A hard inquiry can lower or negatively impact a person’s credit score by zero to five points based on one’s credit profile and credit history. The more frequent a hard inquiry, the more points the individual loses. Hard inquiries can stay for almost 24 months (2 years) on a credit report. Also, if there are many hard inquiries that have occurred over a short period of time, you can appear as a risky customer to a lender. This is why it is not advisable to apply for multiple credit products in a short period of time. It is better to apply for just one product after checking your own credit score and making sure that you are eligible for the credit product you are applying for. 

To check your free credit score, click here. Checking your own credit score does not lower it as it is considered a soft inquiry only.