Navigating Business Credit Report Agencies: What You Need to Know

When running a business, your credit profile can impact everything from financing options to vendor terms. However, many owners don’t know which agencies track their business credit or how these reports are compiled. Understanding business credit reporting agencies is key to managing and maintaining your company’s financial reputation.

Key Takeaways

• Business credit report agencies collect and distribute data that lenders use to assess your company’s creditworthiness.
• The three primary business credit reporting agencies are Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business, and Equifax Business.
• Regularly monitoring your business credit report helps protect your reputation, uncover fraud, and secure better financing.
• Errors on your credit report can affect your borrowing power. Disputes must be handled with proper documentation.
• You can improve your business credit by establishing vendor accounts, paying bills on time, and maintaining good debt ratios.

What Is a Business Credit Report?

A business credit report is a financial profile compiled that reflects how reliably your business handles its financial obligations. Unlike personal credit reports, these are public and accessible by practically everyone—lenders, suppliers, insurance companies, leasing agents, and clients.

The report may include the following:

• Company profile (legal structure, ownership, etc.)
• Trade credit history (vendor payments, accounts payable)
• Bank and leasing information
• Legal filings (judgments, liens, bankruptcies)
• Credit scores or risk assessments

Just as your personal credit score affects your ability to buy a car or get a mortgage, your business credit impacts financing, vendor terms, and partnership opportunities.

The Top Business Credit Reporting Agencies

1. Dun & Bradstreet (D&B)

Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) is the oldest and one of the most influential business credit bureaus. It uses a nine-digit D-U-N-S Number to identify businesses. 

D&B reports include:

• PAYDEX® Score (ranges from 0–100; higher = better payment history)
• Delinquency Predictor Score
• Supplier Evaluation Risk Rating
• Public financial records

Data is collected from suppliers, lenders, lawsuits, bankruptcy filings, and self-reported information from your company.

2. Experian Business

Experian Business aggregates data from both suppliers and lenders. Its reports are often used by banks and credit card issuers to assess risk.

Key report features include:

• Intelliscore PlusSM Score (ranges from 1–100)
• Financial stability risk ratings
• Public records (bankruptcies, liens, judgments)
• Trade payment details

Experian data is usually more lender-focused than vendor-driven.

3. Equifax Business

Equifax Business focuses heavily on data from banks, leasing companies, and public financial records. They primarily offer the following scores:

• Business Credit Risk Score
• Business Failure Score
• Payment Index

Equifax emphasizes how you use financial services like bank loans, leases, and credit lines.

Why Business Credit Reports Matter

Your company’s creditworthiness isn’t just about borrowing money. Business credit can influence the following factors:

• Loan approval and interest rates
• Vendor payment terms (net 30, net 60, etc.)
• Lease approvals for office space or equipment
• Business insurance premiums
• Investor confidence
• Mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships

A poor credit report can block growth even if your revenue looks healthy. Conversely, a strong report opens doors to better capital and terms.

How to Access Your Business Credit Reports

Unlike consumer reports, business credit reports must usually be purchased. 

• Dun & Bradstreet: Offers free tools like CreditSignal® (limited access) or full access via CreditBuilder® subscriptions.
• Experian Business: Purchase reports directly from their site (starting around $49.95).
• Equifax Business: Reports are available via partners or an Equifax subscription.

Note: Some third-party platforms like Nav and CreditSafe aggregate reports from multiple bureaus for convenience.

How to Read and Interpret Business Credit Scores

Pro Tip: Be sure to look beyond the business credit score and review payment histories, credit utilization, and any derogatory marks.

Fixing Errors on Your Business Credit Report

Mistakes happen. A misreported late payment or duplicate entry can hurt your score—and your reputation. Here are several ways to fix them:

1. Get Documentation: Collect proof like receipts, payment confirmations, or contracts.
2. Dispute the Error: Each agency has its own dispute process—usually requiring a formal letter or online form.
3. Follow Up: Agencies aren’t obligated to correct errors without sufficient evidence. Keep records of all communications.

Dispute resolution may take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, so be persistent.

