Do you run soft or hard credit searches during the matching process?
Updated: October 2025
The short answer: how our matching works without a credit check
We don’t run credit searches during matching
Best Business Loans does not run soft or hard credit searches as part of our initial AI matching process. We use the information you provide to assess eligibility signals and to introduce you to suitable lenders or brokers. Any credit check only happens later, with your explicit consent, and is performed by a finance provider, not by us.
What we use to match you quickly and fairly
Our AI considers factual business details rather than pulling data from credit reference agencies at the matching stage. This includes company age, turnover band, sector, loan purpose, desired amount, and existing finance commitments. Where relevant, we may ask for additional context such as VAT status or seasonal trading patterns to improve accuracy.
- Business basics: legal entity, years trading, and location.
- Funding purpose: working capital, equipment, vehicles, or refinance.
- Financial profile: turnover band, profitability indicators, and affordability notes.
- Security position: asset availability or preference for unsecured options.
- Timing: speed required and flexibility on term length.
Optional supporting information
Some providers may request recent bank statements or management accounts to pre-assess affordability. You can share these with the finance provider through secure channels once you are comfortable. This helps reduce unnecessary credit searches later.
Next step: Submit a Quick Quote to see your options without any credit check by us. It’s fast, secure, and obligation-free.
Soft searches vs hard searches: the key differences
What is a soft credit search?
A soft search is an eligibility check that does not impact your business or personal credit score. It is visible to you on your file but typically not to other lenders assessing applications. Many UK lenders use soft searches to give a “decision in principle” before requesting a full application.
What is a hard credit search?
A hard search is a full credit check completed when you formally apply for finance. It is recorded on your credit file and may be visible to other providers. Several hard searches in a short period can sometimes affect credit profiles and lending decisions.
Who runs these checks in the UK
Credit searches are performed by finance providers using credit reference agencies such as Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion. Best Business Loans does not run or trigger credit searches during matching. You will always have the opportunity to review permissions before any provider runs a check.
Good to know: Many providers can issue an indication or decision in principle using a soft search first, helping you compare options more safely.
How this protects your credit profile
By separating discovery from application, you can explore lenders that fit your profile without affecting your score. Our introducer model helps reduce duplicate applications and unnecessary checks. You stay in control of when a hard search is performed.
When could a credit check happen in your journey?
Stage 1: Quick Quote and AI match — no credit check by us
At the enquiry stage, you complete a short form and receive guidance on suitable funding types and providers. We use your details to suggest lenders or brokers that align with your sector, profile, and purpose of finance. No soft or hard search is carried out by Best Business Loans at this point.
Stage 2: Introduction to providers — typically soft search (with consent)
Once introduced, a provider may propose a soft search to pre-qualify you and shape terms. You’ll be asked for consent and can review what’s being checked. If you prefer, you can share bank statements or management information first to help a provider assess affordability before any credit search.
Stage 3: Full application and offer — hard search (with consent)
If you decide to proceed with a specific provider, they will usually run a hard search to finalise underwriting. Some providers may perform only one hard search shortly before issuing the final offer, while others may do so earlier in the process. Always check the provider’s disclosures and timelines so you can plan accordingly.
Minimising duplicate checks
Working through a broker partner can consolidate applications and reduce unnecessary hard searches across multiple lenders. Tell your broker if you have recent applications so they can time checks carefully. This is particularly useful in complex sectors such as hospitality; for example, see our guidance on hotel business finance.
Tip: Ask a provider whether they can soft-search first and only hard-search once you’re comfortable with the terms in principle.
Transparency, permissions, and data protection
Your consent comes first
We never authorise or trigger credit searches. Only a lender or broker can run a search, and only with your explicit permission. Providers must present fair, clear, and not misleading information about checks and how they use your data.
How we minimise unnecessary searches
Our matching flow focuses on eligibility signals, not credit pulls, to narrow providers before any checks. We encourage providers to use soft search, bank statements, or Open Banking to assess early-stage fit. You are free to disengage at any time before an application is submitted.
Using Open Banking safely (optional)
Some providers offer Open Banking via regulated AISPs to securely review bank transaction data. This read-only access can speed up decisions and sometimes avoid early hard searches. Consent can be revoked at any time, and providers will explain exactly what data is accessed.
Important compliance notes
Best Business Loans is an independent introducer and does not provide loans or credit decisions. Finance is subject to status, eligibility, affordability, and provider criteria. We encourage all providers to meet UK standards that are fair, clear, and not misleading, including FCA rules where applicable.
Your data: We handle your information securely and share it only with relevant finance professionals connected to your enquiry.
FAQs and next steps
Will using Best Business Loans affect my credit score?
No. Our AI matching does not involve any credit search. Your score is unaffected unless and until a finance provider runs a soft or hard search with your permission.
Can I get a decision in principle without a hard search?
In many cases, yes. Many lenders can perform a soft search or assess bank statements to issue an indication or decision in principle. Confirm this with the provider before you proceed.
Could multiple hard searches harm my chances?
Several hard searches in a short period may influence a credit profile. Coordinate your applications and ask providers to stage checks thoughtfully. A broker can help you avoid duplication.
Do you control whether a provider performs a soft or hard search?
No. The type and timing of a credit check are determined by the provider’s policies and your consent. We will always recommend transparency and minimal impact approaches where possible.
How do I prepare to reduce checks and speed up decisions?
Have recent bank statements, management accounts, and key documents ready. Be accurate about turnover, profit, and existing commitments in your Quick Quote. This helps a provider pre-assess fit before conducting any formal checks.
How to get a Decision in Principle without harming your score
- Submit your Quick Quote with accurate details.
- Ask providers to start with a soft search wherever possible.
- Provide recent bank statements or Open Banking consent to evidence affordability.
- Confirm when a hard search will occur and for what purpose.
- Proceed to hard search only when comfortable with indicative terms.
Ready to check eligibility? Complete your Quick Quote now for a fast, no-obligation introduction to suitable lenders or brokers. You remain in full control of if and when any credit search is performed.
Key takeaways
- We do not run soft or hard credit searches during matching.
- Soft searches do not affect your score; hard searches can be visible to other lenders.
- Providers perform checks only with your consent, typically later in the process.
- Use soft searches and bank data to gain a decision in principle first.
- Coordinate applications to avoid multiple unnecessary hard checks.
About Best Business Loans
BestBusinessLoans.ai helps UK companies find relevant finance providers using AI-driven matching. We are an independent introducer, not a lender, and we don’t guarantee approval, specific rates, or outcomes. For support, email hello@bestbusinessloans.ai.