Hey there! Ever wondered who's been peeking at your credit report without it affecting your score? Those are soft inquiries, and Experian, one of the major credit bureaus, keeps track of them. Let's dive into how you can see these soft inquiries on your Experian report. It's a bit different from viewing hard inquiries, but definitely insightful!
Step 1: Accessing Your Free Experian Credit Report
To see your soft inquiries, the first thing you'll need is your Experian credit report. Here's how you can get it:
1.1 Visit the Official Experian Website
The most reliable way to access your Experian credit report is directly through their official website. Go to
1.2 Create an Account or Log In
If you're a new user, you'll need to create an account. This usually involves providing some personal information like your name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number (or equivalent identification number). If you already have an account, simply log in with your credentials.
1.3 Navigate to Your Credit Report
Once you're logged in, look for a section related to your credit report. This might be labeled as "Credit Report," "View Your Report," or something similar. Experian often provides a summary view first, with options to delve into more details.
Step 2: Locating the Soft Inquiries Section
Now comes the slightly tricky part. Unlike hard inquiries, soft inquiries are not always prominently displayed in the main summary of your credit report. You might need to dig a little deeper.
2.1 Look for a "Detailed Report" or Similar Option
Within your credit report section, there's usually an option to view a more detailed or full version of your report. This comprehensive report is where you're more likely to find the soft inquiries.
2.2 Scan Sections Related to "Inquiries" or "Other Parties Viewing Your Credit"
Once you have the detailed report open, carefully scan the different sections. Look for headings or subheadings that mention "Inquiries," "Permitted Purpose Inquiries," "Promotional Inquiries," or something along the lines of "Who Has Viewed Your Credit."
2.3 Understanding the Difference Between Hard and Soft Inquiries
It's crucial to understand the distinction here. Hard inquiries occur when you apply for credit, such as a loan, credit card, or mortgage. These can slightly impact your credit score. Soft inquiries, on the other hand, happen when your credit is checked for background checks (like rental applications or employment), or when credit card companies send you pre-approved offers. These do not affect your credit score. The section you're looking for will specifically list these soft inquiries.
2.4 What Information Will You See?
In the soft inquiries section, you'll typically see:
- The name of the company or entity that made the inquiry.
- The date of the inquiry.
Step 3: Reviewing and Understanding the Soft Inquiries
Once you've located the soft inquiries, take some time to review them.
3.1 Check for Familiar Names
Most of the entities listed should be familiar to you. They might include:
- Credit card companies that have sent you pre-approved offers.
- Employers who have conducted background checks (with your permission).
- Landlords who have checked your credit for rental applications (again, with your consent).
- Yourself, if you've used services that provide credit monitoring or educational credit reports.
3.2 Identify Any Unexpected Inquiries
If you see any names you don't recognize, it's worth investigating further. While soft inquiries don't hurt your score, an unfamiliar inquiry could indicate a potential issue, although it's less likely to be fraudulent compared to a hard inquiry.
3.3 Note the Dates
The dates of the inquiries can also be helpful in understanding when these checks occurred.
Important Considerations
- Frequency of Updates: Your Experian credit report, including soft inquiries, is usually updated regularly, but the exact frequency can vary.
- Retention Period: Soft inquiries typically remain on your credit report for a shorter period than hard inquiries, often around two years, though they have no impact on your credit score.
- Free vs. Paid Services: While you can get a free copy of your Experian credit report periodically, accessing it more frequently or getting additional features might require a paid subscription. The ability to see soft inquiries should be included in the standard credit report.
By following these steps, you should be able to locate and review the soft inquiries on your Experian credit report. It's a good practice to check your credit reports from all three major bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) periodically to stay informed about who is accessing your credit information.
Frequently Asked Questions (How to...)
How to access my free Experian credit report?
You can access your free Experian credit report by visiting the official Experian website (
How to find the soft inquiries section on my Experian report?
Once you have your detailed Experian credit report, look for sections labeled "Inquiries," "Permitted Purpose Inquiries," "Promotional Inquiries," or "Who Has Viewed Your Credit." Soft inquiries are usually listed here.
How to differentiate between hard and soft inquiries?
Hard inquiries occur when you apply for credit and can affect your score. Soft inquiries happen for background checks or pre-approved offers and do not impact your score.
How to identify if a soft inquiry is legitimate?
Most soft inquiries will be from companies you recognize, such as credit card issuers who sent you offers, employers who conducted background checks (with your consent), or landlords. If you see an unfamiliar name, it's worth looking into.
How to dispute a soft inquiry on my Experian report?
Generally, soft inquiries cannot be disputed as they are records of legitimate credit checks for permissible purposes. However, if you believe a soft inquiry is completely erroneous (e.g., you never interacted with the company), you can contact Experian's customer service to inquire.
How to prevent unwanted soft inquiries from pre-approved credit card offers?
You can opt-out of receiving pre-approved credit card offers by visiting
How to understand the information listed under soft inquiries?
The information typically includes the name of the entity that made the inquiry and the date it occurred.
How to know how long soft inquiries stay on my Experian report?
Soft inquiries usually remain on your credit report for about two years, though they have no impact on your credit score.
How to check soft inquiries from other credit bureaus (Equifax and TransUnion)?
The process is similar for Equifax (
How to use the information from soft inquiries to my benefit?
Reviewing soft inquiries helps you understand who is accessing your credit information for various reasons. It can also help you identify if you're receiving an unusually high number of pre-approved offers, which you might want to manage.