Inquiries
Inquiries appear on your credit profile when you request new credit. For example, every time you go to the mall, and you apply for a new department store or specialty store credit card, an inquiry will be made. Multiple, ongoing inquiries will have a negative effect on your credit score, unless you are shopping for a car or a home. When you are looking for a home loan, or an auto loan, multiple inquiries within 45 days will not lower your score, as it is understood that you are rate/price shopping.