What is SmartSelect?
SmartSelect is an automatic cascading credit report system. It starts with a single-bureau pull and follows configurable rules, such as credit score thresholds or other credit criteria, to determine whether additional bureaus should be ordered. This helps prevent unnecessary bureau pulls while giving you a flexible path to additional credit data when needed.
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
SmartSelect follows your configured rules to determine whether a second or third bureau should be added. Additional bureaus can also be ordered when needed for the applicable mortgage workflow.
Frozen bureau handling: SmartSelect can help prevent additional bureau attempts and unnecessary charges when a freeze affects the workflow. Once the applicable freeze is lifted, contact ISC if additional bureau data is needed.
Who benefits most from SmartSelect
Brokers screening large lead pipelines
When you receive a high volume of referrals or leads, starting with a single-bureau pull can help reduce initial screening costs compared with ordering a full tri-merge on every applicant.
Loan officers in early prequalification
During early conversations with prospective borrowers, a single-bureau pull can provide an initial credit view to help assess feasibility and discuss next steps before committing to a full tri-merge report.
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 can be configured around your team's credit screening criteria and incorporated into supported ordering workflows. Once configured, it follows your established rules on applicable SmartSelect orders.
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
For supported integrations, SmartSelect can work within your existing credit ordering process, helping reduce unnecessary manual decision points.
The cascade runs automatically
SmartSelect pulls the first bureau and applies your configured rules. Based on those rules, the workflow can stop or continue to additional bureaus as 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. Results in minutes where supported. Prequal and AUS-supported options available.
Learn more → Full reportTri-Merge Credit Report
When you're ready for the complete hard pull, all three bureaus, often delivered within minutes.
Learn more → Score workRapid Rescore
Update qualifying credit information quickly when documented changes may affect mortgage credit scores.
Learn more →