Small Business Finance :: 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

Rate this article

0 Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.


Business Loans Articles

Practical Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Cash Flow in Your Small Business
Practical Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Cash Flow in Your Small Business
Cash flow refers to the movement of money into and out of your business. It encompasses all the income your business earns from sales, payments from customers, and investments, as well as all the expenses for operational costs, salaries, and other expenditures. - read more
Avoid the Common Pitfalls: Expert Advice on Startup Loan Applications in Australia
Avoid the Common Pitfalls: Expert Advice on Startup Loan Applications in Australia
Embarking on a startup journey is an exhilarating challenge that requires not just a brilliant idea, but a solid foundation of financial support to turn that idea into reality. Finding the right funding can be a make-or-break moment for many startups. Here, preparation is more than just a good practice; it's the backbone of any successful loan application. - read more

Finance News

Why Tax Debt Disclosure Now Matters for SME Borrowing
Why Tax Debt Disclosure Now Matters for SME Borrowing
01 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori
Australian small businesses carrying overdue tax debt are facing a sharper finance challenge as the ATO continues to use debt disclosure powers where businesses do not engage early. While tax arrears have always been a cash flow concern, the bigger issue for borrowers is that eligible unpaid debts may be reported to credit reporting bureaus, making them visible to lenders assessing risk. - read more
Why ATO Interest Changes Matter for Small Business Finance
Why ATO Interest Changes Matter for Small Business Finance
25 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori
Australian small businesses carrying tax debt face a sharper cash flow test as the after-tax cost of ATO interest becomes harder to absorb. From the 2025-26 income year, general interest charge and shortfall interest charge amounts incurred on tax debts are no longer deductible. For SMEs that have relied on payment plans as a temporary buffer, the change makes delayed tax payments more expensive in real terms. - read more

Need Help Finding a Loan?
Business Loan Quote
Loan Amount:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided obligation-free by a participating broker from our national referral partner network. We respect your Privacy.

All finance quotes are provided free (via our secure server) and without obligation.
We respect your privacy.

Knowledgebase
Escrow:
An arrangement in which a third party temporarily holds money or property until a particular condition has been met.