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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

Consolidating Debt: Choosing the Right Strategy for Your Financial Future
Consolidating Debt: Choosing the Right Strategy for Your Financial Future
Debt consolidation is a financial strategy that has gained widespread attention, especially within the diverse economic landscape of Australia. It involves combining multiple debts into a single, more manageable loan, with the aim of simplifying the repayment process and potentially securing a lower interest rate. This approach can be particularly relevant for Australians juggling various forms of credit, from personal loans to high-interest credit card debt. - read more
How to Track Monthly Expenses for Better Debt Management
How to Track Monthly Expenses for Better Debt Management
In the realm of financial wellness, tracking your monthly expenses is a crucial step towards effective debt management. Many Australians grapple with the challenges of keeping their debts under control, particularly in a dynamic economic environment. - read more
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
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Consolidating Debts
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Consolidating Debts
Welcome to our guide on avoiding common mistakes when consolidating debts. We're glad you're here, as taking the time to educate yourself is a crucial step towards financial well-being. - read more
Smart Budgeting: Building a Financially Stable Future
Smart Budgeting: Building a Financially Stable Future
Many Australians today find themselves navigating the choppy waters of financial instability. The burden of debt weighs heavily, affecting everything from daily stress levels to long-term planning. High interest rates, unexpected expenses, and the seductive ease of credit cards contribute to a culture of borrowing that can lead to a precarious financial situation for many. In this introduction, we explore how smart budgeting is not just about scraping by, but laying the foundations for a financially stable future. - read more
Finance News

Understanding the RBA's February Rate Cut and Its Impact on Your Finances
Understanding the RBA's February Rate Cut and Its Impact on Your Finances
10 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
In February 2025, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) reduced the cash rate by 0.25 percentage points, bringing it down to 4.10%. This move, the first rate cut since November 2020, aims to stimulate economic growth amid slowing inflation and global uncertainties. - read more
Navigating APRA's New Debt-to-Income Loan Cap: Implications for Borrowers
Navigating APRA's New Debt-to-Income Loan Cap: Implications for Borrowers
10 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a significant policy change, introducing a 20% cap on new loans with a debt-to-income (DTI) ratio exceeding six times the borrower's income. This measure, effective from February 2026, aims to mitigate potential risks associated with high levels of household debt. - read more
The Rise of Cryptocurrency-Backed Loans in Australia: Opportunities and Risks
The Rise of Cryptocurrency-Backed Loans in Australia: Opportunities and Risks
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In recent years, Australia has witnessed the emergence of cryptocurrency-backed loans, where digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum are used as collateral. This innovative lending practice offers borrowers access to funds without liquidating their crypto holdings, appealing to those who anticipate future appreciation of their digital assets. - read more
APRA's New Cap on High Debt-to-Income Home Loans Explained
APRA's New Cap on High Debt-to-Income Home Loans Explained
02 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a significant policy change aimed at mitigating risks in the housing market. Effective February 2026, APRA will impose a cap on high debt-to-income (DTI) home loans, limiting such loans to 20% of new home lending. This measure applies to both owner-occupiers and investors, with an exemption for new housing developments. - read more
Australia's Household Debt: A Global Perspective
Australia's Household Debt: A Global Perspective
02 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
Recent data reveals that Australia's household debt has escalated to 182% of disposable income, positioning the nation as having the second-highest household debt globally. This significant figure underscores the growing reliance on borrowing among Australian households, particularly in the realm of mortgage lending. - read more