Defined
What Is Soft Search?
A soft search is a credit check that shows whether you're likely to be accepted without leaving a mark lenders can see. Only you can see it on your file, and it never affects your score.
A soft search lets a lender give you an eligibility decision or a quote without harming your credit score. It's the check behind most no-obligation car finance checkers, so you can shop around safely before you formally apply.
How a soft search works
A soft search reads your credit file to estimate your chances, but it's invisible to other lenders and leaves your score untouched. You can run as many as you like with no impact.
This is how a hard search differs: a hard search is recorded for other lenders to see and can dip your score slightly. The safe order is to soft-search first to see your likely odds, then apply — triggering one hard search — only when you've chosen a deal.
When you'll see a soft search
Eligibility checkers, quotes and 'check my chances' tools nearly always use a soft search. Our eligibility estimate is soft-search style — no credit impact at all.
Good to know
Frequently asked
Does a soft search affect your credit score?
What's the difference between a soft and hard search?
Can I check car finance eligibility without a hard search?
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