Soft search and hard search - what's the difference?

michu

OK, I know that the main one is that the soft search doesn't leave a footprint on a credit file that would be visible to other banks. But in regards of the information that is made available to the searching institution - is there a difference? For example regarding currently opened accounts, their balance, etc.

I'm asking because I'm wondering how the soft searches done by, for example, Nationwide are aligning with the later hard searches when applying for credit. Do they see exact same information on both searches? If not, what's the difference?

Thanks

sfax

I think the answer is that it depends on the type of soft search. All of these are "soft" searches against Experian but the information handed over by the CRA in each case will vary according to the type

Consumer Enquiry
Authentication Check
Additional Address
Identity Check to comply with Anti Money Laundering Regulations
Personnel Vetting
Subsequent (or follow up) Credit Search

I would think that What makes a search "hard" is purely how it is recorded by the CRA, not necessarily the information it contains otherwise the Consumer Enquiry above which was me getting my complete credit report would be considered "hard"