There are two types of credit checks:

1. Soft Inquiry – Doesn’t affect your credit score (e.g., checking your own score)
    
2. Hard Inquiry – May lower your credit score slightly (e.g., applying for a loan)

This report is pulled from one or more of the three major credit bureaus:

• Equifax
   
• Experian
   
• TransUnion

What it Includes:

• Credit accounts (credit cards, loans, mortgages)
   
• Payment history (on-time or missed payments)
   
• Credit balances and limits
   
• Length of credit history
   
• Public records (like bankruptcies or collections)
   
• Credit inquiries (who has checked your credit recently)

Why Credit Checks Happen: 

• Lenders check your credit when you apply for loans or credit cards
   
• Landlords may use it to evaluate rental applications
   
• Employers (in some industries) use it during hiring
   
• Utility companies or cell phone providers check credit before starting service