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SCHUFA-Neutral Loan Comparison
When you compare loan offers, the tool sends a soft inquiry (Konditionsanfrage) to SCHUFA. Other banks cannot see it. Your score stays the same. Only when you pick one loan and formally apply does a hard inquiry (Kreditanfrage) get recorded. That distinction matters.
Key takeaway
- Soft inquiry: Score unchanged. Invisible to other banks. Unlimited.
- Hard inquiry: Recorded. Visible to banks. Multiple ones lower your score.
- Strategy: Compare first (soft), then apply for only one (hard).
Soft inquiry vs. hard inquiry
| Feature | Soft inquiry | Hard inquiry |
|---|---|---|
| Visible to other banks | No | Yes |
| Affects score | No | Yes |
| Suitable for comparisons | Yes | No |
| Number does not matter | Yes | No |
| Only you can see it | Yes | No |
Source: SCHUFA FAQ. Both stored 12 months. Loans: 3 years after repayment.
How it works
- 1. Enter amount and term.
- 2. Bank checks SCHUFA (soft). Your score stays the same.
- 3. Personal rate shown. You see what the loan actually costs.
- 4. Hard inquiry only on application.
Watch out for “loans without SCHUFA”
Providers promising a loan without any SCHUFA check are often problematic. Higher rates, sometimes upfront fees. German banks are legally required to check creditworthiness (Section 18a KWG). Use soft inquiries instead.
Protect your score
- Compare first, apply once.
- Close unused accounts and cards.
- Check your data yearly at meineSCHUFA.de (GDPR Art. 15).
- New scoring since March 2026: New SCHUFA Score 2026. German version: Schufaneutraler Kredit. More detailed: SCHUFA-neutral credit.
Compare loans (SCHUFA-neutral)
Soft inquiry only. Your score stays untouched.
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. This is what reputable comparison tools use (source: SCHUFA FAQ).
What is the difference to a hard credit inquiry?
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 comparing.
Does comparing loans affect my SCHUFA score?
No. Comparison tools use soft inquiries (Konditionsanfragen). Only when you choose one offer and formally apply does a hard inquiry get recorded.
Are there loans completely without SCHUFA check?
Yes, called Swiss loans. But they usually come with higher interest rates and sometimes upfront fees. German banks are legally required to check creditworthiness (Section 18a KWG). Better approach: use soft inquiries to compare normally.
How long do inquiries stay on my record?
Soft inquiries: 12 months, only visible to you. Hard inquiries: 12 months, visible to other banks. Loans: deleted 3 years after full repayment.
How many soft inquiries can I make?
As many as you want. SCHUFA clearly distinguishes between Konditionsanfrage and Kreditanfrage. The number of soft inquiries has zero effect on your score.
Can I check my SCHUFA score?
Yes. Since March 17, 2026, you can view your new score digitally at meineSCHUFA.de. One free data copy per year under GDPR Article 15.