Most credit bureaus require lenders and suppliers to report accounts directly to them before they are included in business credit reports. Additionally, you may be able to use a service like eCredable Business Lift to report the accounts your business is already paying for. Whether you like it or not, business credit scores are an important tool that most small business loan companies use to decide if you’re getting the loan you need. Typically, lenders consider both personal credit scores and business credit scores, paying attention to all of the factors discussed above. If you’re a small business owner, you’ve probably considered ways to raise money to grow your business. Even if you could start your business with your own savings, the time will come when you will need to access additional funds.
Most small business credit cards use the owner’s personal credit scores and income from all sources to determine your eligibility. That means they are available to both startups and established companies. The most important part of any credit report is information about how you paid your bills.
By opening credit cards and keeping your credit usage below 30%, you can further set a favorable credit score. Continue to build your company’s financial reputation and contact major credit bureaus from time to time to ensure your credit score is accurate. As with personal credit cards, business credit cards have a recommended use for you to maximize your credit score. It is recommended that a business owner does not use more than 30% of their total credit limit. This shows lenders that you are not only financially responsible, but that you can also meet your minimum balance every month.
The key to building good business credit scores is to do business with companies that report payment history and then pay on time and keep debt levels manageable. To build business credit, it’s crucial to pay off all of your creditors on time. Your payment history with suppliers, lenders, and lenders is the most important factor when commercial credit bureaus calculate your business credit score.
There are a number of major providers that offer business units and report to business credit reporting agencies, such as Office Max, Staples Business, Best Buy, and Kinko’s Commercial. You can also ask one of your existing merchants or business credit checks vendors if they offer terms or can report your payment information to business credit bureaus. Farrah – All major small business credit cards require a personal guarantee, but not all report them to personal credit reference agencies.
As with your personal credit score, late payments have a significant negative impact on your business credit score. If your credit is damaged, consider opening a secure business credit card to rebuild your score. Just as personal credit bureaus use your Social Security number for personal credit reports, business credit bureaus use an EIN for business credit reports. An EIN is required to apply for business loans, withdraw your business, open a business bank account, use with suppliers or suppliers, and file business taxes. Any lender can choose to report accounts to business credit reference agencies.
A company can improve its corporate credit score by going into debt, even if it doesn’t need money right now. In particular, credit rating agencies look at how many business credit cards you use and what other types of loans may be outstanding, along with how quickly you return them. This would only backfire on your company’s credit score and potentially put pressure on your company’s cash flow when it’s time to pay it off. Another thing to keep in mind is that applying for a new business credit card can slightly affect your personal credit score if you apply using your Social Security number. Each new credit consultation can crop a few points from your personal credit score.
Learn how Divvy can help you build or see your credit for yourself and request a Divvy demo. If you’re a small business owner who started your business using your personal credit score, you’re not alone. It’s a common and useful start for small businesses, but it’s time to start building business credit on behalf of your business. The cheapest way to check your Experian business credit score is to purchase your CreditScore report ($39.95 for one-time access). It gives you access to a company’s credit score, financial stability risk classification, bankruptcies, and other key elements of your credit profile.
You need to correct it directly with the business credit reference agencies. If you are a Nav customer, please contact customer service for instructions. Payment history is the most important factor for any type of credit score, and especially for business credit. Business credit reports use a term called “Days Beyond Terms” that describes how many days after the due date a payment was made. For example, if your terms with a provider are “net-30” and you pay on the 32nd, the account will be reported as 2 DBT. Yes, that means your business credit score can be affected if you pay just a day or two late.