Essential Tips to Avoid 5 Common Credit Killers and Boost Scores

5 Credit Killers

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

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?

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

0 Comments

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

Finance Articles

Australian Loan Application Checklist: What You Need to Know

When applying for a loan in Australia, it's essential to have a clear understanding of the loan application process. Whether you are applying for a home loan, personal loan, or business loan, knowing the necessary steps and having all the required documents ready can save you time and frustration. - read more

The Importance of Financial Literacy: Navigating Personal Loans in Your 20s and 30s

Financial literacy refers to the ability to understand and effectively use various financial skills, including personal financial management, budgeting, and investing. It's an essential skill set that can significantly impact an individual's financial well-being throughout their life. - read more

Understanding Loan Comparison: A Guide for New Borrowers

For new borrowers, stepping into the world of loans can be overwhelming. There are numerous options available, and each comes with its own set of terms, interest rates, and features. - read more

Debt Management Tips to Keep Your Credit Score Healthy

Debt management involves strategies and practices designed to help individuals control their debt and maintain a healthy financial standing. It includes everything from budgeting and tracking expenses to negotiating better terms with creditors and consolidating debts for easier repayment. - read more

Tips to Improve Your Loan Eligibility in Australia

For many self-employed Australians, securing a loan can feel like a daunting task. Unlike salaried employees, self-employed individuals often face unique challenges when it comes to proving their income stability and financial health. - read more

Finance News

Business Borrowing Stays Strong as May Credit Data Lands

07 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

The latest Reserve Bank of Australia financial aggregates show that borrowing demand has remained resilient, with business credit again leading the way. Released on 30 June 2026, the May figures show total credit rising by 0.7% over the month and 8.2% over the year. Within that, lending to non-financial businesses rose 1.0% in May and 9.9% across the year, outpacing both housing and personal credit. - read more

What the RBA’s New Policy Toolkit Means for Borrowers

30 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

The Reserve Bank of Australia has released a new framework explaining how it would approach additional monetary policy tools if the cash rate were again pushed close to zero and the economy still needed support. While that may sound distant from today’s lending market, the document matters for borrowers because it clarifies how the central bank thinks about future credit conditions, lender funding costs and the transmission of lower rates through the economy. - read more

Business Borrowing Keeps Climbing as Rates Stay High

23 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

The latest Reserve Bank of Australia credit figures show borrowers are still leaning on finance, even as elevated interest rates continue to test household budgets and business cash flow. The April 2026 data points to a lending market that is not retreating, but becoming more selective, with business credit remaining the strongest area of growth. - read more

RBA Holds Cash Rate Steady at 4.35% in June 2026

16 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has decided to maintain the official cash rate at 4.35% during its June 2026 meeting. This decision comes amidst a backdrop of economic uncertainties and persistent inflationary pressures. - read more

RBA Holds Cash Rate at 4.35% Amid Economic Uncertainty

09 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has decided to maintain the official cash rate at 4.35% during its June 2026 meeting. This decision comes amidst a backdrop of slowing economic growth and persistent inflationary pressures. - 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!

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

Knowledgebase

Debt Consolidation:
Taking advantage of lower interest rates that may be available by the grouping of multiple loans into one, lower interest rate loan.