard application search.

A soft credit check may be used for an eligibility check.

It may also be used when you check your own credit report.

However, a soft search does not guarantee approval.

Also, it is not the same as an affordability assessment.

A lender may carry out further checks before offering credit.

Therefore, check the provider’s process before making a full application.

More importantly, check whether the repayments fit your budget.

If you are struggling with debt or household bills, free help is available. MoneyHelper, Citizens Advice and StepChange provide independent information and support.

For more information about catalogue credit, visit our Buy Now Pay Later Catalogue information hub.

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Editorial information: This guide provides general information about soft credit checks and consumer credit in the UK. It is not personal financial advice. Credit searches, lending criteria and provider processes can vary. Check the provider’s current terms and application information before applying.

Last reviewed: August 2026.