A soft pull, or soft inquiry, lets someone see your credit without it counting as an application for credit. It does not affect your credit scores, and other lenders cannot see it on your report. Only you can.
Common soft pulls include checking your own report, account reviews by a creditor you already have and prescreened offers. Some lenders also use a soft pull to show estimated offers before you formally apply.
When you compare funding options, ask whether the first step checks your credit at all, and if it does, whether it is a soft or hard pull. The Openbook Capital application asks for no SSN, so it does not affect your credit.
Sources
- What is a credit inquiry? — Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (checked 2026-09-30)