06/14/2026
How Long Does a Hard Inquiry Affect Your Credit Score?
The scoring impact lasts about 12 months. The visible record lasts about 24 months.
Picture this: you applied for a new card six months ago and your score is still recovering. Or maybe you are planning to apply for a mortgage next year and want to know when your old inquiry will stop counting against you. If you have been wondering how long does a hard inquiry affect your credit score, the answer comes in two parts.