Soft credit checks, also known as soft inquiries or soft pulls, are a type of credit inquiry that does not impact a person's credit score. These checks are performed to provide a snapshot of an individual's creditworthiness without recording an official inquiry on their credit report. Unlike hard credit checks, which are used when applying for credit cards, loans, or mortgages, soft credit checks are often utilized for background checks, pre-approval offers, and other informational purposes.