A hard inquiry happens when you file a formal loan application. A credit card, a cash loan, a mortgage, an account overdraft — each of these triggers one. The bank does not run these speculatively unless you signed a blanket periodic-check consent (say, when opening a current account with a scheduled overdraft).
The score effect depends on context. One inquiry in a month: 3–5 points down, negligible. Three in a month: 10–15 points, the bank starts reading „looking for money". Five or more: 20+ points, a distress signal — approval drops sharply. Important: BIK has a „similarity window" — three similar applications (say, three cash loans) within 30 days count as one inquiry. You are rate-shopping, not panicking.
A hard inquiry stays visible to banks for 12 months, then sits as statistical data in your report for 5 years. It cannot be removed on request unless it was made without your consent (identity theft). In that case a complaint to the bank and BIK removes it within a month.
Frequently asked questions
No formal limit, but banks look unfavourably at more than 3. BIK's „similarity window" groups 3 same-type applications within 30 days as one inquiry.
No. A comparison service (like Kreditano) shows offers based on your parameters without pulling BIK. The inquiry starts only when you click „Apply" at the chosen institution.
Immediate drop (3–5 points): right away. Recovery: 6–12 months if you keep paying on time. After 12 months the inquiry disappears from bank-visible reports.