Hey folks! I'vebeen hearing the terms "hard and soft inquiries" thrown around here, but I have no idea how to tell the difference on my equifax report. What's the difference? how can I tell? thanks a bunch!
On Equifax, hard inquiries are listed with the creditors name only. I.E. Capital One. Soft inquiries are listed with AR, AM, PRM, before the actual creditor name. I.E. AR Capital One or PRM Capital One. Fortunately, EX and TU separate soft and hard inq's from each other.
For Equifax: THE FOLLOWING INQUIRIES ARE NOT REPORTED TO BUSINESSES: PRM - This is a promotional inquiry in which only your name and address were given to a credit grantor so you could be solicited you with an offer such as a credit card. (PRM inquiries remain on file for 12 months.) AM or AR - These inquiries indicate a periodic review of your credit history by one of your creditors (AM and AR inquiries remain on file for 12 months.) EQUIFAX, ACIS or UPDATE - These inquiries indicate Equifax's activity in response to your contact with us for either a copy of your credit file or a request for research. PRM, AM, AR, INQ, EQUIFAX, ACIS and UPDATE inquiries do not show on credit files that businesses receive, only on copies provided to you. All others would be considered HARD Inquiries. As far what they mean see the FAQ -Peace, Dave
