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Credit Advice
Topics addressed on May 25, 2011:
Purchasing your own scores will not hurt future credit scores
Dear Experian,
I obtained my free annual credit report a few days ago, but didn't purchase the score. I am not interested in obtaining the score. If I purchase a credit score does it give my credit a double hit? Also, when you obtain your score, does your score get lowered, and if so by how much?
- MHO
Dear MHO,
You can get your personal credit report, and credit scores as often as you like without having a negative impact on your credit history or credit scores lenders may use when you apply for credit.
The reason is that when you get your personal report or purchase a credit score, whether through www.annualcreditreport.com or subscribe to a credit monitoring service such as www.FreeCreditScore.com, a soft inquiry is added to your credit report.
Soft inquiries are shown only to you on your personal credit report. Because they are not provided to lenders or others when you apply for services there is no negative impact on lending decisions or credit scores.
Thanks for asking.
- The "Ask Experian" team