How to Get Hard Inquiries Removed From Your Credit Report

A credit inquiry occurs when a party requests to review an individual’s credit report, often playing a role in financial decisions. These inquiries are recorded on a credit report and can influence future access to credit. Understanding how these inquiries function and their potential impact is important for managing one’s financial profile. This overview aims to clarify the nature of credit inquiries and the circumstances under which they might be disputed or prevented.

Types of Credit Inquiries

Credit inquiries primarily fall into two categories: soft inquiries and hard inquiries. A soft inquiry, also known as a soft pull or soft credit check, occurs when someone reviews a credit file for informational purposes. Examples include checking your own credit score, pre-approved credit offers, or certain background checks by landlords or employers. Soft inquiries are visible only to the individual accessing their report and do not affect credit scores.

Conversely, a hard inquiry, or hard pull, typically happens when an individual applies for new credit, such as a loan, credit card, or mortgage. The lender performs a thorough review of the credit history to assess risk. These inquiries are recorded on a credit report and can be seen by other lenders.

Hard inquiries can temporarily lower a credit score, though the impact is usually minor and diminishes over time. A single hard inquiry might reduce a FICO Score by fewer than five points. While hard inquiries remain on a credit report for up to two years, their effect on the credit score typically lasts for about 12 months. Multiple hard inquiries in a short period could indicate a higher risk to lenders, but credit scoring models often count multiple inquiries for rate shopping (like for a mortgage or auto loan within a 14-to-45-day window) as a single inquiry.

Criteria for Inquiry Removal

Legitimate hard inquiries, which result from an authorized credit application, generally cannot be removed from a credit report before their typical two-year reporting period expires. These inquiries accurately reflect a consumer’s attempt to obtain new credit. Their presence provides a timeline of when new credit was sought, which is a factor lenders consider.

However, certain circumstances allow for the removal of an inquiry. Inaccurate or duplicate inquiries, such as the same inquiry appearing multiple times due to an error, can be disputed. If the information related to the inquiry is incorrect, it may also qualify for removal. Unauthorized inquiries, made without the individual’s permission or without an application being submitted, are also eligible for dispute. This includes instances where an inquiry results from identity theft, where someone fraudulently opened credit in the individual’s name.

If a hard inquiry on a credit report is not recognized, it could signal potential fraud or an error. Individuals have the right to dispute such inquiries with credit bureaus. It is important to distinguish between legitimate inquiries, which are part of the credit application process and typically remain, and those that are genuinely unauthorized or erroneous.

Disputing Inaccurate Inquiries

If an inquiry meets the criteria for removal, the dispute process typically involves contacting the major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. These bureaus offer online, mail, and phone options for submitting disputes. Online portals are often the quickest method, but sending disputes via certified mail can provide a record of submission.

When initiating a dispute, individuals should clearly explain the inaccuracy and provide supporting documentation. This documentation might include account numbers, proof of identity, and, in cases of identity theft, a police report or a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) identity theft report. It is important to send copies of documents and retain original records for personal files. After receiving a dispute, credit bureaus generally have 30 days to investigate the claim, extending to 45 days if additional information is submitted or if the dispute follows a free annual credit report request. The bureau must notify the individual of the investigation’s results within five business days of completion.

In some cases, directly contacting the original creditor who made the inquiry can be effective, particularly if the inquiry was a mistake or unauthorized. The creditor may be able to confirm an error and request its removal from the credit bureaus. This step can sometimes expedite the resolution process before or in conjunction with a bureau dispute. If the creditor confirms an error, they should inform the credit reporting agencies.

Preventing Future Unwanted Inquiries

Proactive measures can significantly reduce the likelihood of unwanted or unauthorized inquiries appearing on a credit report. One effective tool is a credit freeze, also known as a security freeze. A credit freeze restricts access to an individual’s credit report, making it difficult for new credit accounts to be opened in their name. This effectively prevents unauthorized hard inquiries.

To place a credit freeze, individuals must contact each of the three major credit bureaus—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion—individually. Freezing and unfreezing can typically be done online, by phone, or via mail. While online methods are often the fastest, mail requests may take a few business days to process. If a credit freeze is in place, it must be temporarily lifted or “thawed” when applying for new, legitimate credit.

Another protective measure is placing a fraud alert on a credit report. A fraud alert prompts creditors to take extra steps to verify an applicant’s identity before extending new credit. There are different types of fraud alerts, including initial alerts, which last for one year, and extended alerts, which last for seven years and require an identity theft report. Placing a fraud alert with one credit bureau will notify the other two, ensuring the alert is applied across all major reports. Lastly, adopting careful application habits, such as applying for new credit only when truly necessary, can help minimize the accumulation of legitimate hard inquiries.