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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.
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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

How to Budget for Your Dream Car: Tips for Smart Financing
How to Budget for Your Dream Car: Tips for Smart Financing
The anticipation of buying your dream car can be both exhilarating and daunting. It's a milestone that signifies personal success, a reward for hard work, and the freedom to explore the open road in a car that you truly adore. However, acquiring that dream vehicle is not merely about making a wish and waiting for it to come true; it requires smart financial planning and strategic decision-making. - read more
Your Essential Guide to Documentation for Car Loan Success
Your Essential Guide to Documentation for Car Loan Success
In the journey to securing a car loan, understanding the importance of proper documentation is a crucial first step. Proper documentation not only saves time but also significantly boosts your chances of approval. Lenders pay close attention to your paperwork, using it to gauge your financial reliability and commitment. - read more
How to Build an Emergency Fund for Unexpected Car Costs
How to Build an Emergency Fund for Unexpected Car Costs
Owning a car comes with a lot of responsibilities and unexpected expenses. From regular maintenance to surprise repairs, the costs can quickly add up and create financial stress. - read more
A Step-by-Step Guide to Securing Your Pre-Approved Car Loan in Australia
A Step-by-Step Guide to Securing Your Pre-Approved Car Loan in Australia
A pre-approved car loan is a financial agreement where a lender approves a borrower for a specific loan amount before the borrower selects a vehicle. This type of loan sets a clear budget, giving car buyers a defined spending limit while providing a streamlined and efficient car shopping experience. - read more
The Importance of Comparing Car Loan Rates Before Buying a Vehicle
The Importance of Comparing Car Loan Rates Before Buying a Vehicle
When purchasing a vehicle, understanding car loan interest rates is a critical aspect that can significantly affect your overall financial commitment. But what exactly are car loan interest rates, and why should they matter to you? - 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

Finance News

Budget Direct Triumphs Again: Best-Value Car Insurance 2025
Budget Direct Triumphs Again: Best-Value Car Insurance 2025
20 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
Budget Direct has once again been recognised for its outstanding value in the car insurance sector, securing the title of Best-Value Car Insurance in Money magazine's 2025 awards. This marks the seventh consecutive year that Budget Direct has received this prestigious accolade, underscoring its commitment to providing affordable and comprehensive coverage to Australian motorists. - read more
New Initiative Makes Electric Vehicles More Affordable for Essential Workers
New Initiative Makes Electric Vehicles More Affordable for Essential Workers
20 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
In a significant move towards promoting sustainable transportation, essential workers and individuals earning below $100,000 annually in Australia now have access to more affordable electric vehicle (EV) loans. This initiative is part of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation's (CEFC) collaboration with CommBank's EV Access Program, which has allocated $150 million to support discounted loan rates for new and used EVs priced up to $55,000, as well as EV home charging equipment. - read more
ASIC Calls for Improved Consumer Safeguards in Car Finance Sector
ASIC Calls for Improved Consumer Safeguards in Car Finance Sector
12 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has recently 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
Australia's Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Financing Soars in 2024
Australia's Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Financing Soars in 2024
12 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
Australia is witnessing a significant shift towards sustainable transportation, as evidenced by a remarkable surge in financing for electric and hybrid vehicles. In 2024, the Australian Finance Industry Association (AFIA) reported that over $6.17 billion was allocated to finance 104,835 electric and hybrid vehicles, marking a 50% increase from the previous year. - read more
Australia's Used Car Market Shows Signs of Cooling After Robust 2024
Australia's Used Car Market Shows Signs of Cooling After Robust 2024
12 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
The Australian used car market, which experienced significant growth throughout most of 2024, is now showing signs of deceleration, prompting industry experts to adopt a more cautious outlook for 2025. According to the 2024 Year That Was Automotive Insights Report (AIR) released by the Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) in partnership with AutoGrab, total used car sales reached 2,324,805 units in 2024, marking a 12.1% increase compared to 2023. - read more
ASIC's Investigation Highlights Issues in Car Finance Sector
ASIC's Investigation Highlights Issues in Car Finance Sector
04 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has recently 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
Mid-Year Insights Show Used Car Supply Surging
Mid-Year Insights Show Used Car Supply Surging
04 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
The Australian used car market is experiencing a significant shift, with a notable increase in vehicle listings contributing to a more balanced and stable marketplace. According to the Mid-2025 Automotive Insights Report (AIR) released by the Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) in collaboration with AutoGrab, the first half of 2025 saw 1,589,491 used vehicles listed for sale. This figure represents an over 30% increase compared to the same period in 2024, indicating a substantial surge in supply. - read more
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