What Does a Soft Credit Check Show?

10 Nov 2025

What Does a Soft Credit Check Show? 

Heard the term ‘soft credit check’ but not sure what it means? Don’t worry, in this guide, we’ll break down all you need to know about what a soft search is, when it might be carried out, and why it’s different from a hard search. Understanding these key terms can be really helpful when you’re starting your journey for car finance.

Autodosh is a credit broker, not a lender. Our lenders will run an initial soft check when you request a quote. A hard search will only take place if you decide to go forward with your application.

Do Soft Credit Checks Affect Credit Scores?

Soft credit checks won’t impact your credit score. Unlike hard checks, they don’t leave a mark on your credit report, which means lenders won’t see soft searches. This also applies even if multiple soft searches are requested.

It’s possible that you can see soft searches on your credit report, which could be useful if you need to keep track of your application. But remember that this is private to you only and will not appear on your public report.

Soft Credit Check vs Hard Credit Check: What’s the Difference?

Soft searches are different to hard searches, but it can be difficult to know what the difference is. Essentially, soft searches are used by lenders at the beginning of your application to provide a basic quote based on a snapshot of your credit profile. Once you progress to a full application, lenders will run a hard credit check for a complete view of your credit history.

Here’s how they compare at-a-glance:

Why Do Lenders Use Soft Searches First?

Soft searches provide lenders with an initial look at your credit history, helping them decide whether to go forward with your application. A soft credit check is also helpful for you, as it protects you from unnecessary hard checks against your credit report. 

What Information Do I Need for a Soft Credit Check?

If you’re ready to get a quote, you’ll need to go through a car finance soft search. For lenders to run a credit check, you’ll need to provide a few basic details:

-Full name

-Date of birth

-Current address

-Employment status or income details

What Does a Soft Credit Check Show?

A soft credit search offers a top-level look at your credit profile to lenders. While it won’t show detailed information, it will include all relevant financial information to help lenders assess your eligibility. This could include:

-Unpaid debts

-Missed or late repayments

-Current credit accounts

-Relevant public records

-Any joint credit

Does a Soft Credit Check Show CCJs?

County Court Judgments (CCJs) are part of the public financial record, so lenders will be able to see these during a soft search.

Does a Soft Credit Check Show Defaults?

Defaults may be visible on your credit profile with a soft search, but lenders usually won’t see detailed information at this level. It is possible that defaults or missed payments won’t show up at this stage, but during the hard search process, lenders will be able to access full details.

Can You Fail a Soft Credit Check?

You can’t fail a soft search, as you’re not technically applying for anything at this stage. Lenders will only be looking for basic background details on you, and if they decide not to go forward with your application, it won’t affect your credit score.

Soft Searches for Bad Credit Car Finance

If you have bad credit, a soft search offers a low-risk way to explore your potential options, as there is no further negative impact on your report. We work with many lenders who offer car finance to people with low credit scores or past financial difficulties. You might still get car finance even with a lower score. A soft search can show recent positive changes you have made, which may not have greatly affected your score yet.

Learn more about bad credit car finance.

Final Thoughts

Soft credit checks can be a helpful, low-pressure starting point when you’re exploring car finance options. They let you see what your potential choices are without doing any harm to your credit score, and they allow lenders to assess whether they can offer you finance that is suitable for your financial situation.

There is no pressure to progress with a lender after you get an initial quote, so you can weigh up your potential options and go at your own pace. Make sure to think about what you can reasonably afford when considering your options, and always do your own independent research on car financing options  before committing to any deals.

 

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Autodosh is a credit broker, not a lender.

Editorial Disclaimer: This content is for entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, or any other company. This article has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these organisations. NB: The information on this page does not constitute financial advice, please do your own research to ensure that the product/service is right for your individual circumstances.