Credit Score is your reliability score to get lower interest or get approved for a home or car loan. Paying off your Credit Card, Paying Bills and other ways of paying count. Applying for Credit Cards (You although need a credit card to build your score), Not paying your loan or bills lower your score. A soft pull is when companies want to see your score (Buy now pay later or increase of credit limit) and it will harm it very light. A hard pull is when your credit score drops because you applied for a credit card or loan.