How a poor credit score can hurt your personal loan application

By JP Pelosi · · 2 min read
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As the end of financial year approaches, money matters are top of mind. Personal budgets might be tightening, spending habits are in focus and borrowing money is surely a consideration for some households.

But before taking a step toward frugality, you might need to run a fine-toothed comb over your finances. And a major part of this is knowing about your credit score. Your credit score is a number or rating that tells lenders about your borrowing and repayment history. Importantly, it also includes how often you’ve shopped around for credit - as in, borrowed money.

So, in short, lenders use this score to help decide whether to lend to you. If they think your credit score looks okay they'll likely give you a loan, like a personal loan, but will still consider how much to actually loan you and at what rate of interest.

This is why it's crucial to stay on top of your debts, get to your bills promptly, and do your best to manage your money with efficiency.

Think of keeping good credit like staying fit! And like the challenge of overcoming a soft middle, you've got to stick with it. After all, your credit score isn't set in stone - it can change.

This means there are ways to keep your score in check and maintain a healthy level. To help with this, we called the experts at Pioneer Credit to give us the following tips.

Here are 5 easy ways to protect and enhance your credit score:

  • Check and understand your credit reports: Regularly checking credit reports allows you to identify and address any errors or discrepancies that could negatively impact your score.
  • Make timely bill payments: Consistently paying bills - on time - helps build a positive payment history. But if a third party company ends up handling your outstanding debt, they can help maintain your financial wellbeing and improving your overall debt position.
  • Keep credit 'utilisation' low: What's this? It's basically what you owe in debts divided by how much credit you have available at a given time. A good ratio demonstrates responsible credit use and shows lenders that you're managing your debt well.
  • Diversify credit mix: Having a mix of different types of loans, such as credit cards, personal loans and a mortgage, can demonstrate responsible handling of your financial obligations overall.
  • Limit new credit applications: Only apply for credit when necessary. Going for multiple new credit accounts within a short period can raise concerns among lenders and potentially lower your credit score.

Okay - once you've got your credit score in check, it can be easier to borrow money. For example, a personal loan can be an effective way to borrow a larger sum with a considered repayment plan. Our Mozo experts know personal loans and have done the hard work for you already. Compare some of the top personal loans on the market now!

Mozo may receive payment if you click products on our site. We don’t compare the entire market, but you can search our database of 232 personal loans using the filters.
Last updated 14 November 2025 Important disclosures and comparison rate warning*

Personal loan comparisons on Mozo

  • Promoted

    Unsecured Personal Loan

    • Fixed
    Interest rate from
    5.95 % p.a.
    to
    26.95 % p.a.
    Comparison rate from
    5.95 % p.a.
    to
    26.95 % p.a.
    Based on $30,000 over 5 years
    Monthly repayment
    $608
    Go to site

    Borrow up to $50,000 unsecured. Perfect if you earn more than $22,100 p.a. and have good to excellent credit. Multi-year winner of Mozo’s Experts Choice Unsecured Personal Loan Award, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 & 2025^'

  • Promoted

    Express Personal Loan

    • Secured
    Interest rate from
    16.95 % p.a.
    to
    29.95 % p.a.
    Comparison rate from
    32.99 % p.a.
    to
    45.5 % p.a.
    Based on $10,000 over 3 years
    Monthly repayment
    $713
    Go to site

    Access fast finance on loans from $3,000 to $25,000 with a Jacaranda Finance Personal Loan. Terms from 25-36 months. Check if you qualify with no impact on your credit score. Enjoy a speedy, online approval.

  • Promoted

    Low Rate Personal Loan

    • Exceptional Credit, $5,000 - $75,000, or up to $100,000 for eligible purposes
    Interest rate from
    6.28 % p.a.
    to
    18.99 % p.a.
    Comparison rate from
    6.28 % p.a.
    to
    21.78 % p.a.
    Based on $30,000 over 5 years
    Monthly repayment
    $611
    Go to site

    Competitive low rates for borrowers with exceptional credit on 1-7 year loans from $5,000 up to $75,000 (or up to $100K for home improvements or car loans); no monthly account keeping fees, no exit fees and no early repayment fees. Winner of Mozo's Experts Choice Excellent Credit Unsecured Personal Loan 2024 and Excellent Credit Secured Personal Loan 2024 awards ^. Min. income of 25k after tax, to apply.

  • Unsecured Personal Loan

    • Fixed
    Interest rate from
    5.76 % p.a.
    to
    24.03 % p.a.
    Comparison rate from
    5.76 % p.a.
    to
    24.52 % p.a.
    Based on $30,000 over 5 years
    Monthly repayment
    $606
    Go to site

    Fast, easy and 100% online, this is a low cost loan with no ongoing fees or extra repayment penalties. It's perfect for savvy borrowers with great credit. If you’re over 18 and earn above $30,000, you could qualify (other eligibility criteria may apply).

