Tom Hodges Mitsubishi
Auto Finance Center

Soft Credit Pull vs Hard Credit Pull

When you’re shopping for a vehicle, your credit plays an important role in financing—but not all credit checks work the same way. Understanding the difference between a soft credit pull and a hard credit pull can help you make informed decisions and shop with confidence.

What Is a Soft Credit Pull?

A soft credit pull (also known as a soft inquiry) allows a dealership or lender to review a limited version of your credit profile without affecting your credit score.

Soft Credit Pull Highlights:

Does not impact your credit score
Not visible to other lenders
Commonly used for pre-qualification
Helps estimate loan terms and monthly payments

When Dealerships Use Soft Credit Pulls:

To pre-qualify customers for auto financing
To provide payment estimates
To match buyers with vehicles in their budget
To allow shoppers to explore options without commitment

Soft credit pulls are ideal for customers who are early in the car-buying process.

What Is a Hard Credit Pull?

A hard credit pull (hard inquiry) is a more detailed credit check used when you formally apply for financing.

Hard Credit Pull Highlights:

May slightly affect your credit score
Visible to lenders on your credit report
Required for final loan approval
Used to secure interest rates and loan terms

When Dealerships Use Hard Credit Pulls:

When submitting a finance application
When finalizing an auto loan
When sending your information to lenders for approval

Hard inquiries typically have a small, temporary impact on your credit score.

Understanding which credit check is right for you can help you protect your credit, avoid unnecessary inquiries, and make confident financing decisions throughout the car-buying process. If you have any questions about soft or hard credit pulls or would like help getting started, contact us here at Tom Hodges Mitsubishi—we’re always happy to help.

Car Financing in Hollywood, MD

Before getting behind the wheel of your new truck or car, you’ll need to work out the best car financing that's right for you!

Get started with your car financing here at Tom Hodges Mitsubishi! Our staff is dedicated to making the car loan process as simple as possible so you can focus on enjoying buying your dream car, truck, or SUV. Whether you're looking for the all new Mitsubishi Outlander or a family car to roadtrip in, our finance staff will help you get the best auto loan in the Wisconsin area.

As your local Mitsubishi dealer, we have a top-notch finance center where our team of experts will gladly help with all your financing needs.

It doesn’t matter if you have good or bad credit, our financing department will do what they can to help you get the best monthly payments and low interest rates possible. We don’t care if you’re new to the country, been turned down by other Hollywood car dealerships, or if you’ve missed a couple payments, we want to help you with your car loan. You can get started by searching through our new or used car inventory and filling out a trade in application to see what budget you’re working with. Follow through by estimating your new car’s payments with our online payment calculator.

To make the car financing process as simple as possible, we offer the option to apply for a car loan online.

You can apply for financing right from the comfort of your home; the application is simple, and it will allow you to save time at the car dealership. Just tell us a little bit about your finances, and we will contact you to talk about the options that best suit your current needs. That way your financing is already worked out by the time you come in to buy or lease your new car.

When you're ready to take care of your auto financing needs, come on over to your local car dealership.

We are always happy to help take care of all your car financing needs so you can get behind the wheel of the best new car that's right for you. Search through our new and used cars and fill out a credit application to get started on your car loan. Customers come as far as Lusby, Lexington Park, and Waldorf to work with our friendly financing managers to receive the best finance program at the most competitive rates. Save money with our finance department and get started today! Contact us if you have any questions or come see us and we’ll get any questions you have answered!