Inquiries That Won't Affect Your Credit Report

• Pre-approved credit offers, employer inquiries and self inquiries do not affect your credit history.
  
  

Inquiries That Affect Your Credit Report

• Inquiries related to home or car loans and credit cards will affect your credit score. Typically, for each pull, you can expect to see your credit score decrease by about 5 points (on a credit score scale ranging from 330 to 850). One or two inquiries aren't enough to significantly lower your score; however, it's still smart to use discretion when applying for loans.
  
  

Rate Shopping

• When you shop around for the best rate on a credit card or loan, you will incur inquiries with each request. However, Fair Isaac's research has shown that if your rate shopping all occurs within 30 days, the inquiries won't affect your credit score the same way.
  
  

Other Factors

• More important factors that can significantly affect your credit history include your payment history, employment status, amount of debt and amount of credit.
  
  

Free Credit Reports

• Experian, Equifax and Trans Union each offer you one free credit report per year. Check your credit report frequently for accuracy.