Will completing a Quick Quote affect my credit score (soft vs hard searches)?
Short answer
Completing a Quick Quote on BestBusinessLoans.ai will not affect your business credit score if the platform uses only a soft credit search.
If a lender or broker progresses your enquiry and performs a hard search, that hard search can appear on your business credit file and may be visible to other lenders.
What we mean by a Quick Quote and why searches matter
A Quick Quote is a short, no-obligation online enquiry that helps match your business with potential lenders or brokers.
At Best Business Loans we use AI to analyse your business profile and suggest relevant funding routes without applying directly to lenders.
Because the Quick Quote is an eligibility and matching tool, it normally uses soft credit checks during that initial stage.
Why lenders check credit at different stages
Lenders use different types of checks at different stages of the process.
Soft checks help them pre-qualify an applicant and estimate the likelihood of approval.
Hard checks are used when a lender is ready to formally assess risk and advance an offer.
Soft credit searches explained
A soft search (also called a soft footprint) reviews limited information to help match offers.
It can be used by intermediaries, brokers, or introducers to provide indicative terms.
A soft search does not affect a credit score and is not usually visible to other lenders checking your file later.
Common uses of soft searches
Soft searches are commonly used for eligibility checks, market comparisons, and Quick Quotes.
They allow you to check likely outcomes without harming future credit applications.
Because they are non-invasive, soft checks are suitable for early-stage enquiries through platforms like ours.
Hard credit searches and when they occur
A hard search is a formal check recorded on a credit file when you make an application for credit.
Lenders perform hard searches when you submit a firm application or accept formal terms.
Hard searches can be visible to other lenders and can influence credit decisions, especially with multiple hard searches in a short period.
When a Quick Quote could lead to a hard search
Completing a Quick Quote alone should not trigger a hard search.
If you ask Best Business Loans to introduce you and you choose to proceed with a specific lender, that lender may perform a hard search.
We always highlight when a partner intends to run a hard search before you proceed to application.
Invoice finance example
For example, if you enquire about invoice finance via our platform, the Quick Quote will normally use soft checks first.
If a lender expresses interest in providing invoice finance and you want to move to a formal offer, they will likely request a hard search.
Learn more about invoice finance and when formal checks happen on our dedicated page: invoice finance.
Practical steps to protect your credit profile
Before you proceed, ask whether the introduction or lender will run a soft or hard search.
Request clear consent and a timeline for any hard searches so you can decide when to apply.
Limit simultaneous formal applications to reduce the risk of multiple hard searches showing on your file.
What to check during a Quick Quote
Check the Quick Quote terms for any statement about credit searches.
Confirm with our team whether the AI matching will pass your details to brokers who might do hard searches.
Keep records of any consent you give, and ask providers to confirm the type of search before they run it.
How Best Business Loans handles searches and next steps
Best Business Loans operates as an introducer and does not itself provide credit.
Our Quick Quote system is designed to match you with suitable lenders or brokers using soft-search matching wherever possible.
We will always aim to make it clear when a partner requires a hard search and will not authorise a hard check without your explicit consent.
How to proceed safely
Start with a Quick Quote to get multiple, non-binding matches with potential funders.
When a lender is interested, we (or the lender) will tell you if a hard search is required for a formal application.
Only proceed if you are ready for a hard search to be recorded on your business credit file.
Regulatory and advertising compliance
We do not provide regulated lending and do not act as an authorised lender.
We follow FCA and ASA principles by making promotions fair, clear, and not misleading.
Our communications will always state that we are an introducer and that formal credit checks may be needed by lenders.
Key takeaways and next action
Quick Quote = soft searches in most cases; soft searches do not affect your credit score.
Hard searches occur when you make a formal application and can be visible to lenders later.
If you want to explore options without any impact, complete a Quick Quote and ask us to only run soft checks at first.
Ready to check your eligibility without harming your credit profile? Submit a free Quick Quote and our AI will match you to suitable lenders and brokers. Your consent will be requested before any formal, hard credit searches are made.
Need help before you submit? Email hello@bestbusinessloans.ai for guidance from our UK support team.