What a soft search actually is
A quotation search, not an application.
A soft search, recorded by the credit reference agencies as a quotation search, asks the lender the question “would you lend to this person, and on roughly what terms?” without registering an application. It appears on your credit report, but in a section only you can see.
That distinction matters because multiple hard searches in a short window make you look like someone urgently seeking credit, and lenders score that negatively. Soft searches carry no such penalty, so you can check with several lenders in a day without any harm.
Soft search vs hard search
| Soft search | Hard search | |
|---|---|---|
| Visible to lenders | No | Yes, for 12 months |
| Affects your score | No | Usually a small temporary dip |
| When it happens | Eligibility check | Full application on a chosen car |
| Result you get | Indicative APR and likelihood | A binding lending decision |
What the check tells you
- Which lenders on the panel are likely to accept you.
- An indicative APR band, so you can judge affordability honestly.
- A realistic monthly budget, which is what actually narrows the car search.
- Whether a deposit or a longer term would move you into a better rate band.
An indicative rate is not a guarantee. The final APR is set once the lender has verified income, address history and the vehicle itself, but for the large majority of applicants the final figure lands in the band the soft search indicated.
Check where you stand
See your indicative rate in about 60 seconds
A soft search takes about 60 seconds and is only ever visible to you. It leaves no footprint on your credit file, and you are under no obligation to go ahead.
Check my eligibilityRun your own numbers — change the deposit, term and APR to see what the monthly payment actually becomes.
Open the calculator- Cash price
- £12,000
- Deposit (advance payment)
- £1,200
- Total amount of credit
- £10,800
- Duration of agreement
- 48 months
- Rate of interest (fixed)
- 12.2% p.a.
- Monthly repayment
- £285.44 × 48
- Total charge for credit (interest)
- £2,901.12
- Total amount payable
- £14,901.12
Motoring Today is a credit broker, not a lender. Motoring Today is a trading style of Motor Genius Group Ltd (FRN 960504), an appointed representative of The Compliance Guys Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 941360). Finance is subject to status and approval; rates depend on your circumstances and the lender. Available to permanent UK residents aged 18+. Example figures only — not a quote.
Frequently asked questions
The questions buyers ask us most on this topic.