It says it has instead introduced soft searches, through credit checking firm Experian, at the start of the loan process.

The mutual says: “It means a broker can apply for a DIP on behalf of their client safe in the knowledge that it won’t impact on credit rating until it is converted into a full mortgage application.”

At the full mortgage application stage, the building society will then focus on factors such as a customer’s income, financial circumstances, if mortgage payments are affordable now and in future and a deeper look at the applicant’s credit history.

A soft credit check is a top-level view of an applicant’s financial history, which does not leave a visible footprint on a credit file, but is recorded. No other lenders can see this check and it should not impact a customer’s credit score.

A hard credit check is an in-depth look at an applicant’s financial history, which other lenders can see. It focuses on the customer’s track record of repaying borrowed money. Any negative marks on the credit report, like overdue payments or debt collection, may stay on the applicant’s credit report for several years.

The Nottingham head of mortgage product, Christie Cook says: “The introduction of soft credit searches at application stage is really positive for brokers and their clients.”