A soft-pull auto refinance lets you prequalify using a soft credit pull that doesn't affect your credit score. According to RefiJet, it uses a soft pull through TransUnion to prequalify, and a hard pull happens only once you choose to move forward with a lender offer (confirm on their site). Prequalification is not approval; final terms depend on the lender's full review.
Soft vs. hard credit inquiries
| Soft inquiry | Hard inquiry | |
|---|---|---|
| When it happens | Prequalification, checking your own credit, some account reviews | When you formally apply for credit |
| Affects your score? | No | May cause a small, temporary dip |
| Visible to other lenders? | Generally only to you | Yes, on your credit report |
| Is it a credit check? | Yes, just a lighter one | Yes, a full review |
A soft pull is still a credit check. That's why we never describe it as "no credit check." The difference is that it doesn't affect your credit score and isn't used to make a final lending decision.
How RefiJet's soft-pull prequalification works
According to RefiJet, their process starts with a soft credit pull through TransUnion to prequalify you before approval. That lets you see potential refinance options without a hard inquiry on your report. A hard pull happens only once you choose to move forward with a lender offer. Processes can change, so confirm the current details on RefiJet's site before you apply.
- You share basic information about yourself, your vehicle, and your current loan.
- A soft pull is used to prequalify you.
- You review potential options.
- If you choose to proceed with an offer, the lender does a full review, including a hard inquiry.
- Final approval and terms come from the lender.
Check refinance options with RefiJet (soft pull)
Affiliate note: RefiJet and SuperMoney links are affiliate or referral links. Elite Auto Funding may be compensated if you click, apply, or are matched, at no extra cost to you. Rates, terms, and approval are set by the lender, not by us.
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Talk to Our TeamPrequalification is not approval
Prequalified offers are estimates based on limited information. When you move forward, the lender verifies your income, identity, vehicle, and full credit report. Offers can change, and approval isn't guaranteed. That's normal, and it's why it pays to have your documents in order. Our refinance checklist covers what you'll typically need.
The rate-shopping window for auto loans
Credit scoring models recognize that people shop around for auto loans. Many versions of common scoring models may treat multiple auto loan inquiries made within a short period as a single inquiry for scoring purposes. The length of that window varies by model and version, typically somewhere in the range of about two weeks to 45 days.
- Do your comparison shopping within a focused period rather than spreading applications over months.
- Start with soft-pull prequalifications, then submit full applications close together.
- This treatment generally applies to similar loan types. A credit card application during the same period is counted separately.
- Lenders may still see each inquiry on your report, even if scoring treats them as one.
Scoring rules vary and change, so treat this as a general guideline, not a guarantee.
Soft-pull shopping vs. the dealership finance office
When you finance at a dealership, the finance office may send your application to several lenders at once to find an approval. Each of those can show up as a hard inquiry, and you often don't see the full list of offers, only the one presented to you. Dealers may also be compensated based on the rate they arrange.
Soft-pull refinance prequalification flips that around. You see potential options first, on your own time, and you decide whether to move forward. If you do, the hard inquiry comes from a lender you chose, for an offer you've already reviewed. That's a big part of why we lead with refinancing for clients whose credit has improved: it puts you in control of the process instead of the finance office.
- Take screenshots or notes of each prequalified offer so you can compare them side by side.
- Check whether the offer's term is longer than your remaining term. A longer term can lower the payment but may increase total interest paid.
- Ask about fees, including Texas title fees, before you proceed.
Why soft pulls matter after credit repair
If you've recently worked on your credit, you don't want to undercut that progress with unnecessary hard inquiries. Soft-pull prequalification lets you test the waters first and apply only when there's a real option on the table. Read more about timing on our refinance after credit repair page, or see refinancing with bad credit if your profile is still rebuilding.
Frequently asked questions
Does prequalifying for an auto refinance hurt my credit?
A soft-pull prequalification doesn't affect your credit score. A hard inquiry generally happens only when you formally apply or move forward with an offer.
Can I prequalify more than once?
Soft pulls don't affect your credit score, so checking again later, for example after your credit improves, generally won't hurt. Each platform sets its own rules on how often you can recheck.
Which credit bureau does RefiJet use?
According to RefiJet, their soft-pull prequalification uses TransUnion. Lenders may use other bureaus for the full review. Confirm on RefiJet's site.
Is a soft pull the same as no credit check?
No. A soft pull is a credit check; it just doesn't affect your credit score. Be cautious of anyone advertising "no credit check" auto financing.
How many hard inquiries will I get if I apply with several lenders?
Each application may create a hard inquiry on your report, but many scoring models may count multiple auto loan inquiries within a short window as one for scoring purposes. Windows vary by model.
Tell us about your auto loan
Tell us a little about your current loan or situation. This is not a loan application, and it won't affect your credit.
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