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

Business Loans Articles

Startup Loans vs. Business Lines of Credit: Which is Better for Your Company?

Starting a new business is an exciting journey, but it often requires a significant amount of funding to get off the ground. Whether it's for purchasing equipment, hiring staff, or marketing your new venture, securing the right type of financing is crucial for success. - read more

Commercial Property Financing: Top Strategies for Aussie Entrepreneurs

In the entrepreneurial world, securing the right type of financing can be the catalyst for substantial business growth and success. Commercial property financing in Australia encompasses a range of options tailored to meet the diverse needs of businesses, each with its own set of advantages and intricacies. This article delves into the heart of strategic financing, providing Aussie entrepreneurs with guidance on navigating this vital aspect of their business ventures. - read more

Maximizing Your Chances of Approval for a Startup Loan in Australia

Securing financing is a pivotal step for any startup looking to establish itself and grow. In Australia, the startup lending landscape is buoyant, offering a mix of traditional and innovative financing options. The financial ecosystem is robust yet competitive, and understanding how to navigate it is crucial for new business owners. - read more

Understanding Loan Terms and Conditions: A Guide for New Business Owners

Starting a business often requires a substantial amount of capital, which many new business owners may not have readily available. Business loans can provide the necessary funding to help get your startup off the ground, from purchasing equipment to hiring staff and everything in between. - read more

Alternative Funding Options for Your Australian Business

When it comes to starting or expanding a business in Australia, securing funding is often a top priority. However, traditional funding options, such as bank loans or government grants, can be difficult to obtain for small businesses. - read more

A Growth Blueprint: Crafting a Financial Plan for Expanding Enterprises

Financial planning plays a crucial role when businesses are poised for growth. As enterprises expand, a well-crafted financial plan acts as a guiding framework to navigate the complexities that come with scaling operations. This plan helps in ensuring that resources are meticulously allocated and potential financial hurdles are effectively managed. - read more

Drawing a Roadmap: Effective Planning for Business Loan Utilization in Australia

Effective planning is the backbone of any thriving business, and when it comes to leveraging financial products like business loans, this foresight becomes even more crucial. In the dynamic economic landscape of Australia, businesses are continually walking a tightrope, balancing investment, growth, and financial stability. The importance of prudent and strategic planning for business loan utilization cannot be overstated; it can mean the difference between a flourishing enterprise and one that struggles to keep its head above water. - read more

Finance News

APRA's New Cap on High DTI Home Loans: What It Means for Borrowers

30 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a significant policy change aimed at mitigating risks in the housing market. Effective February 2026, APRA will implement a cap restricting banks from issuing more than 20% of new home loans to borrowers with debt-to-income (DTI) ratios of six times or higher. This measure applies to both owner-occupier and investor loans, excluding new housing developments. - read more

Global Dynamics and Their Impact on Australia's Financial Landscape

30 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

In a recent address in Sydney, Penelope Smith, head of the international department at the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), shed light on the significant influence of global factors on Australia's financial conditions. She pointed out that indicators such as low equity risk premia and credit spreads suggest that financial conditions may be more accommodative than they appear at first glance. - read more

Westpac's Financial Performance: Navigating Challenges in a Competitive Mortgage Market

30 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

Westpac Banking Corporation has reported a slight decrease in its annual profit, recording A$6.99 billion for the year ending September 30, 2025, down from A$7.11 billion the previous year. Despite this decline, the result surpassed analysts' expectations of A$6.83 billion. - read more

NAB Lowers Business Loan Interest Rates by 0.25%

22 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

National Australia Bank (NAB), Australia's largest business bank, has announced a 0.25% per annum reduction in interest rates for eligible business lending products. This decision follows the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) recent 0.25% cut to the cash rate. - read more

ASIC Advocates for Improved Standards in Private Lending Sector

22 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has released a comprehensive report urging the private lending sector to elevate its standards to align more closely with traditional banking practices. This call to action stems from ASIC's findings of inconsistent reporting, downplayed risks, and opaque fee structures within the rapidly growing private credit market. - read more

Australian Commercial Credit Demand Increases by 3% in Q3 2025

22 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

Recent data from Equifax indicates a 3% year-on-year rise in overall commercial credit demand in Australia for the third quarter of 2025. This growth is primarily driven by an uptick in business loan applications across the eastern states, reflecting a positive trend in the nation's business sector. - read more

ANZ Bank's Financial Performance and Strategic Cost Reductions

14 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

ANZ Group has reported a 14% decline in annual cash earnings, amounting to A$5.79 billion for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025. This downturn is primarily attributed to a significant post-tax impact of A$1.11 billion, which includes A$414 million in redundancy costs for 3,500 employees and A$264 million in penalties from a regulatory lawsuit. - read more

Click for more Finance News

Need Help Finding a Loan?

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

Knowledgebase

Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI):
A type of insurance that a borrower might be required to purchase as a condition of a conventional mortgage loan, if the down payment is less than 20% of the property value.