FOLLOW US
Follow us!

We are a proud member of the Financial Services Online network!

Connect with us on your favourite social media platform for the latest financial news, views, tips, tricks, resources and information.

Follow us on social media
Personal Loans Australia
Australian Personal Loan Resources
Personal Loans Australia :: Articles

5 Credit Killers

What are the top factors that can damage your credit score?

5 Credit Killers

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

A good credit score speaks volumes about your financial habits. It's the evidence most creditors need to evaluate your credit worthiness.
Interestingly, there are some credit killers that even people maintaining good credit scores would unwittingly be a part of, which will be their undoing when applying for credit facilities in the future.
These mistakes may seem to be insignificant, but when the time comes, you may face more problems than you expect.

Avoiding Debt

Creditors need to evaluate your financial history to approve any credit facilities.
If you have no previous or existing debts, it might adversely affect your case, as creditors have no way of checking out how you'll handle the credit you get from them.

Shopping For Rates

Looking around for the best rate may actually turn out to be bad.
Debt Stressed?
Image for Debt Stressed?If you're struggling to pay your debts and covering living expenses, we're here to help. Through our national panel of Debt Management specialists, we can help customers with $10k or more in debt by consolidating your existing loans, stopping Debt collectors from contacting you and re-negotiating repayments on your terms!
... start your free debt analysis ...
Too many inquiries within a short period could damage your credit score.
Usually, if you do more than 3 or 4 inquiries within a single month, you are likely to scare the lenders. For the same reasons, transferring the balances on your credit cards could be a bad idea as well.

Assuming There's a Grace Period

If you are late on a payment by even one day, you are late, period.
Never assume there's a grace period for late payments, because it only affects your credit score negatively.

Closing Old Accounts

Because your relevant transaction history also gets erased when you close your old accounts, your credit history is shortened and it may lower your credit score.
If you want to close your old accounts, close everything except the oldest account, which will leave a longer history.

Co-signing Loans

The obvious problem here is that the primary borrower's mistakes will end up on your credit report as well.

Published: Sunday, 1st Aug 2021
Author: Paige Estritori


Personal Loans Articles

Top Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Loan
Top Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Loan
Applying for a loan can be a daunting process, filled with numerous requirements and potential pitfalls. However, avoiding mistakes is crucial to boost your chances of approval and secure the best possible terms. Making errors during your application can lead to unnecessary delays, higher interest rates, or even denial. - read more
Effective Credit Repair: Long-Term Strategies for Sustained Improvement
Effective Credit Repair: Long-Term Strategies for Sustained Improvement
Maintaining a good credit score is crucial for financial health. In Australia, a solid credit score can unlock better interest rates, higher credit limits, and improve your chances of loan approval. - read more
The Ultimate Guide to Repairing Your Credit Score Fast
The Ultimate Guide to Repairing Your Credit Score Fast
A credit score is a numerical representation of your creditworthiness. It's derived from your credit history, which includes the total amount of debt you have, your payment history, and other financial behaviours. - read more

Finance News

ASIC's Review Uncovers Risks in Private Lending Industry
ASIC's Review Uncovers Risks in Private Lending Industry
01 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has recently conducted a comprehensive review of the private lending sector, revealing significant inconsistencies and potential risks. This scrutiny comes in response to the sector's rapid expansion, with private credit extending approximately $200 billion in loans, primarily to high-risk real estate developers and property investors. - read more
Record Surge in Investor Lending Raises Regulatory Concerns
Record Surge in Investor Lending Raises Regulatory Concerns
01 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
Recent data from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) indicates a significant surge in investor lending, with new investment loans totaling $72 billion in the September quarter of 2025. This marks a 12% increase from the previous quarter, highlighting a robust appetite among investors for property acquisitions. - read more
Rising Consumer Credit Demand Reflects Economic Confidence
Rising Consumer Credit Demand Reflects Economic Confidence
01 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
The latest Consumer Market Pulse report from Equifax for Q4 2025 reveals a notable increase in consumer credit demand across Australia. Mortgage enquiries have risen by 12.3% compared to the same period in the previous year, marking the most significant growth in mortgage demand observed since 2021. Additionally, personal loan demand has increased by 8.9% year-on-year. - read more
Click for more Finance News

Need Help Finding a Loan?
Find out now if you qualify and compare rates, offers and options from multiple lenders - without a credit check!
Loan Amount:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided free and without obligation by a Specialist from our National Broker referral panel. See our Privacy Statement for more details.

All finance quotes are provided free (via our secure server) and without obligation. We respect your privacy.

Knowledgebase
Bridging Finance:
A short-term loan that covers a financial shortfall during time between the purchase of a new property and the sale of an old property.


This website is owned and operated by Clark Family Pty Ltd (ACN 010 281 008) as Trustee for the Clark Family Trust (ABN 35 957 893 714), 43 Larch Street Tallebudgera QLD 4228. Clark Family Pty Ltd is an Authorised Representative (AR 1298860) of Unique Group Broker Services Pty Ltd (AFSL 509434) for financial product referrals and an Authorised Credit Representative (ACR 401491) of Saccasan Pty Ltd (ACL 386297). Check our licensing details on the ASIC registers: Clark Family Pty Ltd ACR, Clark Family Pty Ltd AR, Saccasan Pty Ltd, Unique Group Broker Services.
IMPORTANT: We do not provide financial product advice or credit assistance. We act solely as an introducer and refer enquiries to licensed third-party intermediaries, insurers, and lenders - with whom you can then deal directly. We may receive a fee or commission from these third parties in consideration for the referral. Before any action is taken to obtain a product or service referred to by this website, advice should be obtained (from either the third party to whom we refer you or from another qualified intermediary) as to the appropriateness of obtaining those products having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. Whilst we have our own process for validating the legitimacy of our referral partners, you should always verify the credentials of your financial adviser before proceeding with recommendations that they may present. Visit the ASIC website for further information.