Small Loans 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


Personal Loans Articles

Creating a Financial Safety Net: Insurance and Savings Tips for Young Families Creating a Financial Safety Net: Insurance and Savings Tips for Young Families
Welcome to our blog! For young families, securing your future often requires careful planning and prudent financial decisions. One of the most crucial steps you can take in this journey is creating a financial safety net. - read more
Tips for Choosing the Right Type of Loan for Your Financial Situation Tips for Choosing the Right Type of Loan for Your Financial Situation
Loans can play a significant role in shaping our financial landscapes. For many Australians, they are vital tools for achieving milestones like buying a home, financing education, or starting a business. However, selecting the wrong type of loan can have a detrimental impact on your financial health, leaving you with unwanted debt and stress. - read more
Why Having an Emergency Fund is Crucial for Your Financial Health Why Having an Emergency Fund is Crucial for Your Financial Health
Imagine being hit with an unexpected expense like a car repair or medical bill. Without a financial buffer, such surprises can wreak havoc on your budget. This is where an emergency fund plays its heroic role. - read more
Taking Control: Steps to Improve Your Credit and Secure the Loan You Need Taking Control: Steps to Improve Your Credit and Secure the Loan You Need
Your credit score is much more than just a number; it's a reflection of your financial history and a determining factor in securing future loans. Understanding how bad credit can affect your loan applications is crucial in today's financial landscape. Bad credit can lead to frustration and disappointment when looking for a competitive loan offer, but don't lose heart—there are actionable steps you can take to improve your situation. - read more
Understanding the Key Differences Between Secured and Unsecured Loans Understanding the Key Differences Between Secured and Unsecured Loans
In simple terms, a loan is an amount of money you borrow from a lender and agree to pay back over time, often with interest. Loans come in various forms and can be tailored to suit different needs, such as buying a home, financing a car, or consolidating debt. - read more
Budgeting 101: How to Get a Personal Loan Despite Bad Credit Budgeting 101: How to Get a Personal Loan Despite Bad Credit
Smart budgeting is the cornerstone of financial health. It helps you understand where your money is going and empowers you to make informed financial decisions. In Australia, like everywhere else, a well-managed budget can significantly improve your quality of life and financial stability. - read more
The Psychological Impact of Debt: Strategies for Stress Relief and Better Fiscal Health The Psychological Impact of Debt: Strategies for Stress Relief and Better Fiscal Health
It is no secret that the foundation of financial well-being is rooted in effective budgeting. In today's fast-paced world, where consumerism reigns, understanding how to manage one's finances has never been more crucial. Budgeting is not merely about restraining spending; it’s about creating a strategic plan that aligns with your financial goals and lifestyle. It allows individuals to gain control over their money, rather than letting their spending habits dictate their life course. - read more
Secured Versus Unsecured: Which Loan Option Aligns with Your Financial Goals? Secured Versus Unsecured: Which Loan Option Aligns with Your Financial Goals?
The landscape of personal financing is broad and varied, particularly in the Australian market where individuals have access to an array of loan options. When considering lending, the fundamental distinction to comprehend is that between 'secured' and 'unsecured' loans. - read more
The Smart Borrower's Guide: Understanding Interest Rates on Small Loans The Smart Borrower's Guide: Understanding Interest Rates on Small Loans
When it comes to borrowing money, whether it's for personal use or for your small business, understanding interest rates is paramount. An interest rate, simply put, is the cost you pay to borrow money. It's typically expressed as a percentage of the principal amount you're loaned. This fee is how lenders earn on the funds they lend and is a key component you should consider before signing a loan agreement. - read more
