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 supplied to you free and without any obligation. We respect your privacy.
Knowledgebase
Mortgage:
A loan in which the borrower (the mortgagor) offers a property and land as security to the lender (the mortgagee) until the loan is repaid. Repayments of the loan are usually made on a monthly basis over a long period of time, typically 25 years.
Debt Consolidation Australia :: Articles

Why did my Credit Score drop - and how can I fix it?

Why did my Credit Score drop - and how can I fix it?

Why did my Credit Score drop - and how can I fix it?
Your Credit Rating (or Credit Score) plays a very important role in determining your eligibility to get a loan. Here we look at the reasons why your credit score may drop and some handy tips to avoid this problem.

Your credit rating is very important. It is used to determine how much interest you need to pay. It is also a reflection of your creditworthiness.

If you have high credit rating, you can enjoy lower interest charges on loans. Apart from that, you also get higher credit limit and great deals on your credit card.

If you find that your rating has dropped significantly, this may mean that you may have made a financial mistake.

There are a number of reasons why you may suddenly have a lower score.

If you know what these reasons are, there is a chance that you can avoid or at least fix your current dilemma. Here are some possible causes of abrupt score drop and how you may be able to avoid them.

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!

Late Payments

Your payments reflect 35% of your FICO score, regardless of whether you pay on time or not.

If you missed a payment, this will not completely damage your rating. However, if you turn this into a habit, your score will eventually be affected.

Moreover, your creditor may charge you with more fees and you may likely end up having to make many more payments, which could include your credit card bills, immediate fees for missed payments, and charges on credit lines and later, loans.

The only solution to avoid all these is to pay your bills on time.

New Credit Card Application

Applying for a new card when you are struggling with paying another can hurt your credit score. Know that 10% of your credit rating is made up of new inquiries for credit.

New card applications will show on your credit report for 12 months.

If you wish to get a new card, do so with control. If you are to make an inquiry, do it only once as much as possible.

One inquiry is acceptable since your score can rebound within a year.

Credit Card Cancellation

You have the option to close your account if you have credit card debt.

However, doing so will actually damage your score, especially if your account carries a balance.

Another possible scenario is that creditors may cancel your account.

Both scenarios can have an effect on your rating; therefore, avoid credit card cancellation as much as possible.

Unemployment Benefits

If you are unemployed and you get benefits, this will have a slight effect on your score. It is advised that you receive the benefits for a short period only. Although the credit bureaus will not find out if you are unemployed, they will certainly see that your income has decreased.

High Credit to Debt Ratio

Your extended credit will take 30% of your credit score.

Sudden increase in balances without higher credit limit will result to a score drop.

If you have balances, strive to pay them off as soon as possible.

Poor Debt Management

Credit score is not only about what you do with your credit cards. There are other factors that can influence your score.

These include your lines of credit and loan balances, which comprise 30% of your FICO score.

If you have too much debt, your rating will definitely go down. It will also be difficult for you to afford the payments each month.

Hence, you should be able to manage your debt by lowering the amount of money you owe from various financial institutions.

Published: Wednesday, 18th Aug 2021
Author: 260


Debt Consolidation Articles

Busting Myths: The Misunderstanding About Debt Consolidation and Debt Reduction Busting Myths: The Misunderstanding About Debt Consolidation and Debt Reduction
Welcome to our comprehensive guide where we aim to debunk common myths surrounding debt consolidation and debt reduction. This blog post serves as a beacon of clarity for those who find themselves navigating through the choppy waters of financial jargon and conflicting information. - 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
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
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
The Importance of Emergency Funds in Your Monthly Budget The Importance of Emergency Funds in Your Monthly Budget
When it comes to managing your finances, planning for the unexpected is a crucial part of staying on top of your budget. An emergency fund serves as your financial safety net, poised to offer support when unforeseen expenses arise. These funds are specifically set aside to cover unexpected costs, like medical emergencies, car repairs, or urgent home maintenance issues. - 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
How to Craft a Foolproof Financial Strategy for Debt Management How to Craft a Foolproof Financial Strategy for Debt Management
Managing debt is a crucial aspect of maintaining financial well-being, yet it can often feel like a daunting task. Understanding how debt works and its potential impact on your life is the first step toward gaining control of your finances. In this section, we will delve into the intricacies of debt and outline why a solid financial strategy is essential for effective debt management. - 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

Increasing Number of Qualified Financial Advisers Opt Out of Practice Increasing Number of Qualified Financial Advisers Opt Out of Practice
11 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori

Recent analysis from WealthData indicates a growing trend among financial advisers in Australia, where a significant portion of those who have successfully passed the financial adviser exam are opting not to practice. As of now, 5,096 individuals, representing 33.31% of active advisers, have chosen not to proceed into practice after passing the exam—up from 28.36% a year prior. - read more
Melbourne's Housing Market: A Prime Opportunity For Buyers Melbourne's Housing Market: A Prime Opportunity For Buyers
11 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) recently surprised many by maintaining the interest rate at 3.85%, against expectations of a cut. This decision is seen as a measure to continue moderating inflation, but it simultaneously delays potential spikes in the housing market, providing a favorable window for prospective homebuyers. In particular, Melbourne's current market presents significant value, offering a promising opportunity for those looking to enter the property market. - read more
Improving EOFY Planning: The Call for ATO Portal Access for Advisers Improving EOFY Planning: The Call for ATO Portal Access for Advisers
09 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori

In a recent discussion, James O'Reilly, Director and Financial Planner at Northeast Wealth, underscored the benefits that could come from granting financial advisers access to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) portal. Speaking on The ifa Show, O'Reilly proposed that this access would significantly simplify the services financial advisers provide to clients, particularly at tax time and the end of the financial year (EOFY). - read more
RBA Holds Rates Steady, Shocking Markets and Shifting Economic Expectations RBA Holds Rates Steady, Shocking Markets and Shifting Economic Expectations
09 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has decided to keep the official cash rate steady at 3.85%, taking many by surprise after expectations of a 25-basis-point cut had built up in financial circles. This unexpected move comes amid recent data indicating easing inflation and weaker than anticipated economic growth, conflicting with prior predictions of a cut. - read more
RBA to Continue Interest Rate Cuts Amid High Unemployment RBA to Continue Interest Rate Cuts Amid High Unemployment
08 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is anticipated to maintain its trajectory of incremental interest rate reductions, according to insights from leading financial analysts at ANZ. Recent data from the ANZ-Indeed Australian Job Ads series revealed a rise from 114.8 in May to 116.9 in June, suggesting a potential rebound in job advertisements after previous declines. Despite a stable unemployment rate and hours-based underutilisation rate since mid-2024, the Australian labour market remains strained. - read more