Finance Glossary
Credit Check
An enquiry made by a lender or other organisation to review your credit file held by a credit reference agency. There are two types: soft searches (which do not affect your credit score) and hard searches (which leave a visible footprint). Full loan applications typically trigger a hard credit check. Under UK law, lenders must have a legitimate reason to access your credit file.
Related terms
Hard Search
A full credit check that leaves a visible footprint on your …
Soft Search
A type of credit check that does not leave a visible mark on…
Credit File
A detailed record held by credit reference agencies that doc…
Credit Reference Agency
An organisation that collects and maintains credit data on i…
Now you know what Credit Check means — find your best loan
Free to use. Click directly to any lender to apply.
Compare all lenders →