Will submitting a Quick Quote affect my credit score (soft vs hard search)?

Short answer: a Quick Quote will not harm your credit score

Submitting a Quick Quote with BestBusinessLoans.ai does not trigger a hard credit search and will not, by itself, affect your credit score. Our AI-driven matching uses the details you provide to identify suitable lenders or brokers without placing a “hard search” footprint on your file. If you choose to proceed with a specific provider after your matches are introduced, any soft or hard credit search will only happen with your consent.

In the UK, a soft search checks eligibility and leaves a footprint visible to you but not to other lenders, and it does not reduce your score. A hard search is typically run at full application or before drawdown, is visible to other lenders, and can cause a small, temporary dip in your score.

Below we explain how soft and hard searches work for limited companies and their directors, what to expect after you submit a Quick Quote, and how to protect your credit profile while exploring finance.

Soft search vs hard search — what each one means for UK businesses

What is a soft search?

A soft search is an eligibility or quotation check that does not impact your credit score. It can be used by lenders or brokers to assess basic affordability and risk before inviting a full application.

Soft searches are usually visible only to you and the organisation that performed the check. They do not signal risk to other finance providers and are commonly used for “Decision in Principle” or pre-qualification.

What is a hard search?

A hard search is a full credit inquiry that appears on your credit file and is visible to other lenders. It is commonly performed when you formally apply for finance or immediately prior to funding.

One hard search may cause a small, temporary score reduction. Several hard searches in a short period can make you appear higher risk and may affect pricing or approvals.

How this applies to limited companies and directors

For UK limited companies, lenders often review both the business credit file and, where relevant, the directors’ personal credit files. This is common when a personal guarantee is required.

A soft search can be used at the pre-qualification stage across business and personal files. A hard search is typically reserved for the full application the company chooses to pursue.

Quick definitions

• Soft search: Eligibility or quotation check; no score impact; usually visible only to you.
• Hard search: Formal application check; visible to other lenders; small temporary score impact possible.
• Decision in Principle: Non-binding indication you may be eligible, usually based on a soft search or data review.

Which UK credit reference agencies are used?

Lenders and brokers may use Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion for personal credit data, and business bureaux such as Experian, Equifax, Creditsafe, and others for company data. Different providers use different bureaus.

The presence of a soft or hard footprint can vary by bureau, but the soft-versus-hard principle remains the same: only hard searches should influence lending decisions by other providers.

What happens when you submit a Quick Quote with Best Business Loans

Our role as an independent introducer

Best Business Loans does not provide credit or make lending decisions. We use AI to match your business with suitable lenders or brokers based on the information you submit.

Submitting your Quick Quote on our site will not trigger a hard search. We do not run hard checks, and we will not share your details beyond relevant, carefully selected finance professionals aligned with your enquiry.

The typical sequence after you enquire

1. You submit your Quick Quote with your business details and funding needs.
2. Our AI matches your profile to providers who are active in your sector and loan type.
3. We introduce you to matched providers so you can compare and decide next steps.
4. If you wish to proceed, the provider may perform a soft search for eligibility.
5. Only at formal application or offer stage would a hard search be performed, and only with your consent.

Decision in Principle vs full application

A Decision in Principle (DIP) or eligibility check usually relies on a soft search and document review. It helps you understand whether you’re likely to be approved and on what terms.

A full application may require a hard search, business bank statements, filed accounts, management information, and identity checks. Providers should make this explicit before proceeding.

Open Banking and bank statement analysis

Some providers use Open Banking to assess cash flow with your permission. Connecting bank data does not affect your credit score.

Open Banking helps reduce the need for upfront hard searches by giving lenders a clear, real-time picture of income and outgoings.

Multiple checks: how to avoid unnecessary hard footprints

Start with a Quick Quote and compare your matched options before committing to any single application. Ask the provider to confirm whether their next step is a soft or hard search.

Choose one route to proceed when you’re comfortable with the likely terms, and authorise a hard search only when you’re ready to move forward.

The impact of soft vs hard searches on your credit profile

How soft searches are treated

Soft searches do not reduce your score and are not used by other lenders to assess risk. They are designed for eligibility checks and quotation accuracy without penalising you for exploring options.

On your personal credit file, you will see a soft search footprint. On business files, the mechanism is similar, though the presentation can vary across bureaux.

How hard searches are treated

A hard search is visible to other lenders for around 12 months and may cause a small, short-term dip in your score. This reflects that you are actively seeking credit.

