How often can I do a hard inquiry?

Asked by: Daren Smith  |  Last update: February 27, 2026
Score: 4.2/5 (71 votes)

Since hard inquiries affect your credit score and what is found may even affect approval, you might be wondering: How many inquiries is too many? The answer differs from lender to lender, but most consider six total inquiries on a report at one time to be too many to gain approval for an additional credit card or loan.

How long should I wait between hard inquiries?

Hard inquiries are removed from your record in 24 months. The effect of them on your score are virtually gone in 12 months. Applying for a card every 5 months will always keep you below 5/24. So, if you want to be very conservative with your cards, 1 application every 5 months.

How often can you do a hard credit check?

There's no specific number of hard inquiries that's too many or too few. Although some hard inquiries might hurt your credit scores a little, credit scoring models also ignore many hard inquiries when consumers shop for a new loan.

Is it bad to have 2 hard inquiries within 30 days?

Yes, and it's not something to be worried about. Two credit checks is not unusual, and hard inquiries make up the smallest of the factors that contribute to your credit scoring. It will probably decrease your score a little bit, but as the inquiries start to age the impact will lessen and score will creep back up.

How many hard inquiries is too much?

According to FICO, studies show that people with six or more hard inquiries on their credit reports can be up to eight times as likely to declare bankruptcy, compared to those with no inquiries.

How long Hard Inquiry Stays on YOUR Credit Report (& how long a Hard Pull affects YOUR credit score)

40 related questions found

How bad is 7 hard inquiries?

However, multiple hard inquiries can deplete your score by as much as 10 points each time they happen. People with six or more recent hard inquiries are eight times as likely to file for bankruptcy than those with none. That's way more inquiries than most of us need to find a good deal on a car loan or credit card.

How far apart should hard inquiries be?

If you're shopping for a new auto or mortgage loan or a new utility provider, the multiple inquiries are generally counted as one inquiry for a given period of time. The period of time may vary depending on the credit scoring model used, but it's typically from 14 to 45 days.

How many points does credit score drop with hard inquiry?

A hard inquiry typically only causes credit scores to drop by about five points, according to FICO. And if you have a good credit history, the impact may be even less.

What is the secret way to remove hard inquiries?

You cannot remove legitimate hard inquiries from your credit report. Fortunately, hard inquiries have a minimal impact on your credit, and they fall off your credit report after two years. If your credit report contains a hard inquiry that you don't recognize, you have the right to dispute it.

How many inquiries is too many in 12 months?

If you collect about six hard inquiries within a two-year period on your credit report, you may have a difficult time getting approvals for future cards and other lines of credit.

Is 2 hard searches bad?

Each hard check is recorded on your report, so any company searching it will be able to see that you've applied for credit. Too many hard credit checks over a short period of time can affect your credit score for six months, reducing your ability to get approved for credit in the future.

Is 700 a good credit score?

A 700 credit score is considered a good score on the most common credit score range, which runs from 300 to 850. How does your score compare with others? You're within the good credit score range, which runs from 690 to 719.

How accurate is credit karma?

But, just how accurate are Credit Karma scores? They may differ by 20 to 25 points, and in some cases even more. When Credit Karma users see their credit score details, they are viewing a VantageScore, not the FICO score that the majority of lenders use.

What is the 5/24 rule?

What is the 5/24 rule? Many card issuers have criteria for who can qualify for new accounts, but Chase is perhaps the most strict. Chase's 5/24 rule means that you can't be approved for most Chase cards if you've opened five or more personal credit cards (from any card issuer) within the past 24 months.

What is the Capital One 6 month rule?

Capital One also has a hard-and-fast rule when timing your applications. You're only able to get approved for one card every six months. This lumps personal and small-business cards together.

What is the 2:30 rule for Chase?

2/30 Rule. The 2/30 rule says that you can only have two applications every 30 days or else you'll automatically be rejected.

Is it illegal to remove hard inquiries?

A hard inquiry happens when a company checks your credit report because you have applied for credit. You can dispute hard inquiries you didn't authorize, but you cannot remove legitimate credit checks. Unauthorized hard inquiries can be a warning sign of identity theft.

What is a goodwill deletion?

A goodwill letter is a formal request to a creditor asking them to remove a negative mark, like a late payment, from your credit report. Goodwill letters are most effective when the late payment was an isolated incident caused by unforeseen circumstances, such as a financial hardship or medical emergency.

How do I increase my credit score in 30 days?

Improving your credit in 30 days is possible. Ways to do so include paying off credit card debt, becoming an authorized user, paying your bills on time and disputing inaccurate credit report information.

What is an excellent credit score?

For a score with a range of 300 to 850, a credit score of 670 to 739 is considered good. Credit scores of 740 and above are very good while 800 and higher are excellent.

Can I do multiple hard inquiries count as one?

That means the hard inquiries from different types of loans can count as one inquiry for scoring purposes, as long as they're made in the same 14-day window.

What habit lowers your credit score?

Late or missed payments can cause your credit score to decline. The impact can vary depending on your credit score — the higher your score, the more likely you are to see a steep drop.

What is a good strategy if you want to improve your credit score?

One of the best things you can do to improve your credit score is to pay your debts on time and in full whenever possible. Payment history makes up a significant chunk of your credit score, so it's important to avoid late payments.

How many credit cards are too many?

Owning more than two or three credit cards can become unmanageable for many people. However, your credit needs and financial situation are unique, so there's no hard and fast rule about how many credit cards are too many. The important thing is to make sure that you use your credit cards responsibly.

What is the hard inquiry rule?

A hard inquiry occurs when you apply for new credit and the creditor pulls your credit file. Hard inquiries stay on your credit report for two years, but they only affect your FICO Score for 12 months.