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

The short answer and what it means for you

No — submitting a Quick Quote with Best Business Loans will not affect your credit score and does not trigger a hard credit search. At this stage, we only use your information to assess eligibility and match you with suitable lenders or brokers, without placing a footprint that impacts your score. If you choose to proceed with a specific finance provider later, they may run a hard credit check — but only with your clear consent.

A soft credit check is used for eligibility and affordability insights and is visible only to you, not to other lenders. A hard credit check is a formal application search that can slightly reduce your score for a short period and is visible to other lenders.

What is a Quick Quote at Best Business Loans?

Our Quick Quote is a short, free online form that helps us understand your business profile, funding purpose and indicative amount required. We use AI-driven matching to introduce you to finance providers who may be relevant for your circumstances. We do not lend money and we do not carry out hard credit checks at the Quick Quote stage.

Soft check vs hard check at a glance

• Soft check: Eligibility-only, no impact on your credit score, visible only to you, often used for pre-qualification.
• Hard check: Recorded on your file, visible to other lenders, may temporarily reduce your score, used when you proceed with a full application.
• Business context: Providers may assess both the company credit file and, where relevant, directors/guarantors’ personal files.

In short, using our Quick Quote is a low-risk way to explore business finance options without harming your credit profile. You stay in control of if and when a hard search is carried out. That control helps you compare options confidently before committing.

What happens to your credit when you use our Quick Quote?

When you submit a Quick Quote on BestBusinessLoans.ai, we collect the information needed to match your business with suitable lenders or brokers. We do not run a hard credit search at this initial stage. Instead, our technology uses your details to map your profile to providers’ typical criteria across product types.

After matching, we introduce you to one or more finance providers that are active in your sector and loan type. Those providers may run their own checks in line with their policies, usually beginning with data-led eligibility assessments. If a hard search is ever needed, they will ask your permission first.

The information we ask for — and why

We request details such as company name, trading history, turnover range, funding purpose and indicative amount. This helps determine which products (e.g. asset finance, invoice finance, cashflow loans) and which providers may be suitable. Providing accurate, up-to-date information reduces the need for repeated checks later.

Who might check what (typical UK practices)

• Business credit file: Many providers review company credit data (Experian, Equifax, Creditsafe) to assess risk and limits.
• Directors/guarantors: Some facilities involve a personal guarantee; a provider may then review an individual’s credit file.
• Affordability data: Optional Open Banking access and/or management accounts may be used to verify cash flow and income.

Best Business Loans acts as an independent introducer, not a lender, and we do not decide whether a credit check is soft or hard. That decision sits with the finance provider you choose to engage with, and only after you have given your consent for any hard search.

Ready to explore options without harming your score? Start your Quick Quote today and let our AI matching connect you with relevant providers fast.

Deep dive: soft searches vs hard searches for UK business finance

Soft searches are commonly used to pre-assess eligibility without affecting your credit score. They typically appear on your file as “soft footprints”, visible only to you and not to other lenders. Multiple soft searches do not lower your score, even if carried out within a short timeframe.

Hard searches are used when you submit a full application or accept terms that require a formal credit assessment. They are visible to other lenders and can slightly reduce your score for a short period. Several hard searches in quick succession may impact your perceived risk.

Business vs personal credit checks

Commercial lenders may check the company credit profile for trading history, payment performance and risk indicators. Some providers also assess personal credit where a director’s guarantee or personal underwriting is relevant. This is common for unsecured loans or facilities where personal liability may be required.

Asset-backed products (e.g. equipment finance) may place more weight on the value and condition of the asset and the business’s affordability. Even then, providers will often conduct proportionate checks to meet their risk and regulatory obligations. The exact approach varies by lender and product type.

Typical moments when a hard search may occur

• When you formally apply to a single provider for a specific facility and sign consent for a credit check.
• When a personal guarantee is proposed and personal underwriting is required to proceed.
• When a lender issues final terms subject to full credit approval and verification.

