What is a soft credit check?
A soft credit check is used to help us verify identity and address details, and to support fraud prevention and general suitability checks. This type of search does not normally affect your credit score in the same way as a full lending application search. We use Creditsafe for these checks. Where a search is carried out on an individual, they are made aware in advance. In some cases, if a soft search highlights something that needs further review, a hard search may be required, but we will always ask for the customer's permission first before doing this.
Wording reviewed by Billy Lang, Director · FCA Reg 835008
Soft search vs hard search
Both are credit checks, but they affect your credit file very differently. The summary first, then the detail.
| Soft credit check | Hard credit check | |
|---|---|---|
| Visible to other lenders | Generally not | Yes |
| Affects your credit score | Does not normally affect it the same way as a full lending application | Possible — typically a small temporary dip |
| Recorded on your file | Yes — but in a section other lenders generally cannot see | Yes — typically visible for around 12 months |
| When we use it | Eligibility & quote stage | Only if a soft search highlights something needing further review — and only with your permission |
| Repeat checks | No accumulating impact in the way hard searches do | Multiple in a short window can lower your score |
| Provider | Creditsafe (using TransUnion as data partner) | Same — but only with your permission |
What a soft credit check covers
The check is broader than just a score. We use it to verify identity and address, support fraud prevention, and run general suitability checks — and to take a fuller view of your circumstances alongside the credit data.
Identity & address
Confirming who you are and where you live, against the records held by Creditsafe and its data partner TransUnion.
Fraud prevention
Cross-checking the application against fraud-prevention databases. A regulatory necessity, not a judgment.
General suitability
Whether the lease being requested is broadly appropriate for your circumstances at the eligibility stage.
Affordability & income evidence
PAYE, self-employed, sole-trader or limited-company income. Contracts, invoices, SA302s, bank statements where relevant.
Provider: We use Creditsafe for these checks. Creditsafe uses TransUnion as its data partner for consumer credit and identity data. Full disclosure on how this data is processed is in our privacy policy.
What other lenders can and cannot see
A soft search is recorded on your credit file, but in a section that other lenders generally cannot see. Where a search is carried out on you as an individual, you will be made aware in advance.
Hard searches, accounts, payments, defaults, CCJs, public records.
Soft searches like ours, eligibility checks, your own self-views.
When a hard search may be required
Most enquiries do not need a hard search. If a soft search highlights something that needs further review, a hard search may be required — we will always ask for your permission first. A hard search will not happen during a quote or any general conversation without that explicit step.
What this means if you have applied elsewhere recently
If you have applied to a few lenders in the last few months and each one ran a hard search, your credit score may have dipped. A soft check with us does not add to that. You can check with us, see where you stand, and decide whether to proceed without making the situation any worse.
Eligibility module
What may affect a decision
A soft check gives us enough to make an indicative decision. The factors that genuinely move the outcome are honest ones, not hidden:
- Affordability — committed outgoings against verified income
- Employment or trading status — PAYE, self-employed, sole trader, or limited company
- Pattern of past credit issues — one-off vs ongoing
- Documentation we can verify — payslips, SA302s, bank statements, contracts
- Address history and identity verification
All decisions are subject to status. We do not offer guaranteed approval and we will not make claims to that effect — anyone who does is not being honest with you.
The process, end to end
- 1
You get in touch
Online quote form, or call 01392 249250. We ask for the basics — vehicle, term, mileage, your circumstances.
- 2
We run a soft credit check via Creditsafe
Used for identity, address, fraud-prevention and general suitability checks. Does not normally affect your credit score the same way as a full lending application.
- 3
We come back with a quote and a view
Honest answer — yes, no, or yes-but. If we cannot help, we will say so plainly.
- 4
You decide whether to proceed
No pressure. You can take time to think.
- 5
Full agreement (and only here, a hard search if needed — with your permission)
If a soft search highlights something needing further review, a hard search may be required. We always ask first.
Frequently asked questions
Does a soft credit check affect my credit score?
A soft credit check does not normally affect your credit score in the same way as a full lending application search. We use Creditsafe for these checks, primarily to verify identity and address details and to support fraud prevention and general suitability checks.
Will other lenders see that I checked with you?
Soft searches are recorded on your file in a section that other lenders generally cannot see. Where a soft search is carried out on you as an individual, you will be made aware in advance.
When does a hard search happen?
Most enquiries do not require a hard search. In some cases, if a soft search highlights something that needs further review, a hard search may be required — but we will always ask for your permission first before doing this. There are no surprise hard searches.
Can I check my eligibility multiple times without affecting my score?
Yes. Soft searches do not stack up against you the way hard searches can, so checking with us and coming back later does not normally affect your credit score in the same way as a full lending application.
Is this the same as a "pre-approval"?
It is similar in spirit but not the same. A soft check gives us enough information to make an indicative decision and to support identity, address and fraud checks. A formal pre-approval typically involves a hard search. We are explicit about which stage you are at when we talk to you.
Which credit reference agency do you use?
We use Creditsafe for these checks. Creditsafe uses TransUnion as its data partner for consumer credit and identity data. Full disclosure on this is in our privacy policy.
Related
Eligibility
Vehicle leasing with imperfect credit
What we accept and what may affect a decision.
Read more
Audience
Vehicle leasing for the self-employed
SA302s and bank statements accepted. Soft check first.
Read more
Audience
Vehicle leasing for new limited companies
Newly incorporated and no filed accounts? Here is how the soft check changes things.
Read more
Reviewed by
Billy Lang, Director
FCA Registration No: 835008
See where you stand
Run a soft check via Creditsafe, or talk to an adviser. Does not normally affect your credit score the same way as a full lending application.
