Most hard money lenders don’t report to the credit bureaus but they do pull credit. They do not focus as heavly on a credit score like a bank would as its not the primary factor in their lending decisions. Unlike traditional lenders, hard money lenders focus more on the property’s value and equity than the borrower’s credit score. A higher credit score can sometimes lead to better loan terms, lower interest rates, or reduced down payments, but even borrowers with low credit can still qualify if they have substantial collateral (a suitable property) and a solid investment plan (have the ability to execute/perform on their project).