How do you know what is a 'soft search' on credit file?

roje

Have a search by lender on day I got my AIP but just says 'credit search.'
Just curious really. Is a soft search the same as a normal credit check regarding what is seen?

Teqpro

Which Bank ? I'm with Halifax and they did a soft search on me

roje

Natwest, via a broker who used MTE apparently (not sure what that is!)

Teqpro

I Bank with Natwest and over the last 2 years they have done lots of mortgage credit checks and AIP's and all of them have been soft.

roje

What is the difference, do you know? I bank with them too and also have a loan with them. It comes up as 'credit search' on my file, does this tell me anything? Would it actually say it was a soft search if it was?

roje

Just checked the email from my broker and it's not a soft search by the looks of it. The screenshot he sent from Natwest states that I agree the credit search will leave a footprint on my credit file which can be seen by other lenders, and states that the decision is subject to income verification.
They did the same search last year for my loan and it showed up as 'credit search' on my file.
I was just wondering as my credit score has dipped very slightly over the past month (only about 5 points) yet my debt has reduced significantly as I've paid off two accounts in full. It might be the credit search.

Teqpro

You shouldn't worry there isn't a main credit score when it comes to lenders checking your affordability. The only thing you should monitor is your outstanding debt.

Malmo

Natwest AIP via MTE is a hard search.

roje

Yep it looks that way Malmo, thanks for that. It's a relief actually as that means the basic credit search has been approved. I know they'll check again but I was worried that my association with my ex would stop them lending to me and it doesn't seem it has at this stage.