The Difference Between Credit Checks It’s important to understand the difference between credit checks and the effects of hard and soft credit checks when you apply for credit.   Did you know that a credit check could slightly lower your credit score?  It’s critical to understand how applying for credit will affect your credit score.  How come? The two different types of credit checks—soft and hard—are to blame for this.   The Difference Between Credit Checks – What does a “Soft Credit Check” mean? An overview of your entire credit report would be similar to a soft …