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

How to Create a Solid Business Plan to Secure Funding in Australia

A business plan is a comprehensive document that outlines the vision, objectives, and strategies of a business. It serves as a vital road map for entrepreneurs, detailing how they plan to achieve success. Importantly, a well-crafted business plan is essential when seeking funding, as it provides investors with a clear picture of the business's potential and its path to profitability. - 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

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

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

Essential Factors to Consider When Comparing Australian Loan Providers

Understanding the nuances of interest rates in today's Australian financial landscape is more than a matter of mere fiscal responsibility; it is a critical step in safeguarding your personal economy and ensuring that any loan acquired aligns perfectly with your financial aspirations for 2024 and beyond. In a world where every percentage point can translate into significant savings or costs over time, grasping what's at stake when selecting a loan provider becomes an essential skill. - read more

Finance News

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

APRA Evaluates 3% Serviceability Buffer Following Industry Consultation

09 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) is currently reviewing the 3% serviceability buffer applied to mortgage lending, following a consultation period that concluded in early June 2026. This buffer requires lenders to assess borrowers' ability to repay loans at an interest rate 3% higher than the current rate, aiming to ensure financial resilience among borrowers. - 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

Closing Costs:
The expenses over and above the price of the property incurred by buyers and sellers when transferring ownership of a property.