What is SmartSelect?
SmartSelect is an automatic cascading credit report system. It starts with a single-bureau pull and automatically cascades to a second or third bureau based on the filters you set (such as score thresholds or specific data points). The cascade stops as soon as your criteria are met, so you only pay for the bureaus the file actually needs.
If SmartSelect stops the pull because your filters were met or because a bureau couldn't complete the pull, you can manually add additional bureaus at any time. You stay in control of the file.
This approach is ideal for mortgage brokers and lenders who want a smarter, lower-cost way to evaluate borrowers early in the pipeline before committing to a full tri-merge report.
Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion are all supported. You set the filters, SmartSelect handles the cascade, and you can add more bureaus manually whenever the file calls for it.
How SmartSelect works
Start with a single-bureau pull
Order a report from one bureau, whichever bureau your experience suggests is most relevant for your borrower. Review scores and tradelines for an initial credit picture.
Evaluate the borrower's credit profile
Review the single-bureau result. Does the borrower look like a viable candidate? Are the scores in range? Are there obvious issues that need to be addressed before moving forward?
Add additional bureaus only when needed
If the borrower is a strong candidate and you need the complete tri-merge picture, for a formal application, AUS submission, or underwriting, cascade to a second and third bureau. You only spend the full report cost when it makes sense to.
Frozen bureau detection: When a bureau is frozen for your borrower, the bureau will still charge for the attempted pull because the request is processed. The advantage of SmartSelect is that once a freeze is detected on one bureau, the cascade can stop before pulling additional frozen bureaus, saving meaningful cost on files where the borrower has frozen multiple bureaus. Once the freeze is lifted, ISC can complete the remaining pulls without restarting from scratch.
Who benefits most from SmartSelect
Brokers screening large lead pipelines
When you receive a high volume of referrals or leads, starting every applicant with a single-bureau pull rather than a full tri-merge reduces per-application cost significantly, without slowing down your screening process.
Loan officers in early prequalification
During early conversations with prospective borrowers, a single-bureau pull gives enough information to assess feasibility and advise on next steps, without committing to a full report cost before you know the borrower is ready.
Teams with cost-control workflows
Lenders and brokers who want more control over credit report costs across their team or branch. SmartSelect creates a natural gate before the full tri-merge is ordered.
Borrowers not ready for a full application
When a borrower is exploring their options but not ready for a formal application, SmartSelect provides useful credit information without the full cost of a tri-merge.
How SmartSelect fits your ordering workflow
SmartSelect plugs into the way you already order credit. You configure it once with your team's filters, then it runs in the background on every order.
Set your filters once
Work with your ISC support team to define the criteria that should trigger the cascade: minimum score thresholds, required tradelines, derogatory flags, or other data points your team cares about. Filters can be set at the account or branch level.
Order through your LOS as usual
Your loan officers continue to order credit the way they already do. SmartSelect runs underneath, no extra clicks or new workflow steps.
The cascade runs automatically
SmartSelect pulls the first bureau. If your filters are satisfied, it stops there. If more data is needed, it cascades to the next bureau, and again to the third only if needed.
Add bureaus manually when you need them
If the cascade stops early but you decide you need additional bureaus for AUS, underwriting, or further review, you can manually add them at any time. SmartSelect does not lock you out of pulling more.
Talk to your ISC support team to set up SmartSelect filters tailored to your team's workflow.
Related ISC products
AUS Soft Pull
Zero score impact. Instant results. Prequal and AUS-supported options available.
Learn more → Full reportTri-Merge Credit Report
When you're ready for the complete hard pull, instant delivery, all three bureaus.
Learn more → Score workRapid Rescore
Once you have the credit picture, ISC can help move borderline scores toward qualification.
Learn more →