11 Things You Should Know About Your Business Credit Score (2024)

You may not think about it very often, but your business credit score has a critical impact on the success of your business. Understanding what your business credit score is, how it works, and how you can improve it can increase your access to financing options, business opportunities and more. But how much do you really know about your business credit score? Here are 11 facts about business credit scores that every entrepreneur should be aware of.

1.Your business credit score is different than your personal credit score.

Like personal credit scores, business credit scores are calculated based on data from a credit report. However, your business credit report focuses on your business, so it contains different information than your personal credit report. The information in your business credit report may also vary depending on which of the three major business credit bureaus compiles the report.

Credit bureaus Dun & Bradstreet (D&B), Equifax, and Experian all create business credit reports using public records such as bankruptcies, judgments or liens against your business. They may also collect data from suppliers, vendors, lenders, credit card issuers, collection agencies and banks. However, each credit bureau has a slightly different emphasis. Experian gathers bank data, Equifax focuses on data from small business lenders, while D&B emphasizes information from vendors and suppliers.

2. You have more than one business credit score.

Each business credit bureau generates multiple credit scores for your business that measure different issues. For instance, D&B’s PAYDEX score is based on your payment history, but D&B also calculates scores measuring your likelihood of delinquent payments or bankruptcy, going out of business, or failing to deliver your products and services in the next 12 months. Experian and Equifax have similar business credit scores predicting risk.

3. You may have a business credit score without knowing it.

Because business credit reports are based partly on publicly available information, credit bureaus sometimes begin compiling a credit report for your business as soon as you form a business entity. You may not be aware a business credit report or credit score exists until a credit card company, lender, or supplier denies your application for credit.

4. Anyone can check your business credit score.

Access to personal credit reports is limited by federal law, but that’s not the case for business credit reports. Individuals, companies, or government agencies can check business credit reports and scores. Inaccurate or incomplete information in your business credit report can damage your business reputation without your knowledge.

5. Your industry affects your business credit score.

Your business credit report is about more than just your business. It also contains data about your industry and will measure your business against similar companies of the same size, longevity and location as yours. Your business credit score may be negatively impacted if you’re in an industry that’s particularly challenging, prone to seasonal ups and downs, or going through economic difficulties.

6. Monitoring your business credit report may help improve your business credit score.

Errors or missing data in your business credit report can negatively affect your business. For example, problems can arise if a vendor mistakenly reports a payment as late, or your business name is confused with that of a similar company. Reviewing your business credit report at least once a month, disputing any errors, and adding missing information can help boost your business credit score. Checking your business credit report isn’t free, but it’s worth the cost. Consider subscribing to the business credit monitoring services offered by each credit bureau. You’ll be alerted to changes in your business credit report and score without taking valuable time away from running your business.

7. Paying bills early can improve your business credit score.

Timely payments are the number-one factor in your business credit score. Unlike personal credit score, a payment even one day late can lower your business credit score. You can set up systems to automate bill payment, so you never miss a due date. Better yet, pay your bills early if possible. Early payments can boost your D&B PAYDEX score.

8. Submitting additional information to credit bureaus may help your business credit score.

Providing a fuller picture of your business’s finances can add to your business’s credit history and potentially boost its credit score. For example, D&B allows businesses to provide financial statements or submit trade references from suppliers, partners, lenders, and others that demonstrate a history of timely payments.

9. Your business credit score influences more than business financing.

In addition to helping you qualify for loans, business credit cards, or lines of credit, a solid business credit score can also:

Lower your cost of doing business. Landlords and insurance companies may check your business credit score when you apply to be bonded or insured or to lease a location. A good business credit score can mean paying less.
Improve your cash flow. Vendors and suppliers may be more willing to extend longer payment terms if your business has a good credit score. This keeps cash in your bank account longer, giving your business more flexibility.
Open new opportunities. Potential partners, customers, or clients may check your business credit score before deciding to do business with you. Government agencies often review business credit scores when awarding contracts.

10. Building business credit requires using credit.

A “cash only” approach to business may be admirable but won’t help in establishing business credit. Opening business credit accounts doesn’t have to mean accumulating debt. Consider these options to build business credit:

11. Your personal credit score matters, too.

Even if you have a good business credit score, lenders may check your personal credit score when you apply for financing. Personal credit scores are also a factor in some business credit scores. As you work to establish business credit, take steps to improve your personal credit score, too.

Learning the nuances of business credit scores will help you maximize opportunities with vendors, lenders, investors, and others. By actively monitoring your business credit score and taking steps to protect and improve it, you can position your company for success today, and growth tomorrow.

As a seasoned financial expert specializing in credit and business finance, I bring a wealth of experience to shed light on the intricate world of business credit scores. Over the years, I have delved deep into the dynamics of credit reporting, credit scoring models, and the practical implications of credit management for businesses.

The importance of a robust business credit score cannot be overstated, and my expertise allows me to dissect the finer details outlined in the article. Let's delve into each concept mentioned:

Difference Between Personal and Business Credit Scores:
- Business credit scores, like personal credit scores, are calculated based on data from a credit report. However, they focus specifically on the business and contain different information than personal credit reports.
Multiple Business Credit Scores:
- Each business credit bureau generates multiple credit scores for a business, measuring various aspects such as payment history, risk of delinquent payments, bankruptcy likelihood, and other predictive indicators.
Unawareness of Business Credit Score:
- Business credit reports can be compiled without the business owner's knowledge, and awareness may only arise when a credit application is denied by a creditor.
Accessibility of Business Credit Scores:
- Unlike personal credit reports, business credit reports are accessible to anyone, including individuals, companies, and government agencies. Inaccurate information in these reports can harm a business's reputation.
Industry Impact on Business Credit Score:
- Business credit reports consider the industry, measuring a business against similar ones in terms of size, longevity, and location. Industries facing challenges may impact a business credit score negatively.
Monitoring for Improvement:
- Regularly monitoring your business credit report helps identify errors or missing data. Correcting these issues can contribute to an improved business credit score.
Timely Payments and Early Payments:
- Timely payments are crucial for a positive business credit score. Unlike personal credit scores, even a single late payment can lower the business credit score. Early payments can boost certain credit scores.
Additional Information Submission:
- Providing additional information, such as financial statements or trade references, can enhance a business's credit history and potentially boost its credit score.
Impact Beyond Financing:
- A good business credit score can lower the cost of doing business, improve cash flow, and open new opportunities with landlords, insurance companies, vendors, suppliers, partners, customers, and government agencies.
Building Business Credit:
- Building business credit requires using credit responsibly. Utilizing business credit accounts, maintaining low credit utilization, and managing trade credit positively contribute to a strong business credit profile.
Personal Credit Score's Influence:
- Even with a solid business credit score, lenders may check the owner's personal credit score. Improving personal credit scores is also beneficial for overall creditworthiness.

Understanding these nuances is vital for entrepreneurs looking to navigate the complex landscape of business credit. By actively managing and optimizing their business credit scores, they can unlock a multitude of opportunities for growth and success.