Quick Quote
One simple enquiry form gives you fast access to quotes and rate comparisons from Australia's leading and best known 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
Fixed-Rate Mortgage:
A mortgage loan where the interest rate remains the same for the entire term of the loan.
Debt Consolidation Australia :: Articles

Five Worst Credit Card Mistakes

What are the five worst credit card mistakes to avoid?

Five Worst Credit Card Mistakes

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.

Credit cards can be an excellent way to manage your finances ... they can even be an investment tool. However your credit card can quickly become your enemy if not used correctly. HereĀ are five of the worst mistakes most credit card holders make. If you can avoid these mistakes, you will benefit greatly.

Listed below are five worst mistakes most credit card holder make. If you can avoid these mistakes, you will benefit a lot.

1. Too many credit cards:

In most cases, a single credit card is sufficient to meet all the credit needs in a person's life.

More than one card leads to greater temptation resulting in inviting greater credit risk over a long run.

Multiple credit cards or credit accounts leave the lender with a question that the account holder must be spending all the money on the card.

2. Misunderstanding introductory rates:

Introductory rates on them are often low.

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!

Many people get enticed by these rates. However, they give least attention to the rates that are levied once the introductory period is over, which can be as high as 20 percent.

3. Not reading the fine print:

This is the most common credit card mistake committed by a majority of people.

This is one strategy that companies apply to escape from legal entangles and also attract customers.

Most of the terms and conditions, including the interest rates, at the end of the introductory period are written in a fine print at the bottom or at the end of the brochure.

It is important to read these conditions in order to have a better understanding about the benefits offered by a particular card.

4. Making minimum payments:

This is another common mistake committed by consumers.

Credit cards should be used only during emergencies.

People should understand that credit cards offer money on credit but are not a form of income.

It is important to pay off the credit at the end of every month. With minimum payments, the trouble is going to increase further.

This is because the interest rates on the balance amount will be higher making it difficult to pay off loans for a long time.

5. Paying bills late:

When one wants to pay the credit card bill, it is better to pay that well ahead of time.

Most of the companies charge late-payment fees.

Apart from this, late payment of bills gets reflected in the credit reports, thereby making it difficult to obtain loans at better terms when one goes for any loans in the future.

Published: Tuesday, 24th Aug 2021
Author: 85


Debt Consolidation Articles

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 Managing Personal Debt: Tips and Tricks
The Ultimate Guide to Managing Personal Debt: Tips and Tricks
Managing personal debt effectively is crucial for maintaining financial stability. Debt, when left unchecked, can quickly spiral out of control, leading to financial stress and a host of other problems. - read more
Debt Negotiation 101: How to Lower Interest Rates and Reduce Payments
Debt Negotiation 101: How to Lower Interest Rates and Reduce Payments
High-interest debt can feel like a relentless cycle for many in Australia, often making it challenging to gain financial ground. Whether it's credit card debt, personal loans, or other forms of borrowing, the compounded interest can quickly become overwhelming. Fortunately, debt negotiation presents a viable solution for those caught in this dilemma, offering a ray of hope to reduce financial burden. - read more
Proven Strategies for Australians to Improve Credit Scores
Proven Strategies for Australians to Improve Credit Scores
Welcome, readers! We're here to talk about something incredibly important yet often overlooked: improving your credit score. Your credit score is a financial report card used to evaluate your creditworthiness, and it can have a significant impact on your ability to secure loans, mortgages, and even rental agreements. - 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

ANZ's Nuno Matos Takes Helm at Australian Banking Association
ANZ's Nuno Matos Takes Helm at Australian Banking Association
04 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
In a significant development for Australia's banking sector, Nuno Matos, Chief Executive Officer of ANZ Group, has been appointed as the new chair of the Australian Banking Association (ABA) council. This appointment marks a pivotal moment for the industry, as Matos brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the role. - read more
APRA Implements Cap on High Debt-to-Income Home Loans
APRA Implements Cap on High Debt-to-Income Home Loans
04 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
In a proactive move to address potential risks in the housing market, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced the implementation of a cap on high debt-to-income (DTI) home loans, effective from February 2026. This measure is designed to curb the issuance of loans that could pose systemic risks to the financial system. - read more
Australian Home Prices Expected to Climb by 7% in 2026
Australian Home Prices Expected to Climb by 7% in 2026
04 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
Recent analyses indicate that Australian home prices are set to rise by approximately 6.9% in 2026, marking a significant upward revision from previous forecasts. This anticipated growth is attributed to constrained housing supply and a resurgence in buyer demand, following interest rate cuts by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) in 2025. - read more
RBA's October 2025 Review: Navigating Global Financial Risks
RBA's October 2025 Review: Navigating Global Financial Risks
26 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has released its October 2025 Financial Stability Review, providing a comprehensive assessment of the nation's financial system amidst a backdrop of global uncertainties. The report underscores that while Australia's financial institutions remain robust, external factors pose significant risks that warrant vigilant monitoring. - read more
Leadership Turmoil at Santos: CFO Sherry Duhe Steps Down
Leadership Turmoil at Santos: CFO Sherry Duhe Steps Down
26 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
In a significant development within Australia's energy sector, Santos Limited's Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Sherry Duhe, has resigned after a brief tenure of one year. Duhe's departure is attributed to an 'untenable leadership environment' and irreconcilable differences with CEO Kevin Gallagher, raising questions about the company's internal governance and strategic direction. - read more