Every new credit application triggers a hard inquiry that can temporarily lower your score. Manage applications strategically — especially before applying for a mortgage or major loan.
Anyone planning to apply for a mortgage or major loan in the next 6–12 months.
Avoid applying for new credit cards or loans in the 6–12 months before a major loan application.
When rate-shopping for a mortgage or auto loan, submit all applications within a 14-day window — bureaus count these as a single inquiry.
Understand that hard inquiries fall off your report completely after 2 years, and stop materially affecting your score after 12 months.