Credit Searches

How Does Applying for a Loan Affect My Credit Rating?

When you’re considering applying for a business loan, it’s natural to wonder: “Will this affect my credit rating?” It’s a good question to ask especially if you’re planning future investments, managing other lines of credit, or simply trying to maintain a strong financial profile.

At Quay Financial Group, we understand that transparency and trust are essential when it comes to your finances. That’s why we want you to know exactly how our loan application process interacts with your credit profile — and how we keep the impact minimal.

Soft vs. Hard Credit Searches: What’s the Difference?

When you apply for any kind of finance, the lender typically runs some form of credit check. There are two types:

Soft Search (Soft Credit Check):  This is a quick, non-intrusive review of your credit report. There is no effect on your credit score and it is only seen by the organisation undertaking the search, meaning that it doesn’t appear to other lenders.  In short, it’s used to pre-qualify or assess the basic suitability for lending.

At Quay Financial Group, we may carry out soft searches on company directors as part of our securitisation process, especially when tailoring bespoke lending solutions. These soft checks help us understand your profile without affecting your credit score in any way.

Hard Search (Hard Credit Check):  This is a detailed review of your credit history which can affect your credit score, especially if multiple hard checks are run in a short period. Hard checks are also visible to other lenders, but they are often used to make final lending decisions.

It’s important to note that Quay Financial Group does not perform any initial hard searches. We believe in protecting your credit profile while still giving you the best chance of securing funding.

What This Means for You

Applying for a loan through Quay Financial Group is designed to be low-impact and stress-free. Our process includes:

• Initial consultation and loan structuring — with no commitment
• Soft checks only, if required, to explore suitable options
• No hard searches during application or pre-approval
• A client-first approach focused on transparency and long-term financial health

We only ever move forward with deeper credit reviews if, and when, you’re comfortable — and even then, we guide you through every step.

Protecting Your Credit Score While Exploring Finance

Here are a few tips to help you maintain a healthy credit profile while seeking finance:

• Avoid multiple hard applications in a short time frame
• Work with companies like Quay Financial who use soft searches and bespoke assessments
• Know your credit status ahead of time so there are no surprises
• Ask questions — a good lender should be open and upfront about their processes

We’re Here to Help — Not Harm

At Quay Financial Group, we pride ourselves on providing responsible, transparent lending advice. Whether you’re exploring finance for growth, working capital, equipment, or a bespoke business opportunity, you can do so with the confidence that your credit profile is being respected.

Get in touch with our team for a confidential, no-obligation conversation.