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We're the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), a U.S. government agency that makes sure banks, lenders, and other financial companies treat you fairly.

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Does a credit inquiry have a different impact on my score if I'm approved or denied?

Answer:

Credit models generally do not give positive or negative weight to the outcome of the credit inquiry.

Credit scoring models typically evaluate credit inquiries based on:

  • How recently the inquiry occurred
  • How frequently inquiries are made
  • How many inquiries are made

Being approved for credit could impact other variables in credit scoring models, such as your credit utilization rate – the amount of credit you’ve been given compared to the amount you’ve used.

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