MONEYGlossary · Money · Building credit
Hard inquiry (hard check)
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A hard check is when you apply for credit. For most people, one costs less than five points.
- US: it stays on your report 2 years, but FICO counts it for about 1.
- Canada: hard checks stay 3 years (Equifax), 6 years (TransUnion).
Checking your own credit is a soft check, and it never hurts.
From FILE 005: three more things that scare people.
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Sources
Official and government data first. Every quote is word for word; follow the link to check it yourself.
SOURCE 01Accessed Oct 2026
myFICO · “Does Checking Your Credit Score Lower it?”
“For most people, one additional credit inquiry will take less than five points off their FICO Scores.”
myfico.com (opens in a new tab)SOURCE 022026-07-01
Financial Consumer Agency of Canada · “How long information stays on your credit report”
“credit inquiries by lenders: 3 years with Equifax or 6 years with TransUnion”
canada.ca (opens in a new tab)SOURCE 01Accessed Oct 2026
myFICO · “Does Checking Your Credit Score Lower it?”
“For most people, one additional credit inquiry will take less than five points off their FICO Scores.”
myfico.com (opens in a new tab)SOURCE 022026-07-01
Financial Consumer Agency of Canada · “How long information stays on your credit report”
“credit inquiries by lenders: 3 years with Equifax or 6 years with TransUnion”
canada.ca (opens in a new tab)