Soft credit search question.

triffid123

What is the difference between a soft search and a hard search of your credit record for a lender?
I know a hard search affects your credit score and soft one does not, but what is the difference in information the lenders see?
Do they see the same info for both?

Gordon_Hose

Lenders don't see soft searches at all AFAIK.

triffid123

You missunderstand, i know they cant see the soft searches, but what credit file info do they see? do they see the same credit info as a hard search? or is it less and if so how much less? what credit file info is shown during a soft search?

Gordon_Hose

triffid123 wrote: »

You missunderstand, i know they cant see the soft searches, but what credit file info do they see? do they see the same credit info as a hard search? or is it less and if so how much less? what credit file info is shown during a soft search?

What? You're not making any sense. If a lender credit searches you, they won't see table 2 searches. These are recorded when a company checks the details you've given them is correct, like when you take out insurance or get a copy of your credit file etc.

Nobody other than you and the credit reference agencies see them.

Gordon_Hose

Maybe this will help... http://www.experian.co.uk/consumer/questions/askjames248.html

triffid123

Let me make this as simple as i can,
when you a apply for credit, and a company usually does a hard search, they see ALL of your credit report, what debts you have, previous address`s, etc.
What of ALL your credit report do the lenders see if only a soft search is done? Do they see your debt history, previous address`s, etc?

what types of info is pulled during a soft search?

Gordon_Hose

Usually name, address, DoB verification.

triffid123

so they dont see the same info as they would in a hard search?

Gordon_Hose

No. Hard searches include all your account information to give the lender an idea of how you conduct your finances.

jumperjohn

Gordon, stop with the being difficult, it makes you look a bored idiot, it's a straight forward question.

A soft search will give the lender ID, default info, CCJ and bankruptcy information. A hard search will check this and account info.

Gordon_Hose

Jog on, you mug.