Credit myths: what actually damages your credit rating?

When you're applying for credit, it can be difficult to fathom the mysterious ways of the credit card company, and how they determine whether you are worthy of credit (and what rate you deserve). In the absence of explanations, we concoct our own outlandish reasons for why we have been turned down - from our spendthrift ex-partner to a suspicion that a credit rating agency has blacklisted us.

But why have you really been turned down for credit?
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