This depends on the type of credit search. A Soft Credit Search will not have any effect on your credit score. A hard credit search however, will have a slightly negative impact although nothing detrimental.
However, multiple hard credit searches over a short period of time will suggest to lenders you are “credit hungry” and this could cause your Credit Score to drop more significantly.
When you apply for car finance with us we only perform a soft search of your credit file, enabling us to gain a snapshot of your profile. We will only perform a hard search once we’re confident that you’re likely to be accepted by our lending panel, and you have given us your permission to do so.