 TITLE: Do Utility Company Inquiries Hurt Your Credit Score? CONTENT: The Difference Between Hard Inquiries and Soft Inquiries\n--------------------------------------------------------\nThere are two types of credit inquiries: hard and soft.\n*   **Hard inquiries** typically occur when you initiate a credit transaction, such as applying for a loan or credit card. That said, one additional hard inquiry will typically knock less than five points off a person's FICO® Score☉ . Where it can have a greater impact is if you have too many inquiries in a short period. Why? Because it can be a sign of financial distress.\n*   **Soft inquiries**, on the other hand, have no effect on your credit score. These typically occur when a prospective lender sends a preapproval offer, or an existing lender runs a credit inquiry during a routine account review. Similarly, utility companies checking your credit are soft inquiries. Checking your own credit report is also considered a soft inquiry. END