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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.
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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

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Navigating Your Credit Score: How It Affects Your Car Financing Options
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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
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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
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Finance News

ASIC Takes Legal Action Against Car Finance Provider for Alleged Lending Breaches
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02 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has commenced civil penalty proceedings in the Federal Court against car finance provider Money3 Loans Pty Ltd, alleging breaches of responsible lending obligations. This action underscores ASIC's commitment to enforcing compliance within the financial sector to protect consumers. - read more
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25 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
Recent data indicates a concerning rise in car loan delinquencies across Australia, with a 13% increase in vehicle repossessions over the past six months. This trend underscores the growing financial pressures faced by many Australians, as inflation and high interest rates continue to impact household budgets. - read more
Westpac Divests Auto Finance Loans in Strategic Move
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In a significant strategic shift, Westpac Banking Corporation has announced its decision to sell its auto finance loan book to Resimac Group. The transaction, valued between A$1.4 billion and A$1.6 billion, aligns with Westpac's ongoing strategy to streamline operations and focus on core banking services. - read more
Bank Australia Ends Financing for New Fossil Fuel Vehicles
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17 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
In a bold move towards sustainability, Bank Australia has ceased offering loans for new petrol, diesel, and hybrid vehicles as of February 2025. This strategic decision aligns with the bank's commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2035 and underscores its dedication to promoting environmentally friendly transportation options. - read more
Surge in Car Loan Delinquencies Sparks Financial Sector Worries
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Australia is witnessing a notable increase in car loan delinquencies, with a corresponding rise in vehicle repossessions and auctions. This trend is raising alarms about the financial well-being of consumers and potential ripple effects on the broader financial sector. - read more
Macquarie Bank Shifts Strategy: Exits Car Loans to Prioritise Mortgages
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09 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
In a significant strategic shift, Macquarie Bank has announced its decision to cease offering car loans, redirecting its focus towards expanding its mortgage and deposit services. This move is set to result in the loss of approximately 100 jobs within the bank's automotive lending division. - read more
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09 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
The automotive finance industry in Australia is undergoing a significant digital transformation, offering consumers more streamlined and personalised experiences when securing car loans. This shift is largely driven by fintech companies leveraging advanced technologies to simplify the borrowing process. - read more
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