by John Matheson

How To Check Your Business Credit Score

Just like your personal credit score, your business credit score plays a critical role in determining your potential to get financing.

Whether you’re seeking a loan, negotiating terms with suppliers, or simply aiming to strengthen your company’s financial standing, knowing where your business credit stands is essential.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of checking your business credit score, the factors that influence it, and tips for keeping it in good shape.

What Is A Business Credit Score?

Similar to a personal credit score, a business credit score is a solid representation of a company’s creditworthiness. To put it in simple terms, It reflects how well a business manages its debts and financial obligations.

Why Is A Business Credit Score Important?

Lenders, suppliers, and other financial institutions use this score to assess the risk of extending credit or entering into financial agreements with a business.

A really good business credit score can help a company secure favorable financing terms, build stronger partnerships, and support long-term growth.

How Do I Check The Credit Score Of My Business?

Federal law requires credit bureaus to provide free credit reports to consumers yearly. The same is not true of business credit. It can be somewhat tricker – and costlier – to get a business credit score, but it is far from impossible.

Dun & Bradstreet CreditSignal

This free service alerts you when your D&B credit score and rating changes, offers a monthly summary of the activity showing on your business credit file and gives you information on how often others are accessing your business credit file.

However, the free version does not offer a credit score. To get that, you will have to upgrade to a higher tier within their program.

Another free service, this one gives you a summary of your credit report from D&B, Experient, and Equifax. You will get a business credit grade for each of these, plus your own personal consumer Experian credit score.

As is true of CreditSignal, higher tiers offer added features such as complete credit reports and scores, plus options to dispute errors.

Experian Business Credit Report

There is no free version of this option, but they do offer reasonable one-time access rates as well as annual rates. It includes access to complete business credit reports from all four agencies.

Equifax Business Credit Report

This paid service allows you to access your company's Equifax Business Credit Risk Score and Equifax Business Failure Score and to get a synopsis of your credit accounts with banks, suppliers, and others.

There are other places to get information on your business credit score, but the above are the most credible and well-known options.

The Differences Between Business and Personal Credit Scores

One of the main differences between business and personal credit scores is the rating system. Personal credit scores range from 300 to 850.

Most business credit score systems, including PAYDEX by D&B and Intelliscore PlusSM by Experian, range from 0 – 100. The one exception is FICO SBSS which ranges from 0 – 300.

Another significant difference is that anyone can check your business credit score. This is very different from a personal credit score that cannot be legally checked without your consent.

FAQs About Business Credit Scores

Still have questions about business credit scores? We've got the answers.

What Factors Negatively Impact Business Credit?

Late payments, high credit utilization, a high number of credit inquiries, unpaid debts, and negative public records can all negatively impact a business credit score.

How Can I Boost My Score?

To improve your business credit score, make timely payments on all credit accounts, reduce credit card balances, maintain a healthy credit utilization ratio, regularly review your credit reports for errors, and build positive credit history.

How Often Should I Check Business Credit Report?

It’s a good idea to review your business credit report at least annually to ensure accuracy and address any issues that could impact your credit score.

How Fast Can A Business Credit Score Change?

Patience is a virtue. Improving a business credit score typically takes time and consistent financial management. However, addressing any errors on your credit report and making timely payments can start to show positive effects relatively quickly.

What’s Your Business Credit Score?

So, what’s your business credit score? By regularly checking your business credit score, you’ll be on top of your financial opportunities in no time.

By staying informed, you can catch potential issues early, ensure your score accurately reflects your business’s performance, and take proactive steps to improve it when necessary.

A strong business credit score not only opens doors to better financing and business opportunities, but also strengthens your company’s credibility with lenders, suppliers, and partners.

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