Business Loans Australia :: Articles

Five Worst Credit Card Mistakes

What are the five worst credit card mistakes to avoid?

Five Worst Credit Card Mistakes

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.

Credit cards can be an excellent way to manage your finances ... they can even be an investment tool. However your credit card can quickly become your enemy if not used correctly. Here are five of the worst mistakes most credit card holders make. If you can avoid these mistakes, you will benefit greatly.

Listed below are five worst mistakes most credit card holder make. If you can avoid these mistakes, you will benefit a lot.

1. Too many credit cards:

In most cases, a single credit card is sufficient to meet all the credit needs in a person's life.

More than one card leads to greater temptation resulting in inviting greater credit risk over a long run.

Multiple credit cards or credit accounts leave the lender with a question that the account holder must be spending all the money on the card.

2. Misunderstanding introductory rates:

Introductory rates on them are often low.

Debt Stressed?
Image for 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!

Many people get enticed by these rates. However, they give least attention to the rates that are levied once the introductory period is over, which can be as high as 20 percent.

3. Not reading the fine print:

This is the most common credit card mistake committed by a majority of people.

This is one strategy that companies apply to escape from legal entangles and also attract customers.

Most of the terms and conditions, including the interest rates, at the end of the introductory period are written in a fine print at the bottom or at the end of the brochure.

It is important to read these conditions in order to have a better understanding about the benefits offered by a particular card.

4. Making minimum payments:

This is another common mistake committed by consumers.

Credit cards should be used only during emergencies.

People should understand that credit cards offer money on credit but are not a form of income.

It is important to pay off the credit at the end of every month. With minimum payments, the trouble is going to increase further.

This is because the interest rates on the balance amount will be higher making it difficult to pay off loans for a long time.

5. Paying bills late:

When one wants to pay the credit card bill, it is better to pay that well ahead of time.

Most of the companies charge late-payment fees.

Apart from this, late payment of bills gets reflected in the credit reports, thereby making it difficult to obtain loans at better terms when one goes for any loans in the future.

Published: Tuesday, 24th Aug 2021
Author: 85

Rate this article

0 Comments

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


Business Loans Articles

From Setbacks to Success: Overcoming Credit Challenges and Fueling Business Growth
From Setbacks to Success: Overcoming Credit Challenges and Fueling Business Growth
In the dynamic world of business, navigating credit challenges is a reality for many Australian business owners. These challenges can stem from various sources, including unpaid customer invoices, unexpected expenses, or the complexities of managing cash flow. Such hurdles often come at inopportune moments, leading to recurring stress for entrepreneurs trying to maintain a stable financial standing. - read more
Breaking Down Barriers: How to Overcome Delays in Business Loan Approvals
Breaking Down Barriers: How to Overcome Delays in Business Loan Approvals
Embarking on a business endeavor often requires substantial financial support, and securing a business loan can be a crucial step towards progress and expansion. A well-prepared loan application not only showcases your business in its best light but also significantly enhances the prospects of obtaining the needed funds. Attention to detail and a thorough understanding of the lending process can streamline your journey to approval. - read more
Mezzanine Finance: A Strategic Tool for Business Growth through Acquisition
Mezzanine Finance: A Strategic Tool for Business Growth through Acquisition
Mezzanine finance represents a sophisticated instrument within the realm of corporate finance, often utilized as a strategic tool when more traditional forms of capital are not ideally suited or are insufficient for a firm's needs. Inherently, it serves as a hybrid between debt and equity financing, tailored to support growth initiatives such as business acquisitions. - read more
Unlocking the Secrets to Flexible Business Financing in Australia
Unlocking the Secrets to Flexible Business Financing in Australia
For emerging businesses seeking to navigate the vibrant economic currents of Australia, grasping the startup lending landscape is essential. A myriad of financing options, each with its distinct advantages and caveats, awaits the ambitious entrepreneur. In this sea of possibilities, securing the right funding becomes more than a mere necessity—it represents a decisive factor in charting the course toward business success. - read more
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Evaluating Your Refinancing Options
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Evaluating Your Refinancing Options
Refinancing can be a powerful tool for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Australia. It offers an opportunity to restructure debt, potentially secure better interest rates, and the possibilities of improved cash flow - all critical elements for maintaining and growing a business. Given the dynamic nature of financial markets, refinancing can provide businesses with a strategic advantage to manage their finances more effectively. - read more
Financing Options to Boost Your Business Liquidity
Financing Options to Boost Your Business Liquidity
Liquidity is a vital aspect of any successful business, representing the ability to meet short-term obligations and to manage cash flow effectively. High liquidity indicates that a company can swiftly convert assets into cash to cover its liabilities. This financial agility enables businesses to navigate unpredictability, seize opportunities, and maintain operational stability. - 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

