Everything You Need to Know Before You Borrow
Are you considering getting a loan to make a large purchase, consolidate your debt, or pay some unexpected bills or expenses? This is a contractual agreement that can have a significant effect on your credit rating history. As such, you need to go into it with eyes wide open. We caught up with ActOn Wealth’s expert lending services team to understand more about this topic so you can be informed, empowered and ready to make the right decisions.
Get Expert Lending Advice
Make sure you know exactly what you’re doing before taking out a credit loan.
Speak to our financial experts about the pros, cons and what’s best for you.
There are many reasons credit lending might be something you need. The most common include:
Taking out a loan will have a direct effect on your credit rating. Making your repayments on time and meeting the loan requirements will positively contribute to your rating, whilst failing or making late repayments will have negative consequences.
A good credit score is a way for companies to decide whether or not to loan you finance.
If your credit score is healthy, you stand to benefit in many ways, including:
Access to Home Loans
Good credit helps you qualify for a mortgage, making homeownership more accessible.
Lower Interest Rates
A strong credit score can secure a lower interest rate on your home loan, saving you money over the life of the loan.
Higher Lending Confidence
Lenders see a positive credit history as a sign of financial responsibility, which may result in more trust and a higher likelihood of loan approval.
Refinancing Flexibility
If you already own a home, strong credit gives you more options and better rates when refinancing a mortgage.
✓ Check your credit report – know your credit score, ensure no errors or fraud, and be aware of the score needed for different types of credit.
✓ Only apply for lending when necessary – consider the impact and avoid multiple credit applications during a short period as this can negatively affect your score.
✓ Compare your options – shop around for the best interest rates and terms (or get ActOn Wealth to do it for you).
✓ Avoid maxing out your credit limit – use less than 30% of your credit limit.
✓ Be honest about your income and debt – provide accurate information to lenders.
✓ Understand the terms – read the fine print (interest rates, fees, terms).
✓ Pay on time, every time – this is crucial for maintaining a good score.
✓ Don’t close old accounts – keep older accounts open to benefit your credit score.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all ‘ideal’ loan period, as the best loan term depends on your personal financial situation, goals, and preferences. Shorter loan periods typically come with lower interest costs, while longer terms offer lower monthly payments but at a higher cost in interest over time.
We don’t just help you with debt management – we help you transform your future wealth.
Call our Melbourne financial advisers for a no-cost, no-obligation meeting → 1300 022 866
Make sure you know exactly what you’re doing before taking out a credit loan.
Speak to our financial experts about the pros, cons and what’s best for you.

Bella is a dedicated ActOn Wealth lending specialist with significant experience in guiding clients through purchasing their first home, securing their dream property, and refinancing existing loans.
Having recently started a family of her own and personally navigated the home-buying journey, Bella brings valuable first-hand perspective to her role. What most inspires her is seeing her clients feel genuinely supported and well-informed throughout their financial journey, as she did with this young Melbourne couple:
“I recently helped a couple secure finance for their first home after they had been rejected by their bank. They were overwhelmed and anxious after months of searching and uncertainty around borrowing capacity, and the knock-back left them deflated.
I took the time to educate them on their true borrowing position, explained the loan process in simple terms, and clearly mapped out their next steps. By removing their credit card and adjusting their structure, we unlocked greater borrowing power, opening new property options they hadn’t considered.With strong communication and quick turnarounds, I helped them secure pre-approval within days, giving them the confidence to make offers. Two weeks later, they made a deposit on their first home, and I am delighted to say the family has since moved in”.
Our team of specialist financial advisers in Melbourne work with you to confidently manage the complexities of lending. Our comprehensive support includes:
With ActOn Wealth’s expertise, your loan becomes more than just a financial transaction—it is a pathway to broader financial success.
FAQs
Credit lending is a contractual agreement that involves a lender providing a borrower with flexible finance on the proviso the borrower will repay the amount (plus, typically, interest) later.
An LOC is a flexible loan allowing you to borrow money up to an agreed limit. You can make withdrawals as needed, and repay them over time. Interest is charged only on the amount you use, as opposed to the full amount agreed.
A loan is an agreed amount of finance that a lender gives to a borrower in a single lump sum. A line of credit can be borrowed in portions as required.
Yes, taking out a loan can have a negative or positive effect on your credit rating, depending on how you manage repayments.
Generally speaking, you will need a credit score of 600 or above to apply for an Australian credit card.
Consider the following if you need to improve your credit rating:
Missing a credit repayment or failing to repay all your credit is a serious problem that can have long-term negative effects on your wealth-building. For example, a single late repayment will stay on your credit report for six years.
Not having any credit history can make the application more challenging, but it’s not impossible. However, it may result in you paying higher interest rates, or borrowing less until your credit history is more established.
Every time you apply for credit, a ‘hard search’ is added to your report. Having too many hard searches can negatively affect your likelihood of a mortgage approval. Avoid applying for credit for at least six months before you plan to get a mortgage.
Aside from interest rates, watch out for:
Head Office (Melbourne):
14/20 Commercial Road, Melbourne VIC 3004
Geelong Office:
Shop 7 Belmont Walk, Belmont, VIC Australia, 3216
13000 ACTON ( 1300 022 866 )
contactus@actonwealth.com.au