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

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
The Insider’s Guide to Haggling Your Way to an Affordable Car Loan
The Insider’s Guide to Haggling Your Way to an Affordable Car Loan
Finding the perfect car is an exciting journey, but securing the right car loan to finance it is an equally critical step. Choosing a loan with favorable terms can make a substantial difference to your wallet and overall well-being. This introductory guide is designed to navigate the nuances of car loan negotiation, ensuring you drive off not just with the car of your dreams, but a loan that suits your lifestyle and financial goals. - 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
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
Navigating Your Credit Score: How It Affects Your Car Financing Options
Navigating Your Credit Score: How It Affects Your Car Financing Options
Understanding your credit score is a key part of navigating the world of car financing. Whether you're looking to buy your first vehicle or you're an established buyer considering an upgrade, your credit score can significantly impact your financing options. In this section, we'll delve into why your credit score is so essential and provide a primer on how it's calculated. - 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
The Top 7 Factors Lenders Consider for Car Loan Approval
The Top 7 Factors Lenders Consider for Car Loan Approval
For many Australians, buying a car is a significant milestones. Understanding the factors that influence car loan approval can make this process smoother and more successful. Knowing what lenders prioritise not only enhances your chances of approval but also helps you negotiate better terms. - read more

Finance News

China Overtakes Japan as Australia's Leading Vehicle Importer
China Overtakes Japan as Australia's Leading Vehicle Importer
26 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
In a landmark development for Australia's automotive industry, February 2026 saw China surpass Japan to become the nation's largest source of new vehicle imports. According to data from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), 22,362 vehicles imported from China were sold in Australia during the month, edging out Japan's 21,671 units. This shift marks the first time since 1998 that Japan has not held the top position in Australia's vehicle import hierarchy. - read more
ASIC Calls for Strengthened Consumer Safeguards in Car Finance Sector
ASIC Calls for Strengthened Consumer Safeguards in Car Finance Sector
26 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. The findings, released in November 2025, highlight deficiencies in lenders' oversight of car finance distributors, including problematic sales tactics and inadequate auditing processes. - read more
Australia's Electric Vehicle Market Set for Significant Growth in 2026
Australia's Electric Vehicle Market Set for Significant Growth in 2026
26 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
Australia's electric vehicle (EV) market is on a trajectory for substantial growth, with projections indicating that EVs could account for 15% of new car sales by the end of 2026. This anticipated surge is attributed to aggressive price reductions and a significant expansion of charging infrastructure across the country. - read more
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
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
Option:
A financial derivative that gives the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an asset at a specified price on or before a specified date.


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.