Tips for Choosing the Right Type of Loan for Your Financial Situation Tips for Choosing the Right Type of Loan for Your Financial Situation
Loans can play a significant role in shaping our financial landscapes. For many Australians, they are vital tools for achieving milestones like buying a home, financing education, or starting a business. However, selecting the wrong type of loan can have a detrimental impact on your financial health, leaving you with unwanted debt and stress. - read more
How to Boost Your Credit Score Before Applying for a Personal Loan How to Boost Your Credit Score Before Applying for a Personal Loan
Your credit score is a numerical representation of your financial trustworthiness. Lenders use this score to assess the risk of lending you money. - read more
Budgeting 101: How to Get a Personal Loan Despite Bad Credit Budgeting 101: How to Get a Personal Loan Despite Bad Credit
Smart budgeting is the cornerstone of financial health. It helps you understand where your money is going and empowers you to make informed financial decisions. In Australia, like everywhere else, a well-managed budget can significantly improve your quality of life and financial stability. - read more
Bad Credit? Here's How You Can Still Get a Competitive Personal Loan Bad Credit? Here's How You Can Still Get a Competitive Personal Loan
In the landscape of modern finance, credit scores can often feel like gatekeepers to our goals, barring or granting access to essential funding when we need it most. The truth is, debt is as common as it is complex, threading through the lives of many with silent tenacity. Understanding its prevalence is the first step in navigating the choppy financial waters it can create. - read more
Secured Versus Unsecured: Which Loan Option Aligns with Your Financial Goals? Secured Versus Unsecured: Which Loan Option Aligns with Your Financial Goals?
The landscape of personal financing is broad and varied, particularly in the Australian market where individuals have access to an array of loan options. When considering lending, the fundamental distinction to comprehend is that between 'secured' and 'unsecured' loans. - read more
Taking Control: Steps to Improve Your Credit and Secure the Loan You Need Taking Control: Steps to Improve Your Credit and Secure the Loan You Need
Your credit score is much more than just a number; it's a reflection of your financial history and a determining factor in securing future loans. Understanding how bad credit can affect your loan applications is crucial in today's financial landscape. Bad credit can lead to frustration and disappointment when looking for a competitive loan offer, but don't lose heart—there are actionable steps you can take to improve your situation. - read more
Why Having an Emergency Fund is Crucial for Your Financial Health Why Having an Emergency Fund is Crucial for Your Financial Health
Imagine being hit with an unexpected expense like a car repair or medical bill. Without a financial buffer, such surprises can wreak havoc on your budget. This is where an emergency fund plays its heroic role. - read more
The Smart Borrower's Guide: Understanding Interest Rates on Small Loans The Smart Borrower's Guide: Understanding Interest Rates on Small Loans
When it comes to borrowing money, whether it's for personal use or for your small business, understanding interest rates is paramount. An interest rate, simply put, is the cost you pay to borrow money. It's typically expressed as a percentage of the principal amount you're loaned. This fee is how lenders earn on the funds they lend and is a key component you should consider before signing a loan agreement. - read more
Understanding the Key Differences Between Secured and Unsecured Loans Understanding the Key Differences Between Secured and Unsecured Loans
In simple terms, a loan is an amount of money you borrow from a lender and agree to pay back over time, often with interest. Loans come in various forms and can be tailored to suit different needs, such as buying a home, financing a car, or consolidating debt. - read more

