Shopping for a mortgage is one of the most important steps in buying a home. Comparing rates from different lenders can save you thousands over the life of your loan. But many buyers worry that checking with multiple lenders will damage their credit score. The good news? You can shop smart — without hurting your credit. This guide will walk you through how to shop for mortgage rates without hurting your credit, including tips, tools, and strategies to protect your score while securing the best deal.