Soft searches - do they affect credit?

I have a couple of credit cards, Aqua and Vanquis. I used them to build credit history but now want something a bit less sub prime.

I used money supermarket to see what I was likely to be accepted for, then went away to look into things like customer service and the like. Went back into moneysupermarket and now I'm 9.5/10 likely to get a card that was 10/10 (guaranteed).

Has searching more than once affected my credit chances?

Comments

  • jimbo26
    jimbo26 Posts: 954
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    Soft searches are not seen by lenders, so of no consequence.

    https://www.experian.co.uk/consumer/guides/searches-and-credit-checks.html

    I've had a similar experience. Pre-approved, checked an hour later, not eligible, check the next day pre-approved again.
  • GlasweJen
    GlasweJen Posts: 7,451
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    Weird, I've only dropped from 10 to 9.5 so should still be safe to apply.
  • Nasqueron
    Nasqueron Posts: 8,631
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    All that will affect whether you get the card is your available credit and income (and whether the lender wants you as a customer).

    You do know that the type of card you have is irrelevant except to you? Unless you are getting a card with bonuses like cashback or whatever then changing is much of a muchness, you aren't seen as a better borrower because you have a prime card
  • GlasweJen
    GlasweJen Posts: 7,451
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    I know that I just get nothing on my current cards and the interest rates are astronomical. I'm looking at the Costco Amex rewards card as I am a Costco cashback member and the card would get me another 1%.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 35,242
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    If the interest rates are too high, then don't look for a card with rewards. It won't offset the interest you're paying, so focus purely on getting a lower APR.

    If you're clearing in full each month, then the interest rate doesn't matter and you can look for rewards.
  • GlasweJen
    GlasweJen Posts: 7,451
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    I don't currently have a balance on the cards as I pay it off monthly but I'd like the option and at 49.9% and 39.9% respectively I'd be stupid to spend on either card if I'm paying over a couple of months.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 35,242
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    Then consider two separate cards. One for rewards that you know you can clear, and a lower rate one in case you need to carry a balance.
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