  • Debt Consolidation Loan

    Interest rate from
    5.76 % p.a.
    to
    24.03 % p.a.
    Comparison rate from
    5.76 % p.a.
    to
    24.52 % p.a.
    Based on $30,000 over 5 years
    Monthly repayment
    $606
    Go to site

    Roll multiple debts into one loan to streamline your finances with one set of repayments and one interest rate. Competitive fixed interest rates with no monthly or early repayment fees and flexible repayment options. Easy online application and funding in as little as 24 hours (subject to approval).

  • Unsecured Personal Loan

    • Fixed
    Interest rate from
    5.95 % p.a.
    to
    26.95 % p.a.
    Comparison rate from
    5.95 % p.a.
    to
    26.95 % p.a.
    Based on $30,000 over 5 years
    Monthly repayment
    $608
    Go to site

    Borrow up to $50,000 unsecured. Perfect if you earn more than $22,100 p.a. and have good to excellent credit. Multi-year winner of Mozo’s Experts Choice Unsecured Personal Loan Award, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 & 2025^'

  • Unsecured Personal Loan

    Interest rate from
    6.17 % p.a.
    to
    21.99 % p.a.
    Comparison rate from
    6.17 % p.a.
    to
    22.79 % p.a.
    Based on $30,000 over 5 years
    Monthly repayment
    $610
    Go to site

    Competitive fixed rates for borrowers on 1-7 year loans from $5,000 up to $50,000. $0 monthly fees and no early repayment fees to pay. Fast application process on the Revolut app. According to Revolut and subject to loan approval, you'll receive your money into your Revolut account straight away.

  • Low Rate Personal Loan

    • Exceptional Credit, $5,000 - $75,000, or up to $100,000 for eligible purposes
    Interest rate from
    6.28 % p.a.
    to
    18.99 % p.a.
    Comparison rate from
    6.28 % p.a.
    to
    21.78 % p.a.
    Based on $30,000 over 5 years
    Monthly repayment
    $611
    Go to site

    Competitive low rates for borrowers with exceptional credit on 1-7 year loans from $5,000 up to $75,000 (or up to $100K for home improvements or car loans); no monthly account keeping fees, no exit fees and no early repayment fees. Winner of Mozo's Experts Choice Excellent Credit Unsecured Personal Loan 2024 and Excellent Credit Secured Personal Loan 2024 awards ^. Min. income of 25k after tax, to apply.

  • Secured Personal Loan

    • Exceptional Credit, $5,000-$75,000 or up to $100,000 for eligible purposes
    Interest rate from
    6.28 % p.a.
    to
    18.99 % p.a.
    Comparison rate from
    6.28 % p.a.
    to
    21.78 % p.a.
    Based on $30,000 over 5 years
    Monthly repayment
    $611
    Go to site

    Get a secured personal loan with competitive low rates for borrowers with exceptional credit. A simple fixed interest rate that can be repaid weekly, fortnightly or monthly, over 1 to 7 years (10 years for Green Loans). Managed entirely online, at any time. No monthly account keeping fees, no exit fees and no early repayment fees. Quick and easy, 100% online application. Establishment fees apply.

  • Personal Loan

    • Fixed
    Interest rate from
    8.99 % p.a.
    to
    29.39 % p.a.
    Comparison rate from
    10.11 % p.a.
    to
    30.29 % p.a.
    Based on $30,000 over 5 years
    Monthly repayment
    $636
    Go to site

    A Latitude Personal Loan offers flexibility and control for your major purchases, debt consolidation, or renovation plans. Get a personalised rate in two minutes without impacting your credit score. You'll enjoy a fixed rate, a repayment schedule that suits your budget. Plus, for Mozo customers, the $395 establishment fee is permanently waived. Latitude offers borrowing options from $5,000 over terms of 2 to 7 years. Repayments can be weekly, fortnightly, or monthly.

Showing 8 results from 232 personal loans. Use the filters to see more

* WARNING: The Comparison Rate combines the lender's interest rate, fees and charges into a single rate to show the true cost of a personal loan. The comparison rates displayed are calculated based on a loan of $30,000 for a term of 5 years or a loan of $10,000 for a term of 3 years as indicated, based on monthly principal and interest repayments, on a secured basis for secured loans and an unsecured basis for unsecured loans. This comparison rate applies only to the example or examples given. Different amounts and terms will result in different comparison rates. Costs such as redraw fees or early repayment fees, and cost savings such as fee waivers, are not included in the comparison rate but may influence the cost of the loan.

^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Personal Loan Awards

Mozo provides general product information. We don't consider your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and we aren't recommending any specific product to you. You should make your own decision after reading the PDS or offer documentation, or seeking independent advice.

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