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    Credit term

    Hard inquiry

    A hard inquiry is a credit check that happens when you apply for credit; it can lower your score slightly.

    How it shows up on your credit report

    INQUIRYHARD PULL

    Hard inquiries stay on your report for two years but usually only affect your score for a few months. A few are normal. Many in a short time can signal risk to lenders.

    Not sure how this affects your score? We'll walk through your report with you.

    Mesa Group Consulting helps Bakersfield and Kern County families read their credit reports and dispute what is wrong, in English, Spanish, and Punjabi.

    Book a free consultation How credit restoration works

    Related terms

    Soft inquiry

    A soft inquiry is a credit check that does not affect your score, like checking your own credit.

    FICO Score

    A FICO Score is the most widely used credit score, ranging from 300 to 850.

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