What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Mortgage refinancing can lower your credit score temporarily, but there is no reliable universal number of points to expect. The usual causes are a hard inquiry when a lender reviews your application, the way the refinanced mortgage is furnished as an account, and changes to its reported balance, terms or open date. The result depends on the scoring model, the credit bureaus’ records and everything else in your file.
Shopping several mortgage offers is treated differently from applying for unrelated credit. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) says mortgage checks made within a 45-day period are recorded as one inquiry, while FICO says newer score versions use a 45-day rate-shopping window and older versions use 14 days. Those windows limit how inquiries are counted; they do not promise a particular score change or loan offer.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What changes on your credit file when you refinance
A refinance replaces or modifies an existing mortgage so that you receive different interest-rate, payment, term or borrowing arrangements. During the application, the lender normally obtains a credit report. That process creates a hard inquiry, which the CFPB describes as typically having a small negative effect on scores. Asking a lender for general rate information does not by itself authorize a credit-report pull; the hard inquiry generally occurs when you apply and give the lender permission to evaluate your credit.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsAfter closing, the new mortgage may be reported in one of two broad ways. A servicer might report a modification or replacement that looks substantially like the existing loan, or it might furnish a new mortgage account with a new open date. myFICO explains that a refinance reported as a new loan can affect the score through the inquiry, balance, terms and new open date. The bureaus do not necessarily receive identical information at the same time, so your reports can briefly show the old loan, the new loan or both.
#1 Best Overall
- Compact & Portable Design: This Small Excel, Word, PowerPoint, & Windows Cheat Sheet Mouse Pad measures 11.8" x 9.8", offering a portable mouse pad. Its compact size fits in bags or laptop cases, suitable for professionals, students, or travelers.
- Multi-Software Shortcut Guide: Featuring essential shortcut keys for Excel, Word, PowerPoint, & Windows, this small mouse pad provides a quick reference for frequently used shortcuts, offering a reference designed to support workflow efficiency
- Smooth & Precise Surface: The finely-textured surface ensures precise mouse control, allowing for smooth and accurate movement during work or gaming sessions.
- Durable & Non-Slip Design: This Multi-Software Shortcut Mouse Pad features stitched edges to reduce fraying. The non-slip rubber base helps keep it securely in place, and the water-resistant fabric allows for easier maintenance.
- Clear Print Quality: Displays high-resolution printing intended to remain legible through regular use and cleaning
The reported balance and terms matter because scoring systems evaluate the accounts and obligations appearing in your file. A new account can make the file look newer, while a temporary overlap of the old and new mortgage can make total balances appear higher until the old loan is marked paid or closed. These are reporting and model effects, not a fixed penalty attached to every refinance.
Hard inquiry versus soft inquiry
A hard inquiry is tied to an application for credit and can influence the score. A soft inquiry, such as a borrower checking a report for personal review, does not affect the score. The CFPB distinguishes these inquiry types. Ask each lender whether it will perform a hard pull before you authorize an application, especially if you are still gathering rough estimates.
Rank #2
- [MULTIFUNCTIONAL]You'll get 2 pieces computer monitor memo boards that you can stick on the left and right edges of your monitor, and they're the perfect office desk organizers and accessories. Computer monitor side panels desktop organizer are suitable for home work or office,bringing convenience. Desktop memo is used to organize meeting memos, important messages, business cards, planning notes.Paste on the message board to keep track of important things and to-do items to prevent forgetting.
- [🌟HIGHLY QUALITY] The material of computer screen side note holder is transparent acrylic. Durable, simple, stylish, light weight, easy to use, not easy to fall off or break. This cute office supplies for women desk can be used for a long time. This computer desk accessories is waterproof and dirt resistance, and look simple and stylish. The transparent acrylic sticky note holder as cubicle accessories is easy to notice the context of your sticky notes.
