How does this work...

[gorgon]

So let's say you check your credit score to make sure you qualify for the best rate based on the minimum score the lender needs for best rate. Now let's say they need 670 or higher and you are at exactly 670. If they check your credit and their inquiry drops your score down to say 668, do they see the original 670, or the aftermath 668 caused by their inquiry?

[Anonymous]

For auto/home inquiries, they won't drop your score until a while after the pull. It's a non-issue

 For other loans it's still usually the score prior to inquiry penalty

[K-in-Boston]

Credit scores are based on the credit report data at the time of the inquiry.  An inquiry is not noted until the report has been pulled and the inquiry has actually taken place as it is a snapshot of your credit as of that moment, therefore no scoring impact (which in many cases there is none anyway) could happen until after the score is generated.  

It's all about the order of operations.  Very good question, though!

[Mr_Mojo_Risin]

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@K-in-Boston wrote:

Credit scores are based on the credit report data at the time of the inquiry.  An inquiry is not noted until the report has been pulled and the inquiry has actually taken place as it is a snapshot of your credit as of that moment, therefore no scoring impact (which in many cases there is none anyway) could happen until after the score is generated.  

It's all about the order of operations.  Very good question, though!

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I'd never thought about that before.

Yes, very good question and answer!

Thanks to both of you!