Finance News

Uncovering the Impact of Unsolicited Solar Sales on Consumers Uncovering the Impact of Unsolicited Solar Sales on Consumers
04 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori

In a concerning revelation, Australian retiree Christine Hirchfield shares her ordeal with an unsolicited solar installation that turned into a financial nightmare. Despite her initial enthusiasm for cheaper energy bills and a greener home, the project remains incomplete more than a year later. Consumer groups are now advocating for a nationwide prohibition on deceptive sales practices that target vulnerable consumers like Ms Hirchfield. - read more
Australian Online Retail Sees Continued Growth in May Amidst Nationwide Spending Surge Australian Online Retail Sees Continued Growth in May Amidst Nationwide Spending Surge
03 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori

Australian online retail sales experienced a modest rise in May, as consumers continued to invest in fashion, games, and toys. According to the latest figures from the National Australia Bank, there was a 0.7% increase in online sales for the month, compared to a 1.1% growth in April. Over the past year, Australians have spent approximately $63 billion on online retail purchases. - read more
Pay Boosts and Policy Changes: A Closer Look at Financial Updates for Australian Workers Pay Boosts and Policy Changes: A Closer Look at Financial Updates for Australian Workers
03 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori

The starting days of the new financial year bring significant changes for Australian workers, particularly those on minimum wage. As of Tuesday, the minimum wage will rise by 3.5 per cent, increasing hourly earnings to $24.95, or $948 weekly. This adjustment also affects award wages and comes as a response to rising living costs, outpacing current inflation rates. - read more
US Dollar Faces Historic Decline Amid Trump’s Tariff Policies US Dollar Faces Historic Decline Amid Trump’s Tariff Policies
03 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori

The US dollar has experienced an unprecedented decline, marking its worst first-half performance since 1973. Concerns surrounding President Donald Trump's tariff policies have intensified, leading to a substantial drop in the value of the world's primary reserve currency. Specifically, the dollar weakened by 10.7% against a basket of major trading partners' currencies in the first six months of the year, reminiscent of Nixon's era when the dollar was untethered from gold. - read more
Auditor Deregistered After Brite Advisers Collapse Auditor Deregistered After Brite Advisers Collapse
30 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has deregistered auditor David Makowa, previously of DM Advisory Services, due to his role in the downfall of financial advice firm Brite Advisers. This decision follows Makowa's acceptance of a court-enforceable undertaking in which he agreed to surrender his auditor registration permanently, pledging never to re-apply. - read more
US Involvement in Israel-Iran Conflict Sparks Financial Market Concerns US Involvement in Israel-Iran Conflict Sparks Financial Market Concerns
23 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori

The escalating likelihood of the United States engaging militarily in the Israel-Iran conflict has raised alarm among investors, potentially leading to significant market volatility. This concern was highlighted by the global financial advisory firm, deVere Group, as tensions heighten in the Middle East. - read more
Global Markets Brace for Oil Price Surge Following US Strike on Iran Global Markets Brace for Oil Price Surge Following US Strike on Iran
23 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori

The recent US military attack on Iranian nuclear facilities has raised expectations of a significant oil price spike as global markets prepare to resume trading. Announced by former President Donald Trump, the attack marks an increased US involvement in the Middle East, which analysts believe could lead to heightened volatility across financial markets. - read more
Trump Mulls Change of Heart on Firing Fed Chair Powell Trump Mulls Change of Heart on Firing Fed Chair Powell
21 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori

US President Donald Trump is once again contemplating the dismissal of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, whom he has criticized for not lowering interest rates. Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with Powell's decisions in a Truth Social post, suggesting he might change his mind about firing him. Despite acknowledging that his strong criticisms make Powell's task challenging, Trump remains focused on his agenda for reduced rates, especially with Powell's term set to end in May 2026. - read more
APRA Clarifies HELP Debt Considerations in Home Loan Assessments APRA Clarifies HELP Debt Considerations in Home Loan Assessments
20 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has released pivotal updates to the Prudential Practice Guide APG 223 and Reporting Standard ARS 223.0, focusing on how Authorised Deposit-taking Institutions (ADIs) should integrate Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) debt into home loan evaluations. The changes are aimed at enhancing regulatory clarity and acknowledging the individual circumstances of borrowers, including the nuances of their HELP debts, without compromising prudent lending practices. - read more

Need Help Finding a Loan?


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

Knowledgebase
Certificate of Deposit (CD):
A savings certificate with a fixed maturity date and specified interest rate, typically higher than a standard savings account.


Quick Links: | Small Loans | Student Loans | Finance Australia | Quick Finance | No Credit Check | Payday Loan | $5000 Loans