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SCHUFA-Neutral Credit in Germany

When you compare loan offers through a comparison tool, the portal sends a soft inquiry (Konditionsanfrage) to SCHUFA. This is invisible to other banks and does not affect your score. Only when you pick one offer and formally apply does a hard inquiry (Kreditanfrage) get recorded. Understanding this difference can save you real money.

Key takeaway

Soft inquiry (Konditionsanfrage): Score stays the same. Other banks see nothing. You can make as many as you want.
Hard inquiry (Kreditanfrage): Recorded at SCHUFA. Visible to other banks. Multiple hard inquiries in a short time lower your score.
Best practice: Compare first (soft inquiry), then apply for only one loan (hard inquiry).

Soft inquiry vs. hard inquiry

SCHUFA distinguishes two types of inquiry. This is not a technicality. It has real consequences for your score:

Feature	Soft inquiry	Hard inquiry
Other banks see it	No	Yes
Affects score	No	Yes
Suitable for comparisons	Yes	No
Number doesn't matter	Yes	No
Only you see it	Yes	No

Source: SCHUFA FAQ. Both inquiry types stored for 12 months. Loans themselves: deleted 3 years after repayment.

How a SCHUFA-neutral comparison works

1. Enter amount and term. The comparison tool collects your details.
2. Bank checks with SCHUFA (soft). A Konditionsanfrage is sent. Your score stays the same.
3. You see your personal rate. The actual cost of the loan based on your profile.
4. Hard inquiry only on application. Only happens when you formally apply for one specific loan.

Watch out for “loans without SCHUFA”

Providers promising a loan completely without SCHUFA check are often problematic. Higher interest, sometimes upfront fees, and questionable legitimacy. German banks are legally required to check creditworthiness (Section 18a KWG, Kreditwesengesetz). The real solution: use soft inquiries. Your creditworthiness gets checked, but your score stays protected.

How to protect your score

Compare first, apply once. Do not submit formal applications to 5 banks. Compare via soft inquiries first, then apply for the best one only.
Close unused accounts. Every open credit card and unused account increases your calculated risk.
Get your free data copy yearly. At meineSCHUFA.de (GDPR Article 15). Check for errors and get them corrected.
New SCHUFA scoring since March 17, 2026: New SCHUFA Score 2026. German version: Schufaneutraler Kredit.

Frequently asked questions

What is a SCHUFA-neutral soft inquiry (Konditionsanfrage)?

A Konditionsanfrage is recorded by SCHUFA but not shared with other banks. It does not affect your score. You can make as many as you want without any consequences. This is what reputable comparison tools use (source: SCHUFA FAQ).

What is the difference between soft and hard inquiries?

A hard inquiry (Kreditanfrage) is visible to other banks and can lower your score if you make several in a short time. It only happens when you formally apply for a specific loan, not when you compare rates.

Does comparing loan rates affect my SCHUFA score?

No. Comparison tools use soft inquiries (Konditionsanfragen). Only when you choose one offer and formally apply does a hard inquiry (Kreditanfrage) get recorded.

Are there loans completely without SCHUFA?

Yes, called Swiss loans (Schweizer Kredite). But they usually come with higher interest rates and sometimes upfront fees. Banks in Germany are legally required to check creditworthiness (Section 18a KWG). Better approach: use soft inquiries to compare normally.

How long do inquiries stay on my SCHUFA record?

Soft inquiries: 12 months, only visible to you. Hard inquiries: 12 months, visible to other banks. Loans themselves: deleted 3 years after full repayment.

How many soft inquiries can I make?

As many as you want. Soft inquiries are designed for comparing offers. SCHUFA clearly distinguishes between Konditionsanfrage and Kreditanfrage. The number of soft inquiries has zero effect on your score.

Can I check my SCHUFA score myself?

Yes. Since March 17, 2026, you can view your new score digitally at meineSCHUFA.de. You are entitled to one free data copy per year under GDPR (Article 15). Check regularly for errors.

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