Finance & Banking

Hard inquiry

hɑːrd ɪnˈkwaɪəri

noun

What does Hard inquiry mean?

A credit check that slightly lowers your score.

Example sentence

"Each card application adds a hard inquiry."

American usage tip

They fall off your report after two years.

Related Finance & Banking words

Brokerage
An account for buying stocks and funds.
Budget
A plan for income and spending.
Savings account
An account that earns interest on stored money.
Credit score
A number (300-850) showing how reliable a borrower you are.
Employer match
Free money your company adds to your 401(k).
Minimum payment
The smallest allowed credit card payment.
Wire transfer
A fast bank-to-bank money transfer.
Refund
Money returned when you overpaid taxes.

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