- [📋Easy to use] Office must haves cool office gadgets for desk ready to tear, easy to install and remove, not easy to leave traces. You only need to peel off the protective film on the surface of the computer side board memo, wipe off the dust on the edge of the computer monitor, and then stick the desk essentials for women office on the right or left side of the tape, and you're done. A perfect gift for your colleagues, friends or classmates and family members or relatives
- [🏢MULTI-SCENE USE] This desk supplies computer memo board can be applied to home and office, clear your office decor for women, suitable for most computer monitors, screens and cabinets, you can put it where you think, this cute office decor serve as a reminder. Stick on the computer side. It’s a good office gadgets can remind work improve office productivity. Pasted cabinets, dressers, refrigerators, walls, etc as cubicle accessories. To make life more orderly.
- [💌NOTE] The adhesive force of the computer sticky note holder is very strong. It can not be directly pasted on the computer screen. It should pasted on the black edge of the screen. Narrow edge not recommended!!! If you are not satisfied with your purchase, or if the product is damaged or broken in transit, please let us know immediately. We will promptly solve your problem.
How mortgage rate shopping is counted
Mortgage underwriting requires a credit check, but regulators and scoring companies recognize that borrowers need to compare lenders. The CFPB’s guidance, last reviewed August 28, 2026, says multiple mortgage credit checks within 45 days are recorded as a single inquiry. FICO’s educational guidance, retrieved in October 2026, gives a model-version qualification:
| Rule or measure | Window or duration | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| CFPB mortgage-inquiry guidance | 45 days | Mortgage checks in this period are recorded as one inquiry under the CFPB’s explanation. |
| FICO newer score versions | 45 days | These versions generally group mortgage rate-shopping inquiries made within 45 days. |
| FICO older score versions | 14 days | Older versions use a shorter mortgage-shopping period. |
| How long a hard inquiry may remain on a report | Up to 2 years | FICO says hard inquiries may remain visible for up to two years. |
| How long FICO scores consider inquiries | 12 months | FICO says its scores consider inquiries from the most recent 12 months, even if the entry remains on the report longer. |
Do not interpret the table as a guarantee that every lender uses the same score version or that every bureau will display inquiries identically. Before submitting applications, ask which bureaus and score versions a lender uses. Keep the applications in one focused shopping period rather than spacing them months apart; inquiries outside the applicable window may not receive the same treatment.
Rank #3
- Stay Organized with Ease: Our To Do List Notepad provides multiple sections with plenty of space to jot down all of your important tasks.A versatile office supply perfect for daily task management, helping you keep track of everything that needs to be done and prioritize effectively.
- Achieve Your Productivity Goals: Begin each day on a positive note, reminding you of your potential, strength, and the significance of staying focused on your goals. Our Daily Checklist Notepad is the ultimate tool to streamline your daily planning and elevate your productivity. With a clear and concise overview of your tasks, you can effortlessly prioritize what truly matters and make consistent strides towards achieving your goals.
- Reliable and Stylish: Our to do list planner combines functionality with durability. With a transparent PP cover, the inner pages are well-protected from dirt and wear. Additionally, the back cover is crafted with thick paperboard, offering a stable surface for your writing needs. Each notepad includes 52 pages of high-quality, 100gsm paper, which is thick and non-bleeding, resulting in a smooth and enjoyable writing experience.
- Versatile Use: This daily checklist notepad, suitable for teacher supplies and a wide range of applications, proves invaluable in various settings including work, school, and home. Whether you need to organize your daily tasks, plan a project, or create a grocery list, this notepad serves as the ideal tool. Its compact size ensures easy portability, allowing you to conveniently carry it with you throughout your day.
- Perfect Present for Anyone: Our Daily To-Do List Notepad is the perfect present for those who value organization and productivity. With its stylish design and versatility, this office desk accessory is also a practical addition to school supplies. Suitable for students, professionals, and homemakers alike, it helps keep tasks and priorities in check effortlessly.
