![What is a soft and hard inquiry and how does it affect your credit score? | Mint What is a soft and hard inquiry and how does it affect your credit score? | Mint](https://i1.wp.com/www.livemint.com/lm-img/img/2025/02/05/1600x900/credit_score_1_1711779704765_1738738459884.jpg?w=600&resize=600,400&ssl=1)
What is a soft and hard inquiry and how does it affect your credit score? | Mint
Source: Live Mint To build and maintain a good credit score, you must access your credit report and score and monitor it regularly. Similarly, when you apply for a credit product, the financial institution has to access your credit report and score. Depending on who accesses your credit report and score, you or the financial…