When a lender pulls your credit to decide on an application, it shows on your report as a hard inquiry. Checking your own credit, or a lender’s soft check, does not.
Why it matters
Scoring models usually treat several mortgage checks within a short shopping window as one, so comparing lenders is fine. Opening new cards or loans while you are getting a mortgage is a different story: it can change your score and your debts right when the lender is looking.
Where you meet it
When you apply. Hold off on new credit until after closing.
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