[header] How to dispute credit inquiries [title] Understand " hard " versus " soft " inquiries. [step] Credit inquiries fall into two categories, " hard " and " soft. " a " hard " inquiry occurs when a financial institution like a mortgage lender or credit card provider reviews your credit history in order to make a lending decision. 
Typically, you authorize the hard inquiry when you apply for credit. [substeps] A " soft " inquiry, by contrast, occurs when a person or company checks your credit score for reasons other than lending credit.