Australian Internet Loans
For Fast, Flexible Online Loans
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


Finance News

Commonwealth Bank Highlights Risks of Surging Home Loan Demand
Commonwealth Bank Highlights Risks of Surging Home Loan Demand
22 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), the nation's largest lender, has expressed concerns over the current surge in home loan demand, suggesting it may be contributing to escalating property prices and posing risks to long-term financial stability. CEO Matt Comyn addressed these issues during a recent parliamentary hearing, emphasizing the need for more sustainable credit growth in the housing sector. - read more
Australian Consumer Confidence Rebounds to Optimism After Nearly Four Years
Australian Consumer Confidence Rebounds to Optimism After Nearly Four Years
22 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
In a notable shift, Australian consumer sentiment has turned optimistic in November 2025, marking the first positive outlook since early 2022. The Westpac-Melbourne Institute survey revealed a 12.8% surge in the consumer sentiment index, reaching 103.8. This level, excluding the pandemic period, represents a seven-year high and indicates that optimists now outnumber pessimists among Australian consumers. - read more
Cyclone Fina Brings Severe Weather to Northern Territory's Top End
Cyclone Fina Brings Severe Weather to Northern Territory's Top End
22 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
In November 2025, Tropical Cyclone Fina developed in the Arafura Sea, intensifying as it approached Australia's Northern Territory. The cyclone brought destructive winds and heavy rainfall to the Tiwi Islands and the Greater Darwin region, leading to widespread disruptions. - read more
Click for more Finance News

Finance Articles

How to Decide Between Fixed and Variable Rates for Your Personal Loan
How to Decide Between Fixed and Variable Rates for Your Personal Loan
Personal loans in Australia are a popular financial tool for managing various expenses, from consolidating debt to funding major purchases or covering emergency costs. - read more
Top Credit Repair Strategies: How to Overcome Bad Credit in Australia
Top Credit Repair Strategies: How to Overcome Bad Credit in Australia
Understanding the concept of creditworthiness is essential, especially when considering the various financial decisions you make in life. In Australia, a good credit score can open doors to competitive loan rates, favorable mortgage terms, and hassle-free approvals for financing. Conversely, bad credit can be a significant roadblock, impacting your financial well-being and limiting your access to financial resources when you need them most. - read more
Expert Financial Tips on Consolidating Multiple Loans Effectively
Expert Financial Tips on Consolidating Multiple Loans Effectively
Loan consolidation is a financial strategy that involves combining multiple loans into a single, more manageable loan with a unified repayment plan. By consolidating loans, individuals can streamline their finances, potentially lower their interest rates, and reduce the burden of juggling multiple monthly payments. - read more
This website is owned and operated by Clark Family Pty Ltd (as Trustee for the Clark Family Trust) 43 Larch Street Tallebudgera QLD 4228, A.C.N. 010281008, authorised credit representative of Saccasan Pty Ltd, Australian Credit License 386297. Visit the ASIC website for additional licensing information.

IMPORTANT: We are neither authorised nor licensed to provide finance or financial products and we do not offer any form of credit or other financial advice. All product enquiries and requests for financial and/or other advice on this website are referred to 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 vaidating 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.