How to build business credit: A Quick Guide for Small Business Owners
Why Business Credit Matters
Strong business credit can unlock better financing options, lowes interest rates, higher credit limits, and improved relationships with vendors and suppliers. Just like personal crediit, your business's credit profile shows lenders and partners how trustworthy you are and how financially healthy your company is.

1. Establish Your Business Properly
- Form a Legal business entity (LLC, Corporatio - NOT Sole Proprietorship)
- Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS
- Open a business bank account
- List you business phone numbers and address ( Consistent across all platforms)
Why?
You need to seperate business and personal finances, this is step one to getting recognized as a distinct entity by credit bureaus.
2. Register with Business Credit Bureaus
- Dunn & Bradstreet ~ Apply for a D-U-N-S Number ( FREE )
- Experian Business and Equifax Business ~ Your lenders and suppliers often report here automatically.
Why?
If you're not listed, There is no credit profile to build on.
3. Open Accounts That Report to Credit Bureaus
- Apply for vendor accounts that offer Net-30 terms (pay within 30 days)
- Example Uline, Grainger, Quill, Summa office Supplies
- Use Business credit cards, and pay them off on time
Why?
These accounts report your payments and build your credit history, early and often.
4. Pay Everything On Time (Or Early)
- On Time or Early payments are the #1 factor in strong Business credit
- Dun & Bradstreet Paydex score Rewards for early payments
Why?
Payment history is the backbone of your business credit score, Just like with personal credit.
5. Monitor Your Business Credit Regularly
- Check Reports from Dun & Bradstreet, Experian, and Equifax
- Correct Inaccuracies and track your progress
Why?
Staying on top of your credit lets you catch errors and see how your actions or affect your score.
Final Thoughts
Building business credit dosent happen overnight, but with consistency and smart steps, it strengthens your business's financial foundation and opens doors to funding and growth.