Credit Enquiry Removal: Protecting Your Score from Unnecessary Dents

Introduction: The Hidden Impact of Credit Enquiries

When most people think about their credit score, they focus on late payments, defaults or big debts. But there’s another factor that quietly chips away at your score — credit enquiries. Each time you apply for credit (a loan, card or even a phone plan), the provider usually records a hard enquiry on your file. A few in quick succession can lower your score and make you appear financially stretched. Unlike soft enquiries (like checking your own report), hard enquiries remain visible for up to two years.

The good news: if an enquiry is inaccurate, unauthorised or outdated, you can often have it removed. Below, we explain how enquiries work, why removal matters and the exact steps to clean up your report.

Understanding Hard vs Soft Enquiries

• Soft enquiries: You checking your own report, some background checks or pre-approvals. No score impact.
• Hard enquiries: You actively apply for credit. Leaves a visible footprint and can trim points, especially if there are many in a short period.

Why Removing Enquiries Matters

Enquiries carry less weight than defaults or judgements, but they can still push a borderline score below approval cut-offs. They also influence how lenders view your stability — lots of recent applications can look like you’re scrambling for credit. Critically, fraudulent applications leave hard enquiries you never authorised, signalling possible identity theft. Removal protects both your score and your financial reputation.

How to Remove Incorrect or Unauthorised Enquiries

1. Pull your reports from all three bureaus

   Get Equifax, Experian and illion. Highlight unknown or suspicious enquiries and note dates/creditors.

2. Dispute with the credit reporting body

   Lodge a written dispute for each questionable enquiry. Provide context — e.g., “I did not apply for this product” — and attach any supporting evidence. The bureau must investigate with the credit provider.

3. Escalate to the provider if needed

   Contact the creditor’s complaints team. If the provider can’t verify your consent, the enquiry should be removed. Keep reference numbers and email confirmations.

4. Check the follow-through

   After any correction, re-check all three reports to confirm the removal has flowed through. Keep a paper trail.

5. If legitimate but excessive

   You can’t usually remove valid enquiries, but their impact fades after ~12 months. Focus on limiting new ones and strengthening the rest of your profile.

Preventing Future Unnecessary Enquiries

• Apply sparingly: Only when you genuinely need credit; avoid multiple apps at once.
• Rate shopping window: If comparing loans, keep applications within a short timeframe (often 14–30 days) so similar enquiries may be treated as one category.
• Read the fine print: Some telco, rental or BNPL checks can trigger hard enquiries.
• Monitor your file: Review reports regularly and enable alerts to spot new entries fast.
• Use extra protection: Consider fraud alerts or a credit ban/freeze if you suspect ID theft.

Conclusion: Keep Your Credit File Clean

Credit enquiries might look minor, but they influence decisions at the margins — where approvals are won or lost. Removing incorrect or unauthorised entries and preventing new clutter helps keep your score healthy and your profile lender-ready. Stay proactive, and make every enquiry tell a story of confidence — not doubt.