Rate-and-term and cash-out refinancing are not the same credit event
The product label alone cannot predict the score outcome. The amount borrowed, the new payment and term, how the old loan is closed, and what you do with any proceeds all affect the information that may be reported.
| Factor | Rate-and-term refinance | Cash-out refinance |
|---|---|---|
| Primary purpose | Change the rate, payment or repayment term without taking substantial equity out. | Replace the mortgage with a larger balance and receive equity as cash. |
| Amount and payment | Usually targets the remaining mortgage balance plus eligible closing costs; the new term and payment are set by the offer. | Includes the existing balance plus the cash taken out and costs, which can increase the payment or extend repayment. |
| Possible credit-report effect | May show a new account, new open date, changed balance and changed terms, in addition to the hard inquiry. | Has the same new-account and inquiry considerations, with a larger mortgage balance that can remain on the report. |
| Use of proceeds | No cash is generally available to pay other debts. | Proceeds may be used to pay non-mortgage debts, but the effect depends on whether those accounts are actually reduced or closed and how they are reported. |
What the CFPB observed about cash-out borrowers
A 2025 CFPB research paper observed different score trajectories: cash-out borrowers’ scores rose around the refinance, while non-cash-out borrowers’ scores fell at the refinance and in the following quarter. The paper suggested that paying down non-mortgage debt could help explain the cash-out pattern and that a hard inquiry could contribute to a short-term decline for non-cash-out borrowers. These are study observations across groups, not a promise that taking cash out will raise your score or that a rate-and-term refinance will lower it.
Rank #4
- 【Adjustable & Ergonomic】：This laptop stand can be adjusted to a comfortable height and angle according to your actual needs, letting you fix posture and reduce your neck fatigue, back pain and eye strain. Very comfortable for working in home, office and outdoor.
- 【Sturdy & Protective】 ：Made of sturdy metal, it can support up to 17.6 lbs (8kg) weight on top; With 2 rubber mats on the hook and anti-skid silicone pads on top & bottom, it can secure your laptop in place and maximum protect your device from scratches and sliding. Moreover, smooth edges will never hurt your hands.
- 【Heat Dissipation】 ：The top of the laptop stand is designed with multiple ventilation holes. The open design offers greater ventilation and more airflow to cool your laptop during operation other than it just lays flat on the table.
- 【Portable & Foldable】：The foldable design allows you to easily slip it in your backpack. Ideal for people who travel for business a lot.
- 【Broad Compatibility】：Our desktop book stand is compatible with all laptops from 10-15.6 inches, such as MacBook Air/ Pro, Google Pixelbook, Dell XPS, HP, ASUS, Lenovo ThinkPad, Acer, Chromebook and Microsoft Surface, etc.Be your ideal companion in Home, Office & Outdoor.
Why a temporary score change can affect your mortgage offer
Credit score and credit-report information are among the factors used in mortgage approval and pricing. The CFPB notes that lenders also consider debt, income, savings and assets. A short-lived score movement could matter if it places you near a lender’s pricing or eligibility threshold, but no source can predict your individual rate, approval decision or point change.
Recommended Free Tools
Underwriters may also review the underlying report rather than relying only on a score. Late payments, high debt, inaccurate balances or unexplained new accounts can require documentation. A score that moves only because of one inquiry is a different underwriting issue from a missed payment or a materially higher debt obligation.
Best Value
- Twin-Ball Design : Hiacry gel pen features a double ball conical tip that reduces writing resistance and provides a stable and smooth writing experience. 0.7mm quick drying black ink ensures no jumping, leakage or seepage.
- Quick-Dry Long Lasting Ink：0.7mm black ink can slide effortlessly, dry immediately, & is not easily dirty. It has a high-capacity reservoir (up to 1300 meters), which is very suitable for left-handed & right-handed users.
- Sleek Design for Journaling & Planning: Engineered with a low center of gravity and precision tip for steady ink flow, these journaling pens excel at note-taking, sketching, planning, and more. They combine stylish pens with top-tier performance.
- Rolling Ball Design：The pocket clip with roll ball design can be easily attached to notebook pockets and binders, in addition, the fidget on the pen clip is also a small toy for your daily thinking to relieve stress.
- Comfortable Non-Slip Grip：The ergonomic pen barrel has a soft rubberized coating for a comfortable, non-slip grip, so you won't get fatigued even after long hours of writing.
