Check for car finance without affecting your credit score

What is a soft search?

A soft search is a type of credit check which allows us to see your financial history (i.e. how you’ve managed your loans and finances) without having this information exposed to lenders.

Here’s how it works. Start by using our car finance calculator to get an idea of your monthly payments and finance rate, based on your credit profile. Next, we ask you to complete a short online application form. This should take no longer than three minutes to complete. We’ll require simple details such as name, address, date of birth, contact details, and employment details. You will then receive an instant online decision on screen, with confirmation by email and text.

A tailored approach to car finance

We understand that no two customers are the same. In addition, there are many different factors that can affect the outcome of your application. Our commitment is to find you the best finance solution possible. To do this, we adhere to lending regulations. This involves placing all our prospective customers into one of two categories: prime and subprime.

• Prime customers (those with a good credit status) will receive an actual annual percentage rate (APR) – this rate is a transparent one, i.e. in the majority of cases this will be the rate a customer will pay.
• Subprime customers (those with an impaired credit history) will receive confirmation of their application. The My Car Credit team will work hard with our panel of 30+ lenders to get the right deal for your circumstances.

No impact on credit score

Soft search is convenient and provides all the key information needed to get the wheels in motion. However, the key benefit of a is that it is not visible to lenders. This means that it won’t affect your future ability to obtain finance. This is true even in the event that you are declined for finance with us.

If you were to ask for a copy of your credit report, you will be able to see the soft search on there. Within reason, you can have as many soft searches as you like without affecting your credit score. Essentially, a soft search checks for the same type of data that a ‘hard’ application would. The difference is, there is no risk of putting a mark on your credit file.

What does all this mean for you?

The approach at My Car Credit means you have the freedom to shop around for car finance before making a decision. It also ensures that you aren’t penalised if you are refused car finance..

There is also no obligation or fee attached to the soft search application process with us. If you’re not sure that the quoted rate is right for your circumstances, you are free to take the information away with you. However, if you are happy to proceed with the rate you’ve been quoted, simply complete your application with us – it’s as easy as that.

Put simply: A soft search is a fantastic way of starting your car finance application without the worry of affecting your credit score. Soft search provides a very good indication of where you stand in terms of being approved for credit. It’s worth noting, it is not a replacement for checking your credit history and improving your credit score before making an application.