Hard inquiries occur when a potential lender reviews a borrower’s credit after they apply for new credit, such as an auto loan, mortgage, or credit card. These inquiries can stay on a credit report for up to 2 years. While they’re a normal part of the credit application process, it’s good to know they can have a slight impact on the borrower’s credit score. Being aware of hard inquiries helps you better understand a borrower’s credit profile and lending risk. 📊🔍