FOLLOW US
Follow us!

We are a proud member of the Financial Services Online network!

Connect with us on your favourite social media platform for the latest financial news, views, resources and information.

Follow us on social media
Car Loans Online
Australian Online Car Loan Specialists.
Car Loans Online :: 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.
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!
... 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


Car Loans Articles

5 Essential Steps to Build a Strong Credit Profile for Car Financing
5 Essential Steps to Build a Strong Credit Profile for Car Financing
Building a strong credit profile is crucial when it comes to securing car financing. In today's financial landscape, your credit score can significantly impact the kind of loan offers you receive, making it more important than ever to maintain a healthy credit report. - read more
10 Car Finance Traps Every Australian Should Steer Clear Of
10 Car Finance Traps Every Australian Should Steer Clear Of
When it comes to financing a car, the importance of vigilance cannot be overstated. Navigating through the maze of loan offers and financial jargon can be overwhelming, making it all too easy to overlook critical details that could cost you dearly in the long run. - read more
Car Financing 101: Protecting Your Credit While Seeking a Car Loan
Car Financing 101: Protecting Your Credit While Seeking a Car Loan
Welcome to Car Financing 101: the essential guide to navigating the car loan landscape in Australia. Whether you're a first-time buyer or an experienced motorist looking to upgrade, understanding how to protect your credit while securing finance is crucial. As you embark on this journey, maintaining a steadfast grip on your credit health can be the difference between a deal that drives you forward and one that stalls progress. - read more
Expert Advice: What to Do If Your Car Loan Application is Denied
Expert Advice: What to Do If Your Car Loan Application is Denied
Applying for a car loan can be an exciting yet nerve-wracking process. You've found the perfect vehicle and now you're ready to make it yours. However, navigating the car loan application can sometimes bring disappointment if your application is denied. - read more
Car Loan Hidden Charges: What Australians Need to Watch Out For
Car Loan Hidden Charges: What Australians Need to Watch Out For
Australians have a variety of car financing options at their disposal when the time comes to purchase a new vehicle. From dealer finance to personal loans and leasing agreements, the variety of choices can be both empowering and, at times, overwhelming. Opting for a car loan is a common route, giving buyers the ability to spread the cost of their new set of wheels over time. - read more
How to Improve Your Chances of Car Loan Approval
How to Improve Your Chances of Car Loan Approval
Purchasing a car is a significant milestone for many Australians, but securing a loan to finance that purchase can often be a challenging endeavor. Whether you're buying your first car or upgrading to a new model, getting your car loan approved is a critical step in the process. - read more
Understanding Loan Criteria: Tips for Australian Car Buyers
Understanding Loan Criteria: Tips for Australian Car Buyers
Loan criteria refer to the set of standards and requirements that lenders use to evaluate the eligibility of an applicant for a car loan. These criteria help lenders determine the risk associated with lending money to a potential borrower. - read more

Finance News

ASIC's Investigation Highlights Concerns in Car Finance Practices
ASIC's Investigation Highlights Concerns in Car Finance Practices
10 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has conducted a comprehensive review of the nation's motor vehicle finance sector, uncovering significant issues that raise concerns about consumer protection and lending practices. - read more
Macquarie Bank Transfers $1.5 Billion Car Loan Portfolio to Allied Credit
Macquarie Bank Transfers $1.5 Billion Car Loan Portfolio to Allied Credit
10 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
In a significant development within the Australian financial sector, Macquarie Bank has agreed to sell a substantial portion of its car loan portfolio to Allied Credit, a leading independent financier. This transaction involves the transfer of over 50,000 car loans, amounting to approximately $1.5 billion, and is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2025. - read more
ASIC Initiates Comprehensive Review of Car Finance Practices in Regional and First Nations Communities
ASIC Initiates Comprehensive Review of Car Finance Practices in Regional and First Nations Communities
10 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has embarked on a thorough review of the motor vehicle finance sector, aiming to bolster consumer protections, particularly for individuals in regional and remote areas, including First Nations communities. This initiative underscores ASIC's commitment to ensuring fair and responsible lending practices across the nation. - read more
CEFC and Hyundai Capital Collaborate to Make EV Loans More Affordable
CEFC and Hyundai Capital Collaborate to Make EV Loans More Affordable
02 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
The Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) has announced a significant partnership with Hyundai Capital Australia (HCAU), committing up to $60 million to make electric vehicle (EV) ownership more accessible for Australians. This initiative is designed to reduce the upfront costs associated with purchasing EVs, thereby encouraging more households and small businesses to transition to cleaner transportation options. - read more
ASIC's Investigation Highlights Concerns in Car Finance Practices
ASIC's Investigation Highlights Concerns in Car Finance Practices
02 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has conducted a comprehensive review of the nation's motor vehicle finance sector, uncovering significant issues that raise concerns about consumer protection and lending practices. - read more
IMB Bank Recognised as Australia's Leading Personal Loan Provider
IMB Bank Recognised as Australia's Leading Personal Loan Provider
02 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
IMB Bank has been honoured as Australia's Best Personal Loan Lender for 2026, marking the second consecutive year it has received this prestigious accolade from Mozo's Experts Choice Awards. This recognition underscores IMB Bank's commitment to providing competitive and consumer-friendly loan products. - read more
Australian Used Car Sales Surge in January 2026 Despite Supply Constraints
Australian Used Car Sales Surge in January 2026 Despite Supply Constraints
22 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian used car market experienced a notable uptick in January 2026, with sales increasing by 9.7% compared to December 2025. This surge occurred despite a 5.4% decline in vehicle listings, indicating a tightening supply in the market. - read more
Click for more Finance News

Need Help Finding a Loan?
Get a free car loan eligibility assessment and compare offers tailored specifically to your circumstances.
Loan Amount:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided free and without obligation by a Specialist from our National Broker referral panel. See our Privacy Statement for more details.

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

Knowledgebase
Amortization:
The process of gradually paying off a debt over a period of time through regular payments.


This website is owned and operated by Clark Family Pty Ltd (ACN 010 281 008) as Trustee for the Clark Family Trust (ABN 35 957 893 714), 43 Larch Street Tallebudgera QLD 4228. Clark Family Pty Ltd is an Authorised Representative (AR 1298860) of Unique Group Broker Services Pty Ltd (AFSL 509434) for financial product referrals and an Authorised Credit Representative (ACR 401491) of Saccasan Pty Ltd (ACL 386297). Check our licensing details on the ASIC registers: Clark Family Pty Ltd ACR, Clark Family Pty Ltd AR, Saccasan Pty Ltd, Unique Group Broker Services.
IMPORTANT: We do not provide financial product advice or credit assistance. We act solely as an introducer and refer enquiries to licensed third-party intermediaries, insurers, and lenders - with whom you can then deal directly. We may receive a fee or commission from these third parties in consideration for the referral. Before any action is taken to obtain a product or service referred to by this website, advice should be obtained (from either the third party to whom we refer you or from another qualified intermediary) as to the appropriateness of obtaining those products having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. Whilst we have our own process for validating the legitimacy of our referral partners, you should always verify the credentials of your financial adviser before proceeding with recommendations that they may present. Visit the ASIC website for further information.