How to dispute an unauthorised hard search on your credit file
Spotted a hard search on your credit file that you don’t recognise? That’s understandably worrying. Multiple hard searches in a short period can lower your score and make you look desperate for credit.
But before you dispute, a word of caution: many “unauthorised” searches turn out to be ones you did consent to — buried in the terms and conditions of a comparison site or car dealer. Check first, then dispute if it’s genuinely not yours.
Key takeaways
- Hard searches are visible to lenders and can affect your score. Soft searches can’t.
- You can only remove searches that were genuinely unauthorised.
- Hard searches drop off naturally after 1–2 years (Experian: 1 year; Equifax/TransUnion: 2 years).
- Many comparison sites and car dealers sneak hard search consent into their T&Cs.
- If the search is nearly a year old, it might be quicker to just wait it out.
What’s the difference between soft and hard searches?
Soft searches happen during eligibility checks, identity verification, and when you check your own credit report. They’re only visible to you, not other lenders, and don’t affect your score.
Hard searches happen when you submit a full credit application (credit card, loan, mortgage, phone contract). They’re visible to other lenders and multiple hard searches in a short period can lower your score. They stay on your report for 1–2 years.
Can you actually get this removed?
You can dispute a hard search if you never contacted the company, never submitted an application, never consented to a credit check, or believe the search was part of identity fraud.
You cannot dispute a search from an application you made but regret, or a search you consented to in terms and conditions (even if you didn’t read them).
Here’s what to do
Identify the company that performed the search (it’s named on your report).
Contact them and ask why they searched your file.
If you never gave consent, ask them to remove the search.
If they refuse, raise a dispute with the CRA.
If the search looks like it’s from fraud, report to Action Fraud and follow the identity theft process.
Escalate to the ICO if the search was a genuine data protection breach (processing without lawful basis).
Evidence checklist
- Your credit report showing the hard search
- Evidence you didn’t apply or consent (e.g., no correspondence, no account)
- If from a company you do recognise, check whether you agreed to a hard search in their terms
Dispute this with your CRA
Each agency has a different process. Pick yours for a step-by-step guide:
FAQs
How long do hard searches hang around?
Experian keeps them for 1 year. Equifax and TransUnion keep them for 2 years. The impact on your score typically fades after about 6 months.
I applied but got declined. Can I remove the hard search?
No. If you applied for credit and the lender ran a legitimate search, it stays — even if you were declined or changed your mind.
Do soft searches affect my score?
No. Soft searches are only visible to you. Lenders can’t see them and they have zero impact on your score.
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