There are two types of credit inquiries, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB):

Hard inquiries: When you apply for credit, inquiries by the lenders appear on your credit report. The CFPB says these credit checks, known as hard inquiries, affect your credit score since they are an indication of how often and how recently you applied for credit. Experian notes that new hard inquiries may be factored into a creditor's decision, as they often mean you have recently added debt.

Soft inquiries: When your credit report is reviewed by you, by lenders reviewing existing accounts, or by prospective lenders for pre-screening, it is noted as a soft inquiry. These will not affect your credit score, according to the CFPB.