I am about to move out to my own residence and I had a question regarding a few utility companies and whether or not they perform a soft or hard pull.
Companies:
1.Southern California Edison (electric company) - I called them to ask if it was soft or hard, and if I didn't provide my SSN what would the deposit me. Given my area, I guess its a $90 depoist (double the amount of the average electric bill in the area). The deposit is given back to you once you either cancel service or make 12 on time payments. The lady on the phone told me 100% it's a soft pull but I've heard horror stories from various people. Supposedly they say it's a soft pull but when you pull your credit the following day it shows up as a hard pull. Does anyone know if it is considered a soft or hard pull?
2. Direct TV - I have both called them and talked with them online to determine if it is a soft or hard inquiry. Each and every time they state that it is considered a "soft credit check." They also say they are 100% sure it isn't a hard pull. I've done some research and it seems sometimes it comes up as a hard pull but nothing for certain. After some time she then said that the inquiry would be gone in 30 days...?
3. DISH Network - Same story as with direct tv but even worse. The lady I spoke with said it was a soft pull when I told her I didn't think it was there was she asked her manager and the manager said it was a soft pull. I tried telling her that I wasn't too sure about that and it seems that people have said it is a hard, her manager spoke with his supervisor and the supervisor said it was a hard pull but that it didn't matter because there are only hard pulls. No such thing as soft pulls. I tried explaining to this lady what the difference was but she kept repating what the higher up person told her.
4. Southern California Gas Company - I haven't done much research on the gas company. So I really have no idea.
As I said above, does anyone know for certain if any of these are hard or soft pulls. Most of these companies were trying to tell me that all utility credit checks don't hurt your credit because it isn't a loan or mortage I'm going after its only for utility and everyone knows that.
If anyone has any insight it would be appreciated! The sooner the better.
