When you make an application for credit, lenders will ask you for some personal information to verify your identity.
Once they have the required information, the lender will perform a full credit search. This is known as a ‘Hard Search’ and will be visible to any lenders that review an application for credit.
Once the lender has received the results from your credit search they will let you know whether your application has been successful. Often this is an instant decision, however if you have a Notice of Correction or a CIFAS Protective Registration marker on your Credit Report it can take a little longer as they will be required to review this before deciding upon your application.