How to Check Business Credit
Checking business credit starts with pulling reports from the major business credit bureaus and reviewing the scores and tradelines they contain. Business credit affects whether you qualify for loans, secure vendor terms, or win contracts, so knowing what is in your file is a baseline step before approaching any lender.
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Start With the Major Business Credit Bureaus
The three primary business credit reporting agencies are Experian Business, Equifax Business, and Dun & Bradstreet. Each builds its own file on your business using data from creditors, public records, and your own submissions. You can request reports directly from each bureau, and some offer free basic summaries or paid full reports.
Understand the Scores and What Drives Them
Dun & Bradstreet uses the PAYDEX score, which ranges from 1 to 100 and reflects your payment history with vendors. Experian and Equifax have their own proprietary business scores that weigh payment behavior, credit utilization, and length of credit history. A higher score generally means lower perceived risk when you apply for financing.
Gather What You Need Before Pulling Reports
You will typically need your Employer Identification Number, your business legal name, and your address on file with creditors. If your business is a sole proprietorship without an EIN, the process can be less straightforward because personal and business credit may overlap. Having your most recent tax ID and a list of key vendors ready helps speed up the verification process.
Review the Report for Errors
Once you have the report, check that your business name, address, and ownership details are correct. Look for late payments, collections, or judgments that may be inaccurate, and dispute any errors directly with the bureau. Keeping trade lines current and resolving outstanding delinquencies are the most effective ways to improve your standing over time.
Use Third-Party Tools and Lender Previews
Services like Nav, CreditSignal, or lender portals let you monitor business credit for free or low cost and show which factors are moving your score. Some online lenders will give you a soft-pull preview of the rate they could offer without impacting your credit file, which is useful for benchmarking before you apply formally.
| Bureau | Key Score | Range | Primary Data Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dun & Bradstreet | PAYDEX | 1–100 | Vendor payment history |
| Experian Business | Business Credit Score | 1–100 | Creditor tradelines, public records |
| Equifax Business | Business Credit Risk Score | 101–992 | Payment behavior, credit utilization |
When to Check and How Often
Check business credit at least quarterly, or before any major financing application. If you have recently experienced a delinquency, closed a major credit line, or changed your business structure, pull a report immediately to confirm the changes are reflected accurately. Regular monitoring helps you catch fraud or identity confusion early and gives you a clear picture of where you stand when a lender asks.