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.
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

Rate this article

Sign in with Google to rate

0 Comments

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


Finance News

Why Borrowers Should Revisit Loan Costs This Financial Year
Why Borrowers Should Revisit Loan Costs This Financial Year
07 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori
New research highlighted by Money magazine has reopened an important debate for Australian borrowers: which generation has faced the toughest loan burden, and what does that mean for people applying for finance today? - read more
Small Business CGT Carve-Outs May Strengthen Borrowing Confidence
Small Business CGT Carve-Outs May Strengthen Borrowing Confidence
23 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
Australian small businesses and start-ups have gained a clearer view of future tax settings after the federal government announced significant carve-outs to its planned capital gains tax reforms. For business owners considering expansion, succession, acquisition funding or new investment, the changes could help reduce some uncertainty at a time when finance decisions are already being shaped by higher rates, tighter serviceability checks and cautious lender appetite. - read more
Westpac Penalised $26 Million for Failing to Support Customers in Hardship
Westpac Penalised $26 Million for Failing to Support Customers in Hardship
16 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
In a significant development within the Australian banking sector, Westpac has been fined $26 million by the Federal Court for failing to adequately respond to over 200 customers experiencing financial hardship between 2017 and 2023. This penalty underscores the critical importance of banks adhering to their obligations under the National Credit Code, which mandates timely and appropriate assistance to customers facing financial difficulties. - read more
Click for more Finance News

Finance Articles

Balancing Needs vs. Wants: Mastering Your Monthly Budget
Balancing Needs vs. Wants: Mastering Your Monthly Budget
Welcome to our blog! Today, we're diving into an essential topic for anyone looking to master their finances: balancing needs and wants while budgeting. Understanding this concept can make a significant difference in how you manage your money each month. - read more
Preparing for Loan Approval: Essential Documents Checklist
Preparing for Loan Approval: Essential Documents Checklist
Getting ready for loan approval can seem overwhelming, but having a clear understanding and the right documents can make a significant difference. - read more
Top Tips for Fast Approval: Mastering the Online Loan Application Process
Top Tips for Fast Approval: Mastering the Online Loan Application Process
Applying for a loan online streamlines the traditional borrowing process, offering a convenient and fast route to financial assistance. With the advent of technology, borrowers can now complete the entire loan application process from the comfort of their own homes. This digital evolution brings with it a series of steps that, when executed correctly, can result in swift loan approvals. - 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.