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Does checking your own credit score lower it?
Short answer
No. Checking your own credit report or score is a soft search. Only you and the credit reference agency can see it, so it does not affect your credit score. What can affect it is a hard search, which happens when you apply for credit. Other lenders can see hard searches, and several in a short time can make you look a higher risk.
Soft searches and hard searches
MoneyHelper explains that a soft search can only be seen by you and the credit reference agency, which is why it does not affect your score. You can check your own report as often as you like.
A hard search is different. It is recorded when you apply for credit and other lenders can see it. Experian says most hard searches stay on its report for 12 months, Equifax keeps them for one year, and TransUnion says they stay visible to lenders for around two years.
How to shop around without harming your file
When you are comparing credit, MoneyHelper suggests asking a lender for a quotation search, or using an eligibility checker, so the search does not affect your credit report. Only make a full application once you have chosen.
Sources
Every fact in this page was checked against these official sources on 28 October 2026.
- How to check your credit report MoneyHelper
- Searches and credit checks Experian
- Credit reference data retention Equifax
- Consumer support TransUnion
Written and fact-checked by the PiggyBank editorial team. Last reviewed 28 October 2026. This answer is general information, not financial advice. How we write and check our guides.
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