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WordsA credit check when you apply

Hard enquiry

A lender asking a credit bureau for your report because you’ve applied for credit, like a card or a loan. It’s listed on your report, and Experian’s lists the last two years of them; RBI’s rules have the bureau send you an SMS or email when one appears, if it has your number or email.

Experian’s FAQ says a hard enquiry might lower a score for a while. The rejection itself stays off your report: RBI’s rules keep bureaus from reporting declined applications.

Where this comes from

  1. Experian India, Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is a credit inquiry? and Will my Experian Credit Score drop if I apply for new credit?
  2. RBI, Credit Information Companies Directions, 2025Paragraphs 21(5), 21(8) and 37(i), as updated 1 July 2026

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What moved your CIBIL scoreWhat happened the first time you applied?

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What happened to members, not financial advice. Offers change, so check with the bank. Terms of use