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

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
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
Secured vs Unsecured Business Loans in Australia: Key Differences
Secured vs Unsecured Business Loans in Australia: Key Differences
Secured and unsecured business loans work differently, especially when it comes to collateral, interest rates, borrowing limits, documentation and repayment terms. Understanding these differences can help Australian business owners compare funding options more clearly before making an enquiry or application. - read more
Financial Planning for Business Growth: A Blueprint for Expanding Enterprises
Financial Planning for Business Growth: A Blueprint for Expanding Enterprises
Financial planning becomes increasingly important as a business prepares to expand. A practical financial plan can help an enterprise allocate resources, assess funding needs, manage cash flow and prepare for risks that may arise as operations scale. - read more
Start-Up Loans in Australia: How New Businesses Can Access Capital
Start-Up Loans in Australia: How New Businesses Can Access Capital
Starting a business in Australia often requires capital before revenue is consistent. This guide explains how start-up loans and other business finance options may help new businesses fund operations, equipment, technology or growth, and what lenders commonly look for before offering finance. - read more
The Ultimate Checklist for Applying for a Business Loan in Australia
The Ultimate Checklist for Applying for a Business Loan in Australia
Welcome to the world of boating! Whether you've just bought your first boat or are considering making a purchase, it's essential to understand the importance of regular maintenance. Proper upkeep not only extends the life of your boat but also ensures safety while out on the water. - read more
Flexible Business Financing in Australia: Options, Features and Application Basics
Flexible Business Financing in Australia: Options, Features and Application Basics
Flexible business financing can help Australian startups and small businesses match funding to cash flow, growth plans and operational needs. This guide explains common finance options, flexible loan features, lender considerations and practical steps for preparing a business loan application. - read more

Finance News

Business Confidence Signals Put Loan Readiness Back in Focus
Business Confidence Signals Put Loan Readiness Back in Focus
16 Sep 2026: Paige Estritori
Latest Australian business survey reporting is sending a practical message to owners and finance managers: trading conditions may be holding up in parts of the economy, but confidence remains fragile. For SMEs, that mix matters. When revenue is uneven, input costs are sticky and customers are cautious, the timing and structure of new borrowing can become just as important as the headline interest rate. - read more
Why ATO Interest Changes Matter for Business Borrowers
Why ATO Interest Changes Matter for Business Borrowers
09 Sep 2026: Paige Estritori
A tax change now working through Australian business finances deserves close attention from owners, directors and finance managers. Since 1 July 2025, the ATO’s general interest charge and shortfall interest charge have no longer been tax-deductible. For businesses carrying overdue tax or correcting underpaid obligations, that can lift the effective after-tax cost of falling behind. - read more
Payday Super Puts Payroll Timing Under the Finance Microscope
Payday Super Puts Payroll Timing Under the Finance Microscope
02 Sep 2026: Paige Estritori
Australia’s move towards Payday Super is more than a compliance update for employers. For many small and medium-sized businesses, it changes the rhythm of payroll-related cash outflows and places a sharper focus on whether day-to-day liquidity is strong enough to meet obligations as they fall due. - read more
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
Click for more Finance News

Need Help Finding a Loan?

Business Loan Repayment Calculator

Business Loan Repayment Calculator
Calculate

Business Loans Australia Weekly News Briefing

Business Loans Australia Weekly News Briefing
Listen

Stay informed with MoneyTips

Get practical financial information, news, guides and resources.

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

Knowledgebase
Hedge Fund:
An alternative investment vehicle that uses pooled funds to employ different strategies to earn active returns, or alpha, for their investors.