If you've noticed a search from Glow Financial Services Ltd on your credit file, here's an explanation of why it appears and what it means.
Glow is the lender as “EE Finance” under brand licence through EE Limited.
✅ Soft Search vs. Hard Search
There are two types of credit searches that can appear on your credit report:
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Soft Search (Soft Inquiry)
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A soft search occurs during the initial stages of your application process. We perform this check when you first apply for finance, as part of the background verification. A soft search does not impact your credit score and is not visible to other lenders but is visible to you if you are accessing your own credit file.
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Example: We perform a soft search to verify the details you've provided, check your identity, and assess your basic eligibility for credit. This search ensures that your application is handled smoothly.
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Hard Search (Hard Inquiry)
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A hard search happens only at the end of the application process—once we have approved your application and taken your deposit. This search is visible to other lenders and may affect your credit score. It’s an important part of assessing your ability to repay the loan.
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Example: Once your loan has been approved and your deposit has been processed, we perform a hard search to formally record the loan agreement. This search remains on your credit file for up to 12 months and may be visible to other lenders.
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⚠️ Why Does This Search Appear on My Credit File?
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If you see a hard search from us on your credit report, it means you have been approved for a loan and we’ve taken your deposit. This is part of the standard procedure when finalising your loan application.
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The hard search allows us, and other potential lenders, to view your credit history and determine your creditworthiness. Even if you decide not to go ahead with the loan after the hard search, the search will remain on your credit file for up to 12 months.
🧐 Can I Remove This Search from My Credit File?
Generally, hard searches cannot be removed once they’ve been carried out, as they are a legitimate part of the application process. However, if you believe a search was made in error or if you didn’t apply for finance with us, you can:
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Check for fraud: If you suspect someone has applied for credit in your name, please contact us immediately so we can investigate.
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Dispute the entry: If there’s an error with the search, you can dispute it with the credit reference agencies (Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion). They will help resolve any inaccuracies.
💡 How to Avoid Unwanted Searches
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Soft search pre-approval: We offer a soft search at the start of the application process to check your eligibility without impacting your credit score. This way, you can explore your options before committing to a hard search.
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Review your application: Make sure to carefully review your loan application before submitting. The hard search will only occur after you’ve been approved and the deposit has been taken.
📞 Need Assistance?
If you have any concerns about the searches on your credit file or need help understanding your credit report, our Customer Support team is here to assist you.