I don't want my credit pulled

You're shopping for a mortgage and call a lender to get a rate quote. Before answering your question, the lender pressures you to allow a credit pull.

But, here's what's really happening...

Here's what you need to know about the 45-day rule: Multiple mortgage credit pulls within 45 days count as one inquiry for scoring purposes. This means you're protected when shopping, but that doesn't mean you should let every lender pull your credit upfront.

Now that you understand the tactic, let's look at the three most common angles lenders use to pressure credit pulls.

➡ Three Ways Lenders Pressure Credit Pulls

Angle 1: Accuracy Requirement

Lender says: "I need to pull your credit to give you an accurate rate quote. Without a credit pull, I'm just guessing, and that's not fair to you."

Most people respond: "Okay, go ahead and pull my credit. I want an accurate quote."

Don't do that. This lender is using accuracy as justification to pull your credit before you've screened their competitiveness. While credit DOES affect rates, lenders can provide rate quotes based on credit score ranges (e.g., "For 740+ credit, our rate is X"). By allowing a credit pull before seeing preliminary quotes, you've created psychological commitment—after they've "done the work," you'll feel obligated to seriously consider their offer even if better options exist.

Angle 2: Approval Urgency

Lender says: "The sooner we pull your credit, the sooner we can get you approved. Don't you want to move quickly on this?"

Most people respond: "Yes, I want to move quickly. Go ahead and pull my credit."

Don't do that. This lender is using speed as justification to bypass comparison shopping. While faster approval sounds appealing, rushing to pull credit with one lender before collecting competitive quotes means you'll never know if you're getting the best deal. Pre-approval speed matters AFTER you've identified competitive lenders, not before. By prioritizing speed over shopping, you've traded thoroughness for urgency.

Angle 3: Competitive Proof

Lender says: "After I pull your credit and you see how competitive my rates are, you'll understand why shopping around isn't necessary. Let me prove it to you."

Most people respond: "Okay, that sounds fair. Pull my credit and show me what you can do."

Don't do that. This lender is framing the credit pull as a way to prove their competitiveness—but they're asking you to commit before you've seen ANY pricing. While confidence is good, legitimate lenders can provide preliminary rate ranges before pulling credit. By allowing a credit pull based on confidence alone, you've created obligation before comparison. Let them prove competitiveness with preliminary quotes first.

The Pattern

Notice that in all three scenarios, the lender successfully got you to commit to a credit pull before you've compared preliminary rate quotes from multiple lenders. Get preliminary quotes based on credit score ranges first, then allow credit pulls only with your top 2-3 choices.

➡ What You Should Say Instead

Regardless of which credit pull pressure angle the lender uses, your response remains the same:

I understand you need credit information for an accurate quote. Can you give me a rate quote based on my credit score range first? I'd like to see if we're in the same ballpark before you pull my credit.

Here's why this response works for all three angles:

• For Angle 1 (Accuracy Requirement): Acknowledges accuracy matters while requesting preliminary quotes first
• For Angle 2 (Approval Urgency): Maintains speed by screening lenders efficiently before credit pulls
• For Angle 3 (Competitive Proof): Tests their confidence with preliminary quotes before commitment

The script is reasonable and professional. It doesn't refuse the credit pull—it simply defers it until you've done preliminary screening.

➡ Key Takeaway

You control when your credit is pulled. Shop smart by getting preliminary quotes first, then allow credit pulls only with your top 2-3 choices.