Even though students receive a credit report that includes their current TransUnion credit score, the report is generated using a soft inquiry (also called a soft pull). A soft inquiry allows you to view information from your credit file without impacting your credit score.
This means:
- Your credit score will not go down because of the Rent Well credit report.
- No landlord can see that you accessed your report through Rent Well.
- You can review your singular report and score as often as needed through the program without penalty.
A soft inquiry is different from a hard inquiry, which occurs when you apply for things like:
- A credit card
- A mortgage or auto loan
- Some apartment applications or utility accounts
Hard inquiries can sometimes temporarily lower your credit score by a few points because they indicate that you may be seeking new credit.
The purpose of providing your TransUnion credit report through Rent Well is simply to help you:
- Understand what information landlords may see when screening applicants.
- Identify any errors or issues that may need to be corrected.
- Learn ways to improve your credit and strengthen your future rental applications.
Bottom line: Viewing your TransUnion credit report through Rent Well is an educational tool and will not negatively affect your credit score.