Can I Get Hard Inquiries Removed From a Credit Report?

A hard inquiry appears on a credit report when a lender or company requests to review an individual’s credit history as part of a credit application. This occurs when applying for new credit products such as a mortgage, auto loan, personal loan, or credit card. Hard inquiries serve as a record of when new credit was sought and can influence a credit score. While hard inquiries are a normal part of applying for credit and generally remain on a credit report, removal is possible under specific, limited circumstances.

Distinguishing Hard and Soft Inquiries

Understanding the difference between hard and soft inquiries is important when reviewing a credit report. A hard inquiry occurs when a lender checks a credit report with permission during a new credit application. This inquiry can slightly lower a credit score, usually by a few points, and remains on the credit report for up to two years, though its impact on the score typically lessens after 12 months.

In contrast, a soft inquiry occurs when a credit report is accessed for purposes unrelated to a specific credit application. This includes checking one’s own credit report, pre-qualifying for a loan, or background checks. Soft inquiries do not affect a credit score. Only hard inquiries are relevant for removal from a credit report.

When Hard Inquiries Can Be Removed

Legitimate hard inquiries cannot be removed from a credit report. However, specific situations allow for their dispute and potential removal. One circumstance is fraudulent activity, such as an inquiry resulting from identity theft or an unauthorized credit application. If personal information was compromised and used to apply for credit without consent, the resulting hard inquiry can be challenged.

Another reason for removal is a clerical error, where an inquiry was mistakenly placed on the wrong credit report by a credit bureau or lender. These errors can occur due to data entry mistakes or misidentification. In such cases, the inquiry does not accurately reflect credit activity. An unauthorized inquiry made without explicit permission, such as a lender pulling credit without a legitimate application, also qualifies for dispute. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) provides consumers the right to dispute inaccurate or unauthorized information on their credit reports.

Steps for Requesting Removal

Requesting to remove a hard inquiry begins with reviewing credit reports from the three major bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Individuals are entitled to a free copy of their credit report from each bureau once every 12 months through AnnualCreditReport.com. Identify the specific hard inquiry, including its date and the inquiring entity, which is a first step.

Gathering documentation is crucial to support a removal request. If identity theft is suspected, a police report and an Identity Theft Report from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) are helpful. For clerical errors or unauthorized inquiries, correspondence with the lender or other relevant records can provide evidence.

Dispute the inquiry directly with each credit bureau that lists it. This can be done online through their dispute centers, by mail, or by phone. When submitting a dispute, it is important to explain why the inquiry is inaccurate or unauthorized and include copies of all supporting documents. While optional, contacting the original creditor that made the inquiry can sometimes resolve the issue directly, as they can notify the credit bureaus to remove it.

After Requesting Removal

After submitting a request for removal, credit bureaus are generally required to investigate the dispute within 30 days. This period can extend up to 45 days if additional information is provided. During this time, the bureau will contact the entity that reported the inquiry to verify its accuracy.

The potential outcomes of a dispute vary. If the investigation confirms the inquiry was fraudulent, a clerical error, or unauthorized, it will be removed from the credit report. If the inquiry is found to be legitimate, it will remain.

If the initial request is denied or the inquiry is not removed, individuals can consider re-disputing with new evidence or escalating the matter. Consumer protection agencies can provide further guidance if disputes remain unresolved. Maintaining vigilance by regularly checking credit reports helps identify and address inaccurate information promptly.