Why Checking Your Own Credit Score Won’t Hurt It
A lot of people avoid checking their credit score because they’re afraid it will drop if they do. That fear keeps many from monitoring their credit at all, and it can lead to missed errors, surprises, and setbacks when it’s time to apply for a loan.
Here’s the truth: checking your own credit score is a smart move, and it will never hurt your credit.
Hard Inquiries vs. Soft Inquiries
When lenders pull your credit for an application, that’s called a hard inquiry. Hard inquiries can lower your score slightly because they signal you’re seeking new credit.
But when you check your score, it’s a soft inquiry. Soft inquiries don’t affect your score at all. They’re simply a snapshot of your credit, and no lender sees them.
Why You Should Check Regularly
- Spot Errors Early
Mistakes like wrong balances or accounts that don’t belong to you can drag down your score. Checking regularly helps you catch them before they do serious damage. - Track Your Progress
If you’re working on credit repair, seeing your score improve month by month keeps you motivated. - Avoid Surprises
The worst time to find out your credit is lower than expected is during a mortgage or loan application. Checking ahead of time gives you room to fix issues.
The Best Ways to Check Your Score
- Free Monitoring Services: Many banks and credit cards now give you free access to your score.
- AnnualCreditReport.com: Pull your full reports from all three bureaus at least once a year.
- Credit Monitoring Tools: These track changes in real time and alert you to suspicious activity.
Final Thoughts
Checking your own credit score doesn’t hurt you. In fact, it’s one of the smartest habits you can build. The more you know, the more control you have over your financial future.
At CreditNerds.com, we encourage people to check their credit often and understand what it really means. Knowledge is power, and in this case, it’s also protection. If you’re ready to take the next step in your credit journey, schedule your free consultation today!
