How to Get Hard Credit Inquiries Removed

Hard credit inquiries, also known as hard pulls, occur when a lender reviews your credit report because you have applied for new credit, such as a loan or a credit card. These inquiries can temporarily lower your credit score, typically by a small number of points, and remain on your credit report for up to two years. While their impact on your credit score usually diminishes after 12 months, their presence can sometimes signal to lenders that you are actively seeking credit, which could influence future lending decisions. Consumers often seek to remove these inquiries to improve their credit standing, though not all inquiries are eligible for removal. This article will guide you through the process of determining which hard inquiries can be removed and the steps involved in disputing them.

Determining Eligibility for Removal

A hard inquiry can only be removed from your credit report if it is inaccurate or unauthorized. If you applied for a loan, credit card, or other form of credit and a lender legitimately pulled your credit report with your permission, that inquiry cannot be removed, even if your application was denied or you changed your mind about the credit. Such legitimate inquiries are simply a record of your credit-seeking activity.

However, certain situations make an inquiry eligible for dispute. An inquiry made without your permission, such as due to identity theft or an unauthorized credit application for an account you never opened, can be disputed. Another scenario involves duplicate inquiries, where the same lender pulls your credit multiple times for a single application within a short timeframe.

Preparing for the Dispute Process

Before initiating any formal dispute, gather all necessary information and documentation. Begin by obtaining copies of your credit reports from all three major credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You are entitled to one free copy from each agency every 12 months through AnnualCreditReport.com. Reviewing all three reports is important, as an inquiry might appear on one, two, or all three.

Once you have your reports, carefully identify the specific hard inquiry you wish to dispute. Note the exact date of the inquiry, the name of the creditor who made it, and the type of account or application it relates to.

Collect all supporting documentation that substantiates your claim for removal. For unauthorized inquiries or identity theft, this might include a police report, an identity theft report from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), or sworn affidavits. If disputing a duplicate inquiry, gather any communication or application records that demonstrate multiple pulls for a single credit request. Personal identification documents, such as a copy of your driver’s license and a recent utility bill, are also required for identity verification during the dispute process.

Finally, draft a dispute letter that clearly states your personal information, the specific inquiry being disputed, and the detailed reason for the dispute, supported by your evidence. Request the removal of the inquiry and list all attached documentation.

Disputing Through Credit Reporting Agencies

With your preparation complete, you can proceed with formally disputing the hard inquiry directly with the credit reporting agencies. Each of the three major agencies—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—provides multiple methods for submitting a dispute. Most agencies offer online dispute portals on their websites, which allow you to submit your dispute electronically and upload your supporting documents directly. This method is often the quickest way to initiate the process.

Alternatively, you can send your dispute via mail. It is advisable to send your dispute letter and supporting documentation via certified mail with a return receipt requested. This provides proof that the agencies received your correspondence. Regardless of the submission method, ensure you include the prepared dispute letter and all relevant supporting documents.

After submission, the credit reporting agency is required to investigate your dispute within 30 to 45 days. They will contact the creditor who made the inquiry to verify the information. You will be notified of the investigation’s outcome within five business days of its completion. If the inquiry is determined to be inaccurate or unauthorized, it will be removed from your credit report.

Disputing Directly with the Creditor

In some instances, it can be effective to dispute a hard inquiry directly with the original creditor who initiated it. This approach can be particularly useful for issues like duplicate inquiries or if you believe the creditor made an error. Contacting the creditor directly might lead to a faster resolution, as they have direct control over the information they furnished to the credit bureaus.

To contact the creditor, locate their customer service or a specific dispute department contact information. When you communicate with them, clearly explain the issue, provide the specific details of the inquiry, and present any supporting documentation you have gathered. The creditor has the ability to verify the accuracy of the inquiry and, if an error or unauthorized activity is confirmed, they can then notify the credit reporting agencies to remove or correct the entry. This direct communication can sometimes resolve the matter without the need for a full credit bureau investigation.