Finance News

Cigno Australia and BSF Solutions Penalised for Unlawful Payday Lending Practices
Cigno Australia and BSF Solutions Penalised for Unlawful Payday Lending Practices
16 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
In a significant ruling, the Federal Court has imposed a $7 million fine on Cigno Australia and BSF Solutions for operating an illegal payday lending scheme that contravened Australian credit laws. Each company has been ordered to pay $3 million, while their respective directors, Mark Swanepoel and Brenton Harrison, have been fined $500,000 each. - read more
ANZ Tops Major Banks in Business Lending Expansion for April 2026
ANZ Tops Major Banks in Business Lending Expansion for April 2026
16 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
In April 2026, the Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ) achieved the highest monthly growth in business lending among the nation's major banks. According to the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), ANZ's business lending portfolio increased by $1.9 billion, reaching a total of $152.9 billion, marking a 1.24% growth for the month. - read more
Australian SMEs Reduce Borrowing Amid Economic Uncertainty
Australian SMEs Reduce Borrowing Amid Economic Uncertainty
16 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
Recent data from non-bank lender Banjo Loans indicates a decline in borrowing activity among Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) during the final quarter of 2025. The Banjo Barometer for Q2 FY26 reports a 5% decrease in SME loan applications, following a 14% spike in the previous quarter. - read more
Non-Bank Lenders Advocate for Inclusion in Economic Resilience Program
Non-Bank Lenders Advocate for Inclusion in Economic Resilience Program
09 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
Non-bank lenders are urging the Australian government to include them in the $1 billion Economic Resilience Program, emphasizing their crucial role in providing financing to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This program aims to bolster businesses affected by economic challenges, and non-bank lenders argue that their participation would enhance the program's effectiveness. - read more
Brokers Adapt Strategies Amid Shifting Commercial Finance Landscape
Brokers Adapt Strategies Amid Shifting Commercial Finance Landscape
09 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
As the commercial finance landscape in Australia undergoes significant changes, brokers are adapting their strategies to better serve small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Rising costs, regulatory shifts, and evolving economic conditions are prompting brokers to refine their approaches to meet the diverse financing needs of businesses. - read more
RBA's Third Rate Hike in 2026: Implications for Australian Businesses
RBA's Third Rate Hike in 2026: Implications for Australian Businesses
25 May 2026: Paige Estritori
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has raised the official cash rate by 0.25 percentage points to 4.35% on 5 May 2026, marking the third increase this year. This decision aims to address escalating inflationary pressures affecting the Australian economy. - read more
High-Risk SMEs Escalate Search for Financing Amid Stricter Lending Criteria
High-Risk SMEs Escalate Search for Financing Amid Stricter Lending Criteria
25 May 2026: Paige Estritori
Recent data indicates a notable trend among high-risk small businesses in Australia: an increase in 'credit shopping,' where these enterprises apply to multiple lenders in pursuit of financing. This behaviour has become more prevalent as overall business credit demand has softened, with a marginal decline of 0.4% in the first quarter of 2026. - read more

Need Help Finding a Loan?
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
Blue Chip Stock:
Shares in a large, reputable, and financially stable company with a history of reliable earnings and dividend payments.