Quick Quote
One simple enquiry form gives you fast access to quotes and rate comparisons from some of Australia's leading debt consolidation specialists.
All quotes are provided free and without obligation by a specialist from our national broker referral panel. See our privacy statement for more details.
Knowledgebase
Refinancing:
The process of obtaining a new mortgage to replace an existing one, often to secure a lower interest rate.
Debt Consolidation Australia :: 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!
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


Debt Consolidation Articles

The Ultimate Guide to Achieving Financial Freedom Through Debt Restructuring
The Ultimate Guide to Achieving Financial Freedom Through Debt Restructuring
Financial stability is a common aspiration, yet many Australians find themselves weighed down by the burden of debt. Whether it’s due to loans, credit cards, or unexpected financial emergencies, the struggle to stay afloat is a reality for countless individuals striving to achieve their dreams of a secure, debt-free future. - read more
How to Avoid Falling Back into Debt: Post-Consolidation Best Practices
How to Avoid Falling Back into Debt: Post-Consolidation Best Practices
Welcome to our guide on how to avoid falling back into debt after consolidating your debts. Debt consolidation can be a fantastic way to manage multiple financial obligations, combining them into a single, more manageable payment plan. But the journey doesn’t end there. - read more
How to Create a Realistic Family Budget: A Step-by-Step Guide
How to Create a Realistic Family Budget: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating a family budget might sound daunting, but it’s an essential step toward financial wellness. It’s about understanding where your money comes from and where it goes, allowing you to make informed decisions about your spending and savings. A well-planned budget can be the key to reducing financial stress and ensuring a secure future for your family. - read more
Financial Planning 101: How to Get Ahead of Your Debt
Financial Planning 101: How to Get Ahead of Your Debt
Welcome to Financial Planning 101: How to Get Ahead of Your Debt! If you're feeling overwhelmed by your financial situation, you're not alone. Many people struggle with managing debt and finding ways to achieve financial stability. - read more
Managing Your Credit Card Debt Wisely in Tough Economic Times
Managing Your Credit Card Debt Wisely in Tough Economic Times
In light of the current economic challenges facing many Australians, managing credit card debt has become more crucial than ever. With rising living costs and financial uncertainty, accruing debt on high-interest credit cards can quickly escalate from a manageable inconvenience to a stressful financial burden. - read more
Finance News

Australian Mortgage Market Hits Record $2.41 Trillion
Australian Mortgage Market Hits Record $2.41 Trillion
29 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian mortgage market has reached a new milestone, with the total value of residential mortgages climbing to $2.41 trillion in November 2025. This growth is largely attributed to escalating property prices and a surge in lending activity. - read more
Housing Expenses Lead Australians' Financial Worries in 2026
Housing Expenses Lead Australians' Financial Worries in 2026
29 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
As Australians step into 2026, housing costs have emerged as the foremost financial concern, overshadowing other cost-of-living pressures. The latest Canstar Consumer Pulse Report reveals that 22% of respondents identified mortgage and rent expenses as their primary financial stressor, more than doubling the figure from five years ago. - read more
NAB Raises Fixed Mortgage Rates in Response to Expected Cash Rate Hikes
NAB Raises Fixed Mortgage Rates in Response to Expected Cash Rate Hikes
29 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
National Australia Bank (NAB) has recently increased its fixed mortgage rates by up to 0.40 percentage points, signaling expectations of forthcoming cash rate hikes in 2026. This move aligns with actions taken by other major lenders, reflecting a broader anticipation of rising interest rates. - read more
Non-Bank Lenders Escalate Legal Actions as SME Insolvencies Surge
Non-Bank Lenders Escalate Legal Actions as SME Insolvencies Surge
21 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
In recent years, Australia's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have faced mounting financial pressures, leading to a notable increase in insolvencies. A significant development in this landscape is the escalating involvement of non-bank lenders in court-based enforcement actions against struggling businesses. - read more
Westpac's New Debt Consolidation Loan Aims to Ease Post-Holiday Financial Strain
Westpac's New Debt Consolidation Loan Aims to Ease Post-Holiday Financial Strain
21 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
The post-holiday season often brings financial challenges for many Australians, with increased expenses leading to heightened stress. Recognizing this, Westpac has introduced a special debt consolidation personal loan at an interest rate of 11.95% per annum, available for a limited time. - read more