Business Loans 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

Sign in with Google to rate

0 Comments

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


Business Loans Articles

Business Liquidity Financing Options in Australia
Business Liquidity Financing Options in Australia
Liquidity is a vital part of business financial health. It describes how readily a business can meet short-term obligations, manage cash flow and respond to changing conditions without unnecessary financial strain. - read more
Common Mistakes to Avoid During the Business Loan Application Process
Common Mistakes to Avoid During the Business Loan Application Process
Many Australian business owners find securing a business loan to be a daunting task, primarily because of the detailed documentation required and the common pitfalls that can occur at various stages of the application. - read more
Mezzanine Finance for Business Acquisitions in Australia
Mezzanine Finance for Business Acquisitions in Australia
Mezzanine finance is a hybrid form of business funding that sits between senior debt and equity. For Australian businesses considering acquisitions, it can help bridge a funding gap when conventional lending is not enough and owners want to limit immediate equity dilution. - read more
Cash Flow and Working Capital: Practical Strategies for Australian Business Growth
Cash Flow and Working Capital: Practical Strategies for Australian Business Growth
Cash flow is the movement of money into and out of a business. Working capital is the short-term funding available after current liabilities are considered. Together, they help a business meet day-to-day obligations, manage timing gaps and plan for growth opportunities. - read more
Business Loan Fees Explained: Understanding the Total Cost of Borrowing
Business Loan Fees Explained: Understanding the Total Cost of Borrowing
When comparing business loans, it's important to look beyond the interest rate and understand the range of fees and charges that may apply. Business loan costs can include establishment fees, ongoing account fees, early repayment fees and other charges that contribute to the total cost of borrowing. - read more
Understanding the Essential Documents Needed for a Successful Loan Application
Understanding the Essential Documents Needed for a Successful Loan Application
When it comes to applying for a loan, having the right documents is crucial. Whether you're looking to buy a home, start a new business, or refinance an existing loan, documentation can make or break your application. It serves as evidence of your financial health, providing lenders with a clear picture of your ability to repay the loan. - read more
How Business Loan Interest Rates Work in Australia
How Business Loan Interest Rates Work in Australia
Business loan interest rates in Australia vary because lenders price each loan according to the product, market conditions, business risk, security, loan term and the applicant's financial position. Understanding these factors can help SMEs compare loan offers more confidently. - read more

Finance News

Specialist SME Lending Remains Open, But Discipline Matters
Specialist SME Lending Remains Open, But Discipline Matters
26 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori
Latest market reporting around specialist SME lender Judo Bank points to a business credit market that is not shutting down, but is becoming more deliberate. The lender’s continued focus on relationship-led lending, deposits and small to medium-sized business borrowers suggests demand for finance remains present among firms with clear plans and serviceable cash flow. - read more
Payment Timing Keeps Pressure on SME Working Capital
Payment Timing Keeps Pressure on SME Working Capital
19 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori
Fresh small business indicators are again pointing to a familiar challenge for Australian SMEs: trading activity may continue, but the timing of cash receipts is still creating pressure. Recent industry commentary has highlighted uneven payment behaviour, cautious customer spending and a more deliberate approach to investment among smaller firms. For owners and finance managers, that combination can make working capital planning just as important as sales growth. - read more
Payment Delays Put Working Capital Back on the SME Agenda
Payment Delays Put Working Capital Back on the SME Agenda
12 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori
Late invoice payments are again emerging as a practical funding issue for Australian small and medium-sized businesses, with fresh industry commentary pointing to continued pressure across trade payments, cash reserves and day-to-day operating liquidity. For business owners, the message is clear: revenue on paper is not the same as cash in the bank. - read more
Rising Business Failure Risk Puts Cash Flow Back in the Lending Spotlight
Rising Business Failure Risk Puts Cash Flow Back in the Lending Spotlight
04 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori
Fresh business risk signals are reinforcing a clear message for Australian SMEs: access to credit is still available, but lenders are likely to keep asking harder questions about cash flow, repayment capacity and the resilience of each borrower’s operating model. The latest commentary around business failures, trade payment pressure and sector-specific insolvency risk points to a market where credit decisions are becoming increasingly evidence-led. - read more
Business Borrowing Momentum Is Becoming More Selective
Business Borrowing Momentum Is Becoming More Selective
28 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori
Australia's business lending market appears to be entering a more selective phase, with the latest banking signals pointing to a widening gap between larger companies still seeking capital and smaller firms taking a more cautious approach. While credit is not disappearing, lenders are increasingly focused on serviceability, cash flow consistency and the purpose behind each new facility. - read more
Small Firms Tap the Brakes on Borrowing in June
Small Firms Tap the Brakes on Borrowing in June
21 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori
Australian small businesses appear to be moving into a more defensive phase, with new Equifax data for June 2026 pointing to a sharp divide between larger companies still borrowing for expansion and SMEs conserving cash. The latest Business Market Pulse suggests overall business loan demand is still growing, but at a slower pace than the stronger credit activity recorded late last year. - read more
Small Business Tax Debt Crackdown Sharpens Cash Flow Focus
Small Business Tax Debt Crackdown Sharpens Cash Flow Focus
07 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori
Australian small businesses may soon face a more disciplined tax debt collection environment, after the Australian National Audit Office found the ATO needs clearer targets for reducing collectable small business debt. The issue is substantial: small business collectable tax debt stood at $35.9 billion in 2024-25, representing about two-thirds of total collectable tax debt. - read more
Click for more Finance News

Need Help Finding a Loan?

Start here

Let us help you explore your business finance options.
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
Yield:
The income return on an investment, such as the interest or dividends received from holding a particular security.