How long do footprints last? Soft footprints can stay on your file but do not affect scoring; hard footprints are usually visible for up to 12 months to other lenders. Your detailed credit history may be retained longer by credit reference agencies.

Key point: Best Business Loans does not run hard searches at the Quick Quote stage. Any hard search later will be carried out by a provider you choose — and only with your explicit consent.

Practical steps to protect your score while seeking funding

1) Use eligibility tools and soft-search pathways first wherever possible. This approach helps you narrow options before any hard search is considered. It also reduces the chance of multiple hard checks across short periods.

2) Be consistent and accurate with the information you provide. Mismatches can trigger additional verification or repeated checks. Good data at the outset helps providers move faster with fewer delays.

3) Avoid “scatter‑gun” applying to many lenders at once. Consolidate your efforts by using an introducer to filter providers who fit your sector, profile and purpose. Smart matching saves time and preserves your credit profile.

4) Ask providers whether an initial soft check is available. Many will run soft checks for pre-qualification, moving to a hard check only when you are ready to proceed. Make sure you understand when consent for a hard search will be requested.

5) Consider Open Banking for affordability verification. Sharing read‑only bank data can speed up approvals and sometimes reduce the need for multiple document requests. You retain control and can revoke access at any time.

6) Time your applications to align with strong trading periods where possible. Updated accounts, stable cash flow and recent management information can bolster your profile. Fewer surprises can mean fewer scrutiny points.

We support a wide range of sectors — from manufacturing and logistics to farming. If you’re in agriculture, explore our guide to agriculture business loans to see common funding routes for seasonal cash flow, machinery and equipment.

When you’re ready, submit a Quick Quote. You’ll get matched to providers likely to support your use case, without a hard check at this stage and with no obligation to proceed.

FAQs, key takeaways and compliance notes

FAQs

Does Best Business Loans run a hard credit check for a Quick Quote?

No. A Quick Quote with Best Business Loans does not trigger a hard credit search, and it will not affect your credit score. We use your details to match you with relevant providers only.

Can a lender run a hard check later?

Yes, but only with your explicit consent when you choose to proceed with a specific provider. This usually happens at the formal application stage or when finalising terms.

Do soft searches impact my score?

No. Soft searches are visible only to you and do not affect your credit score. They are commonly used for eligibility assessments.

Will providers check both business and personal credit?

They may do, depending on the product and whether a personal guarantee is required. Asset-backed products often focus on the asset and business affordability, but checks still apply.

How many hard checks are too many?

There’s no fixed number, but several hard checks within a short time can be a red flag to some lenders. Use eligibility routes first to minimise unnecessary hard searches.

Does Open Banking replace credit checks?

No, but it can complement them by verifying affordability more efficiently. This can help providers assess risk without repeatedly requesting documents.

Key takeaways

• Your Quick Quote will not affect your credit score.
• Soft checks help assess eligibility and do not impact your score.
• Hard checks occur only if you proceed with a provider and consent, and they may have a small, temporary impact.
• Use eligibility tools, accurate data and selective applications to reduce unnecessary hard checks.
• Our AI matching introduces you to providers who fit your profile — fast, free and with no obligation.

Important information and fair, clear, not misleading disclosure

Best Business Loans is an independent introducer and does not offer loans directly or provide regulated credit broking services. We introduce UK businesses to third‑party lenders and brokers who are authorised where required and who set their own lending criteria, rates and terms.

Submitting a Quick Quote does not guarantee an offer of finance, interest rate or acceptance. Any subsequent hard credit search will only be performed by a chosen provider with your explicit consent and in line with UK law and the provider’s policies.

We aim to ensure all information is fair, clear and not misleading and to encourage informed, responsible borrowing decisions. Updated October 2025.

Author and review

Author: Best Business Loans Editorial Team — specialists in UK commercial finance guidance for established SMEs. Reviewed by: Senior Commercial Finance Consultant (10+ years’ experience across asset finance, working capital and secured lending).

Need help before you submit your Quick Quote? Email hello@bestbusinessloans.ai for guidance.