Friday, September 13, 2013

The Effect of Auto Inquiries on FICO

The Effect of Auto Inquiries on FICO

Although most credit inquiries make up a small part of an individual's credit score, consumers applying for an auto loan with several different lenders should be familiar with how these types of inquiries will affect their FICO score.

The Facts

    According to the Fair Isaac Corporation, numerous credit inquiries in a short period of time may lower an individual's credit score. However, FICO recognizes a consumer's search for a low interest rate on an auto or home loan as rate-shopping and treats these inquires differently than attempts to open several new credit accounts.

Considerations

    The impact that a credit inquiry, including an auto inquiry, may have on a consumer's FICO score varies according to the length of his credit history. FICO estimates that most credit scores may fall up to five points with each added inquiry.

Time Frame

    FICO disregards any auto loan inquiries made during the 30 days before scoring. Auto inquiries conducted more than 30 days before scoring also are grouped together and counted as one inquiry. As a result, most auto inquiries have little or no impact on an individual's score.

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