Prepare before submitting a refinance application
- Review your credit reports early. Look for incorrect late-payment marks, balances, account status, duplicate mortgage entries or accounts that are not yours. Dispute errors with the relevant bureau and allow time for the correction to appear before a lender pulls a report.
- Define the refinance objective. Write down whether you want a lower rate, a lower payment, a shorter payoff period, cash for a specific need or consolidation of other debt. The objective determines the appropriate loan amount and whether a cash-out structure is justified.
- Ask about the credit pull. Confirm when each lender will make a hard inquiry, which bureaus it checks and which score versions it uses. A rate quote based only on information you provide is not the same as a credit-underwritten offer.
- Set a concentrated comparison period. Request your mortgage offers close together so the inquiries can receive the applicable rate-shopping treatment. Remember that FICO’s older versions use 14 days, even though newer versions and CFPB guidance describe 45 days.
- Pause unnecessary new credit applications. Credit-card, auto-loan and personal-loan applications can create additional inquiries and new accounts during underwriting. The CFPB warns that new credit applications can add inquiries and may lower scores.
- Keep every account current. Continue making the existing mortgage, card and installment payments on time while the refinance is pending. Do not assume that an upcoming closing excuses a payment or that a new lender will correct a missed due date.
- Compare the complete offer. Evaluate interest rate, monthly payment, term, points, closing costs, prepayment conditions and total interest. A lower payment achieved by extending the term may cost more overall, and a cash-out loan converts unsecured debt into debt secured by the home.
What to do if your score drops after closing
First identify what changed instead of assuming the inquiry is the sole cause. Obtain current reports and check the inquiry date, the old mortgage’s status, the new account’s open date, the reported balance and the payment history.
- Match the entries to the closing timeline. A new inquiry shortly before application is expected. An old mortgage showing an unpaid balance long after payoff, or two active mortgage balances that do not reflect the servicer’s updates, may need investigation.
- Check all bureaus that the lender used. One bureau may receive the new account or payoff information before another. Record the account number, balance and status shown on each report.
- Contact the servicer about furnishing errors. Ask when it sent the payoff and new-loan data and request correction if the information is inaccurate. Keep closing and payoff documents.
- Dispute inaccurate bureau data. Follow the bureau’s dispute process and provide supporting records. A legitimate inquiry or accurately reported new loan cannot simply be removed because it lowered a score.
- Protect the rest of the file. Pay all accounts on time and avoid additional applications while the correction or normal reporting cycle proceeds.
FICO says inquiries can remain on a report for up to two years but are considered by its scores for only the most recent 12 months. That distinction explains why a visible inquiry does not necessarily have the same scoring weight throughout its entire reporting life.
Costs and credit effects to weigh together
Credit impact is only one part of the refinance decision. Use the CFPB’s “Should I refinance?” handout alongside the lender’s disclosure to compare the break-even period and total costs. Closing costs, points, a longer term and a higher principal can outweigh a lower advertised rate. Conversely, a modest temporary score dip may be acceptable when the new loan materially advances your goal and you can afford the payment.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
When paying other debts with cash-out proceeds
Paying down cards or other non-mortgage debts can change their reported balances and may improve the credit profile if the accounts remain open and are managed responsibly. It can also increase the mortgage balance and put more of your home equity at risk. Do not count a debt as paid for scoring purposes until the creditor reports the lower balance or closed status. The CFPB’s observed cash-out pattern does not establish that this strategy will improve an individual’s score.
What cannot be predicted from the refinance label
- No source establishes a universal number of points lost or gained from refinancing.
- The exact score model a particular lender uses may not be disclosed in a generic rate advertisement.
- A specific servicer’s method and timing for furnishing the old and new mortgage to each bureau cannot be known in advance from the loan type alone.
- Cash-out and non-cash-out group patterns do not determine what will happen in your file.
The practical approach is to control the parts you can: correct report errors before applying, compare mortgage offers in a tight window, avoid unrelated applications, maintain on-time payments and evaluate the refinance on total cost and purpose. Then verify the reports after closing so an expected temporary inquiry is not confused with a correctable reporting error.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
