Australian Internet Loans
For Fast, Flexible Online Loan Quotes
Australian Internet Loans :: 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.
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

Rate this article

Sign in with Google to rate

0 Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.


Finance News

Why More Borrowers Are Turning to Brokers in a Tighter Market
Why More Borrowers Are Turning to Brokers in a Tighter Market
12 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori
Fresh industry coverage from The Adviser points to a continuing shift in how Australians approach finance: more borrowers are leaning on broker support as lender policies, product options and assessment standards become harder to navigate alone. While much of the discussion is mortgage-focused, the same pattern is relevant for personal loan applicants, self-employed borrowers and business owners seeking working capital, equipment finance or refinancing. - read more
Small Businesses Are Rethinking Finance as Lenders Get More Selective
Small Businesses Are Rethinking Finance as Lenders Get More Selective
05 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori
Australian small businesses appear to be entering a more selective phase of borrowing, with recent lending industry updates pointing to stronger demand for practical, purpose-led finance rather than broad expansion debt. Instead of simply asking how much they can borrow, many owners are now focusing on whether a facility will protect cash flow, support revenue and withstand closer lender scrutiny. - read more
What BOQ’s Latest Update Means for Borrowers
What BOQ’s Latest Update Means for Borrowers
29 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori
Bank of Queensland’s latest market update points to a lending environment where banks are still prepared to write new business, but are being far more selective about risk, pricing and customer quality. For Australian borrowers, the practical takeaway is not that finance has disappeared. It is that applications now need to be cleaner, better evidenced and matched to the right product from the start. - read more
Click for more Finance News

Finance Articles

Credit Repair Strategies in Australia: Practical Ways to Overcome Bad Credit
Credit Repair Strategies in Australia: Practical Ways to Overcome Bad Credit
Bad credit can make borrowing more difficult and may affect the interest rates or loan terms available to you. This guide explains practical credit repair strategies for Australians, including how to review your credit report, correct errors, manage debt and build more responsible credit habits over time. - read more
How to Rebuild Your Credit Score After a Financial Setback
How to Rebuild Your Credit Score After a Financial Setback
A financial setback can happen for various reasons, whether it's due to unexpected medical bills, job loss, or other unforeseen expenses. These setbacks often cause significant challenges in managing your finances. - read more
A Comprehensive Guide to Debt Consolidation: Tips for Australian Borrowers
A Comprehensive Guide to Debt Consolidation: Tips for Australian Borrowers
Welcome to your comprehensive guide to debt consolidation. If you have been feeling overwhelmed by multiple debts, this guide will provide valuable insights into how you can simplify your financial obligations. - read more
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 act solely as an introducer and refer enquiries to licensed third-party brokers, insurers, and lenders. We do not provide financial product advice or credit assistance. 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 independently verify the credentials and licensing of any adviser or provider you engage. Visit the ASIC website for further information.