What is a Soft Search and How is This Different from a Hard Search?

Soft checks provide information on your credit history for potential lenders. But unlike hard credit checks, soft checks (also known as soft pulls or soft credit inquiries):

  • Are not visible to other lenders on your credit report

  • Don’t affect your credit score

  • Are only visible to you

Hard checks are sometimes also referred to as hard pulls or hard inquiries. They appear on your credit report and remain there for up to two years, serving as a signal to other lenders that you've requested credit in the past.

You will be able to see your personalized rate for a Stream loan with a soft search only. However we will carry out a hard search if you accept the loan offer, sign the agreement, and transfer the loan.