If you make several applications in quick succession, multiple hard searches can compound the effect and reduce the attractiveness of your profile to lenders.

What lenders actually look at

Lenders consider more than the presence of a hard search. They examine payment history, County Court Judgments (CCJs), credit utilisation, sector risk, cash flow, and performance trends.

Strong trading history, healthy bank statements, and up-to-date filings can offset concerns about a single recent hard search.

Business vs personal searches for directors

For limited companies, many providers will assess both the company’s credit file and the personal credit files of directors or guarantors. This is especially true where a personal guarantee is requested.

A director’s soft search at eligibility stage is common and harmless to the director’s personal score. A hard search would be performed later with explicit consent.

Practical example

You submit a Quick Quote and receive two matched providers. Provider A performs a soft search and offers a DIP, subject to underwriting.

You decide to proceed with Provider A, who then requests documents and performs a hard search before issuing the final offer. Only this last step could nudge your score, and only slightly, for a limited time.

How to protect your credit score while exploring business finance

Ask providers the right questions

• Will the next step be a soft or hard search?
• At which point in the journey do you run a hard search?
• Which credit reference agencies do you use?
• Do you require a personal guarantee and a personal credit check?

Use one route at a time

Start with comparisons, then pick the provider most likely to approve you on acceptable terms. Authorise a hard search only when you are confident about proceeding.

This approach minimises unnecessary hard footprints and keeps your profile clean for future funding needs.

Prepare your documents upfront

Have recent bank statements, filed accounts, management information, VAT returns, and ID documents ready. Strong documentation reduces friction and increases approval odds.

Accurate, consistent information helps avoid rework that could otherwise lead to repeated checks.

Maintain clean filings and payment behaviour

File accounts and confirmation statements on time and keep director information current at Companies House. Avoid missed payments that could trigger negative markers.

If issues exist, be upfront with your provider so they can position your case appropriately.

Consider the right product for your need

Some products, like invoice finance or asset finance, may rely heavily on the strength of your debtors or assets. This can sometimes be more forgiving of minor credit blips.

If you are exploring small business loans for working capital, present a clear use-of-funds and repayment plan to strengthen your application.

How Best Business Loans helps

Our AI-driven matching reduces the need to apply broadly. We introduce you to relevant providers for your sector, loan purpose, and profile, so you run fewer applications and fewer hard checks.

Submitting a Quick Quote is free, secure, and without obligation. We prioritise clear, fair, and not misleading information to help you make confident decisions.

FAQs, compliance notes, and next steps

FAQs

Will Best Business Loans run a hard search on my file? No. Best Business Loans does not run hard searches. If a matched provider needs to run a check, they will ask for your consent first.

Can soft searches be seen by other lenders? No. Soft searches are visible to you and the organisation that made the search, and they do not impact your score.

How long does a hard search stay on my file? Typically up to 12 months. The effect on your score is usually small and temporary.

Will my directors be credit checked? Many providers assess directors when a personal guarantee is required. This often starts with a soft search and may progress to a hard search with consent at full application.

Does Open Banking affect my score? No. Sharing bank data via Open Banking, with permission, does not leave a credit footprint.

What if I compare several options? Use our Quick Quote to compare matches first. Then select one provider to proceed to application, limiting hard searches.

Do you charge a fee for submitting a Quick Quote? No. It is free to submit your Quick Quote. If you proceed with a provider, fees and charges will be disclosed by that provider.

Compliance and transparency

Best Business Loans is an independent introducer. We do not offer credit, provide financial advice, or guarantee approval or the lowest rate.

Any examples or indications of eligibility are for guidance only and subject to underwriting by the relevant provider. We may receive a commission from providers if you take out a product.

All information is intended to be clear, fair, and not misleading and is provided for UK businesses. Always review the provider’s terms and disclosures before you proceed.

Key takeaways

• Submitting a Quick Quote on BestBusinessLoans.ai will not affect your credit score.
• Soft searches check eligibility and do not impact your score or appear to other lenders.
• Hard searches happen at full application or before drawdown and may cause a small, temporary dip.
• Authorise a hard search only when you’re ready to proceed with one chosen provider.
• Prepare documents and maintain clean filings to improve outcomes with fewer checks.

Start with confidence

Find out your options without harming your credit score. Submit your Quick Quote now for a fast, AI-matched introduction to relevant lenders and brokers.

It’s free, secure, and without obligation. Make your next finance decision with clarity and control.

Updated: October 2025