How to Build and Improve Your Business Credit

Building credit takes time, but following a structured plan can speed up the process:

1. Incorporate and Get a D-U-N-S® Number

Register your business as an LLC or corporation. Then request a D-U-N-S® Number from Dun & Bradstreet—it’s often required by vendors and the federal government.

2. Open a Business Bank Account

Keep personal and business finances separate. Most lenders require this for credit approval.

3. Establish Trade Lines

Work with vendors that report to credit agencies. Net-30 or Net-60 vendor accounts (like Uline or Quill) can help establish a positive history.

4. Pay on Time—Or Early

Your payment habits are the single biggest factor in your score. Set reminders and automate payments when possible.

5. Monitor Your Credit Regularly

Use services like Nav to monitor your credit, get alerts, and track improvements over time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between personal and business credit reports?

Personal reports track your individual creditworthiness. Business reports assess your company’s ability to repay debts and manage obligations.

2. Can I access my business credit report for free?

Agencies (like D&B) offer limited free views. Full reports often require a fee or subscription.

3. Do all vendors report to credit agencies?

No. Many vendors don’t report unless you specifically ask or use third-party services. Choose vendors who report to build your credit.

4. How long does it take to build business credit?

If you set up vendor accounts and pay on time, you’ll see results in as little as 3–6 months.

5. Can my personal credit affect my business credit?

Yes, especially if you use personal guarantees for loans or mix finances. Over time, establishing business-only credit helps create separation.

6. What’s a good PAYDEX score?

80 or higher is considered good. It means you pay bills on time or even early.

7. How often should I check my business credit?

Quarterly reviews are ideal. If you’re applying for credit soon, monitor it more frequently.

8. Can I remove a collection from my business report?

Yes, if you pay the debt or prove it’s incorrect. Try to dispute the entry with documentation to have it removed or updated.

9. What happens if I ignore my business credit score?

You may face higher loan rates, denied leases, fewer vendor terms, or loss of opportunities.

10. Do business credit scores affect government contracts?

Yes. Agencies often review business credit when awarding federal contracts or grants.

11. Does closing a vendor account hurt my score?

Yes, potentially. Closing long-standing accounts can reduce your available credit and affect the length of your credit history.

Expert Tips From NCH

1. Establish Your Business Identity Early: Incorporate your business or form an LLC, obtain an EIN, and secure a D-U-N-S® Number from Dun & Bradstreet as soon as possible. These foundational steps make your business visible to credit agencies and are often prerequisites for vendor accounts and government contracts.
   
2. Work With Vendors That Report to Multiple Agencies: Not all suppliers report payment history. Select at least three to five vendors that share data with different bureaus (D&B, Experian Business, Equifax Business) so your credit profile grows across all major reporting systems.
   
3. Make On-Time (or Early) Payments a Non-Negotiable Habit: Payment history is the most influential factor in your business credit scores. Automate payments, set reminders, and aim to pay invoices early when possible to improve your risk ratings consistently.
   
4. Regularly Monitor and Dispute Inaccuracies: Review your business credit reports at least quarterly to detect errors, fraudulent accounts, or outdated information. Dispute incorrect entries promptly with documentation—unresolved inaccuracies can damage your borrowing power for years.
   
5. Build Depth, Not Just Scores: A strong credit profile isn’t just about a high score. Maintain long-standing accounts, diversify your credit sources (vendor terms, business credit cards, loans), and manage debt ratios wisely. Depth and stability make your business more attractive to lenders and partners.

Your Credit Will Always Matter

If you’re just starting out or looking to strengthen your profile, treating your business credit like a key asset will pay off in stability, opportunity, and long-term growth. Be intentional, monitor your reports, fix inaccuracies, and build a credit strategy that grows alongside your business.

Need Help?

For over 30 years, NCH has helped people form entities, establish credit, and protect their assets. Our team knows how to ensure your company’s profile reflects your hard work and reliability whiling building a profile that works for you—not against you.

Call us at 1-800-508-1729 to get started today!

DISCLAIMER: The above material has been prepared for informational purposes only, containing opinions of the provider and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Please consider consulting tax, legal, and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.