Anyloan 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.
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

What to Do If Your Loan Application Is Denied
What to Do If Your Loan Application Is Denied
If you're here, you've likely faced the disappointment of having your loan application denied. - read more
How to Build a Solid Financial Plan for Your Future
How to Build a Solid Financial Plan for Your Future
A solid financial plan helps you understand where your money is going, set practical goals and prepare for major life decisions such as buying a home, purchasing a car, investing, protecting your family or planning for retirement. This guide explains the main building blocks of financial planning in an Australian context, without replacing personalised financial advice. - read more
Do You Qualify? Crucial Factors That Affect Your Loan Approval Odds
Do You Qualify? Crucial Factors That Affect Your Loan Approval Odds
For Australians, the quest to secure a loan can be as nerve-wracking as it is pivotal. Whether it's to finance a home, car, or even to consolidate debts, the outcome can profoundly impact your financial trajectory. Acquiring loan approval is not merely about ticking boxes; it's about presenting a financial profile that reassures lenders of your capacity and commitment to repay. - read more
Fueling Your Startup Success: Navigate Business Finance
Fueling Your Startup Success: Navigate Business Finance
Launching a startup is an exhilarating journey, filled with the promise of innovation, independence, and growth. However, it also comes with its share of challenges. From planning and execution to funding and scaling, each step requires careful consideration and decisive action. For many aspiring entrepreneurs in Australia, securing the necessary capital is one of the greatest hurdles they face on the path to success. - read more
How to Increase Your Borrowing Power Efficiently
How to Increase Your Borrowing Power Efficiently
Borrowing power refers to the amount of money a lender is willing to loan you, based on your financial situation. - read more

Finance News

Why loan purpose can still change the rate you pay
Why loan purpose can still change the rate you pay
16 Sep 2026: Paige Estritori
Recent personal and vehicle loan rate updates are reinforcing a practical message for Australian borrowers: the reason you borrow, the asset involved and the strength of your application can still make a meaningful difference to the price you are offered. - read more
Why SME Borrowers Still Need to Shop Carefully for Finance
Why SME Borrowers Still Need to Shop Carefully for Finance
09 Sep 2026: Paige Estritori
The latest Reserve Bank lending-rate data gives Australian small business owners another reason to look beyond the first offer on the table. While business credit has continued to expand through 2026, the price paid by smaller borrowers remains highly dependent on loan structure, security, trading history and lender appetite. - read more
Business Credit Is Still Moving Despite Rate Pressure
Business Credit Is Still Moving Despite Rate Pressure
02 Sep 2026: Paige Estritori
The Reserve Bank’s latest financial aggregates add another chapter to the borrowing story that has been building through 2026. The July update indicates that private sector credit is still expanding, with business lending remaining an important source of momentum. For SMEs, sole traders and self-employed borrowers, this extends the pattern seen in the earlier June credit data: demand for funding has not disappeared, even while interest rates and lender scrutiny continue to shape approval outcomes. - read more
RBA Minutes Signal a Longer Wait for Easier Borrowing Conditions
RBA Minutes Signal a Longer Wait for Easier Borrowing Conditions
26 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori
The Reserve Bank’s latest meeting minutes have added more detail to the message borrowers heard after the earlier August rate decision: policy makers are not yet ready to declare victory over inflation, even if some parts of the economy are clearly slowing. For households, sole traders and SMEs, that means borrowing plans still need to be built around current lending conditions rather than expectations of a quick fall in rates. - read more
What the August RBA Decision Means for Borrowers
What the August RBA Decision Means for Borrowers
19 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori
The Reserve Bank of Australia’s August decision to leave the cash rate unchanged at 4.35% keeps a familiar message in place for Australian borrowers: relief may come eventually, but loan decisions still need to be made on today’s numbers. For households, sole traders and SMEs, the practical issue is not only where rates sit now, but how lenders assess affordability while policy remains restrictive. - read more

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 obligation-free by a participating broker from our national referral partner network. We respect your Privacy.

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

Knowledgebase
Subprime Loan:
A type of loan offered to individuals with poor credit scores, typically at a higher interest rate.


Quick Links: | Personal And Business Loans Australia | Business Loan Options | Personal Loans Australia | Leasing Finance Solutions | Finance Brokers Australia | Unsecured Business Loans | Vehicle And Equipment Finance | Compare Finance Quotes | Quick Loan Approval | Low Interest Loans | Flexible Loan Terms