 TITLE: How Long Do Hard Inquiries Stay on Your Credit Report? CONTENT: Avoid Unnecessary Applications Prior to Applying for Home or Auto Loan\n----------------------------------------------------------------------\nWhile a single hard inquiry on your credit report can cause a small, short-term decline in your credit score, it shouldn't have a major negative impact, especially if you have good credit. Having several hard inquiries for different types of credit in a short time, however, could cause a more significant dip in scores and cause lenders to worry that you are having financial difficulty or that you could become overextended.\nIf you're seeking a loan for a big purchase like a home or a car, first get a copy of your credit report and review it. Avoid applying for new credit until you apply for your mortgage or auto loan. And consider signing up for free credit monitoring—it will help you stay on top of your credit situation and can also help alert you to signs of fraud or identity theft, including unauthorized hard inquiries. END