Credit

3 min

Soft check or hard check: what lenders can see

Checking your rate shouldn't cost you points. Here is the difference between the two kinds of credit check, and when each one happens.

Sam Whitlock




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Checking your rate is a soft credit inquiry. Loans and lines are issued by Harrow & Pine Bank, N.A., member FDIC, and Calder Trust Bank. Not available in all states.

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Oculen is a financial technology company, not a bank. Lines of credit and draws are issued by Harrow & Pine Bank, N.A., Member FDIC, and in some states by Calder Trust Bank. All credit is subject to approval. Checking your rate uses a soft credit inquiry, which does not affect your credit score; accepting an offer and drawing funds results in a hard inquiry. APRs range from 7.9% to 29.9% fixed and depend on credit history, income and term. Representative example: $10,000 over 36 months at 12.4% APR is 36 payments of $334.06, $12,026.05 in total. No origination, annual or early repayment fees; a $15 fee applies to payments more than 15 days late. The card is issued under licence by the same partner banks. Oculen, Harrow & Pine Bank and Calder Trust Bank are fictional names used in this template.

© 2026 Oculen, Inc. · NMLS ID 2604177 (fictional)

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