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 Pros and Cons of Personal Loans for Young Professionals

Personal loans are a financial tool that many young professionals consider when they need extra funds. Whether it's for consolidating debt, covering unexpected expenses, or making a big purchase, personal loans can provide the flexibility you need to manage your finances effectively. - read more

Understanding Loan Calculators: A Practical Guide for Smart Borrowers

Understanding the loan application process can be quite challenging. However, with the right tools, it becomes much easier to navigate. One of these essential tools is a loan calculator. - read more

5 Essential Personal Loan Tips Every Millennial Should Know

Personal loans have become an increasingly popular financial tool among millennials in Australia. As the cost of living rises and life goals such as buying a home or pursuing higher education loom on the horizon, personal loans offer a means to achieve these goals with more immediate access to funds. However, the array of options and terms can be bewildering, making it crucial for young adults to approach borrowing with a prudent mindset. - read more

Financing Your Dream: Tips for First-Time Entrepreneurs and Business Loans

Starting a business is an exciting venture, often filled with dreams and aspirations of growing a successful enterprise. For many first-time entrepreneurs, securing a business loan can be a crucial step in turning these dreams into reality. Business loans provide the necessary funds for growth and expansion, enabling startups to invest in equipment, hire employees, and expand marketing efforts. - 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

Finance News

Small Businesses Are Still Paying More for Finance

14 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

The latest Reserve Bank of Australia lending rate data gives small business owners a timely reminder: the cost of finance is still highly dependent on borrower profile, loan size, security and lender appetite. For May 2026, the average rate on new small business loans sat at 7.26% per annum, compared with 6.12% for medium businesses and 5.49% for large businesses. - read more

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

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

Consumer Credit Code:
An act of Parliament that governs the relationship that exists between borrowers and lenders.