Credit repair guide

How to remove hard inquiries from your credit report

Every time a lender pulls your credit for an application, a hard inquiry shows up. Here's how to clean up the ones that shouldn't be there.

The short version:
  1. List every hard inquiry on all 3 reports
  2. Mark every one you don't recognize or didn't apply for
  3. Dispute those with each bureau that shows them
  4. Space out new applications going forward

Hard vs soft inquiries

A hard inquiry happens when you apply for credit and a lender pulls your report. A soft inquiry happens when you check your own report, or a company pre screens you for an offer. Only hard inquiries can affect your score. Checking your own report never does.

Step 1: List every hard inquiry

Each report has an inquiries section. Write down every company name and date on each bureau.

Step 2: Mark the ones you don't recognize

Go through the list. Some names look unfamiliar because the lender uses a different name than the store or dealership you dealt with. Anything you truly didn't apply for gets marked.

Step 3: Dispute them

Dispute every inquiry you didn't authorize with each bureau that shows it. Say you didn't apply for credit with that company on that date and ask for it to be removed.

How long do hard inquiries stay?

Hard inquiries stay on your report for two years, and they usually matter a lot less after the first year.

Want every click shown on the real sites?

Standing Skool walks you through the whole process on the real Equifax, Experian and TransUnion sites. 46 short video lessons, dispute letter templates, and a live Q and A every Monday. $30 a month.

Join Standing Skool

Common questions

Does checking my own credit create a hard inquiry?

No. Checking your own report is a soft inquiry and never affects your score.

How long do hard inquiries stay on my report?

Two years, and they usually matter a lot less after the first year.

Can I remove a hard inquiry?

You can dispute any hard inquiry you didn't authorize with each bureau that shows it.

How much does a hard inquiry lower my score?

Usually a few points, and less over time. Several in a short window add up, so space out applications.

More guides

How to dispute your credit report yourself (free, step by step)Pull all 3 reports free, find what's wrong, and dispute it yourself with each bureau.How to remove collections from your credit reportHow to get a collection account removed from your credit report yourself: check it on all 3 reports, dispute it, ask the collector to verify, and what to do with every answer.How to remove late payments from your credit reportHow to get late payments off your credit report yourself: find every late mark on all 3 reports, dispute the wrong ones, and send a goodwill letter for the rest.How to remove a charge off from your credit reportWhat a charge off is, why it hurts your score, and how to go after one on your credit report yourself: compare all 3 reports, dispute, and negotiate in writing.