When you compare offers, lenders will do a soft search on your credit history. It helps them decide what sort of offer you could be eligible for. It’s only visible to you and doesn’t have an impact on your score. You can compare as many offers as you like without harming your credit score. When you apply, the lender will carry out a hard search. It’s a full review of your credit history and stays on your report for a year. A hard search can affect your credit score but, as long as you borrow responsibly, the impact should be short-term. Learn more about hard and soft searches.