How Long Does a Hard Inquiry Stay On My Credit Report?

How Long Does a Hard Inquiry Stay On My Credit Report


hard inquiry remains on your credit report for approximately 24 months. However, its impact on your credit score typically lessens after the first year. When you apply for credit, such as a loan or credit card, lenders perform a hard inquiry to assess your creditworthiness. These inquiries can temporarily affect your credit score, but they play a minor role in calculating it. Keep in mind that newer versions of FICO scores allow a 45-day window for multiple inquiries when shopping for specific types of credit, while VantageScores have a shorter 14-day window. So, if you’re comparing loan options, do so promptly to minimize the impact on your credit.