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

The Impact of Credit Scores on Loan Applications: How to Borrow Smartly

Credit scores play a crucial role in loan applications, determining eligibility and interest rates for borrowers. Understanding how credit scores are calculated and the impact they have on loan applications is essential for anyone who wants to borrow smartly. - read more

Breaking Bad Budgets: Positive Money Moves to Make Today

Financial wellbeing is often a balancing act that many Australians find challenging. In an age where the cost of living seems to climb incessantly, managing money effectively has never been more critical. Yet, despite the importance of financial literacy, many individuals struggle to break free from the cycle of poor budgeting and erratic spending habits. - read more

Understanding Interest Rates: How to Get the Best Deal on Your Loan in 2024

As we step into the year 2024, the financial landscape continues to evolve, bringing to the fore the ever-critical subject of interest rates. For anyone considering taking out a loan, whether for a car, a home, or personal expenses, understanding the mechanics of interest rates is not just beneficial; it’s essential. - read more

Loan Eligibility Requirements for Self-Employed Australians: A Quick Guide

Acquiring a loan as a self-employed individual in Australia can often feel like navigating a labyrinth. Without the regular pay cheques and conventional financial documentation typically provided by salaried employees, self-employed Australians face unique challenges in proving their creditworthiness to lenders. - 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

Finance News

RBA's Latest Rate Hike: What It Means for Australian Borrowers

17 May 2026: Paige Estritori

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has announced an increase in the official cash rate to 4.35%, a move aimed at curbing the nation's rising inflation, which currently stands at 4.6%. This decision marks a continued effort by the RBA to stabilise the economy amid persistent cost-of-living pressures. - read more

Non-Bank Lenders Push for Access to Government's Economic Support Program

17 May 2026: Paige Estritori

Non-bank lenders are advocating for inclusion in the Australian government's $1 billion Economic Resilience Program, emphasising their critical role in providing finance to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This push highlights the evolving landscape of SME financing and the need for inclusive policy measures. - read more

Understanding the 2026 Federal Budget's Impact on Your Household Expenses

17 May 2026: Paige Estritori

The recently unveiled 2026 Federal Budget introduces several measures poised to influence the financial landscape for Australian households. Key areas affected include groceries, fuel, utility bills, and taxation. - read more

Cigno Australia Penalised $7 Million for Unlawful Payday Lending Practices

09 May 2026: Paige Estritori

In a landmark decision, the Federal Court has imposed a total of $7 million in fines on Cigno Australia and BSF Solutions, along with their respective directors, for operating an illegal payday lending scheme that contravened Australian credit laws. This ruling underscores the Australian Securities and Investments Commission's (ASIC) commitment to safeguarding consumers from predatory financial practices. - read more

Australian SMEs Boost Borrowing to Fuel Business Expansion

09 May 2026: Paige Estritori

Data from digital non-bank lender OnDeck reveals a significant uptick in loan applications from Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) during the December quarter of 2025. Notably, 34% of these applications were aimed at funding business expansion, indicating a shift from survival-focused borrowing to growth-oriented investments. - 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-to-Equity Ratio:
A measure of a company�s financial leverage, calculated by dividing its total liabilities by stockholders� equity.