Can You Pull a Credit Report Through a Text Message?

If you’re looking for faster, more convenient ways to prequalify borrowers, you may be wondering: Can you really pull a credit report through a text message?

The short answer is yes—for soft pulls. Lenders can initiate the conversation via text and then guide the borrower to a secure online form where proper consent is collected. This approach keeps the workflow mobile-friendly while staying aligned with credit bureau expectations.

When done correctly, SMS-driven soft credit pulls can streamline your workflow, improve response rates, and help you connect with high-intent consumers in a matter of minutes.

Here’s what lenders need to know.

How Does a Credit Pull by Text Message Work?

A text-based soft pull is designed to make the prequalification process simple and mobile-friendly—without requiring the consumer to switch devices or open their laptop.

The workflow typically looks like this:

You send the borrower a text containing a secure link to your prequalification form. That form might look something like this.
The borrower taps the link and enters their contact details.
Once they submit the form, you can instantly access a soft credit report.

From the borrower’s perspective, it feels just like any other online form—only faster and more convenient. And because soft pulls don’t affect credit scores, they’re ideal for early-stage conversations or screening new inquiries.

Do You Need Consent to Pull a Credit Report by Text Message?

Absolutely. Consent is the cornerstone of SMS soft-pull compliance.

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and other regulations, lenders must obtain clear, specific, unambiguous authorization before pulling a credit report—no exceptions. And because text messaging falls under its own set of consumer protection rules, lenders must also ensure the borrower has already agreed to receive SMS messages from your business.

In other words, even though the interaction happens by text, the legally required authorization must still come through the secure form linked in the SMS.

What Should Consent for a Text-Based Soft Pull Include?

A compliant authorization should clearly spell out:

Your business name
The purpose of the credit pull
The fact that it’s a soft inquiry
Which credit reporting agencies may be accessed
A statement that the consumer is authorizing the pull
A simple way to opt out of future text messages

Sample Soft Pull Authorization Language:

"By clicking submit, I authorize [Business Name] to obtain my consumer credit report and related information from Experian, TransUnion, and/or Equifax for the purpose of prequalification. I understand this is a soft credit inquiry and will not impact my credit score. I agree to receive text messages related to my inquiry and understand that I can reply STOP at any time to opt out."

This type of language helps ensure your authorization is explicit, understandable, and aligned with FCRA requirements—while keeping the actual consent collection on the secure form (not the text thread).

Is a Soft Pull Through Text Message Safe and Compliant?

Yes, when you use a secure, compliant platform and collect authorization through a linked form.

Soft Pull Solutions provides lenders with mobile-friendly workflows that capture authorization properly, store consent records automatically, and ensure the entire process aligns with federal requirements. This gives your team confidence that every credit pull is fully documented and easily accessible for future reference.

Why Would a Lender Use Text Messaging for Prequalification?

Borrowers live on their phones—and lenders benefit from meeting them there. SMS-based prequalification offers several advantages:

Higher engagement than email
Instant borrower responses
No SSN required for many soft-pull workflows
Faster identification of qualified prospects
Less time spent on conversations that won’t convert

It’s a quick, nonintrusive way to move borrowers forward when they’re most engaged.

How Can Lenders Stay Compliant When Pulling Credit by SMS?

To protect your business:

Use a platform that automates compliant consent capture
Store authorization records securely for regulatory retention periods
Ensure text messages relate directly to the consumer’s inquiry or application
Train your team on proper SMS communication

Soft Pull Solutions supports lenders and brokers every step of the way with tools designed to reduce risk and streamline operations.

Ready to Offer Text-Based Soft Pulls?

Yes—you can pull a credit report through a text message. And with the right consent process, it can be one of the fastest ways to prequalify interested borrowers.

To learn how to implement secure, compliant SMS soft-pull workflows, contact Soft Pull Solutions today.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Lenders should consult with their compliance team or legal counsel to ensure adherence to all applicable laws and regulations.

20 Nov 2025