Hard inquiries may occur by a lender when you apply for a loan, credit card, or mortgage. They provide the lender with a detailed report of your credit history. They may have an impact on your credit score and usually stay on your credit report for up to two years. Soft inquiries usually occur during a pre-qualification or pre-approval. They provide the lender with a high-level summary of your credit report. They do not have an impact on your credit score.