This can help create a positive payment history for your business, which will help build business credit. Experian offers a product called a CreditScore report, which includes a business credit score as well as other information, such as payment trends, account histories and public records. Checking this information regularly can help you identify ways you can build your company’s credit, says Brian Ward, senior director of integrated marketing at Experian.
Massive data breach in 2017, exposing personal information such as birthdates and Social Security numbers of more than 145 million American consumers. The thieves also stole credit card numbers for approximately 209,000 U.S. consumers, according to Equifax. The commercial credit score predicts the likelihood of a delinquent payment on bills within the next year. The score ranges from 101 to 670, with a lower score representing a higher probability of a delinquency. If your business is just getting off the ground, you’re probably using your personal credit to do the borrowing. If things are going smoothly, you might be wondering why it’s necessary to establish separate credit for your business.
Doing so can save you money through lower interest rates and better loans. Your credit report is a key factor in determining your credit score. That’s why checking your credit report regularly for errors is important.
If a small business has a D-U-N-S Number, several business lines of credit, or it cosmetics qvc video relationships with individual vendors, it may have a credit file that is not being monitored. Experts say the best way to manage business credit is by regularly keeping updated on their reports and business credit score. You can check your business credit score for free on Nav.com. Simply sign up for a free account, and we’ll pull your scores from Dun & Bradstreet and Experian. You’ll also get personalized advice on how to improve your scores.
There are a few key differences between personal and business credit scores you should know. When you apply for a credit card or loan, the lender could be using one of dozens of credit-scoring models from score providers such as FICO® or one of the three major bureaus. You can approach the three leading credit reporting bureaus for your weekly reports.
In the long run, keeping an account of your company credit score will help you manage and improve your business credit so you can obtain the funding you need to expand your business. With each of these scores, a higher number indicates a lower risk to the lender. It’s important to note that there are other commercial credit scores produced by these companies that have different score ranges. Just like with a personal credit score, a higher number is better. Businesses with the best credit will have a score above 80, while a lower score suggests a struggle to pay the bills. The simple answer to that question is, yes, businesses do have credit scores.
You’ll get free access to business credit information, including one free credit report and business credit score. Reach out to Creditsafe to learn which reports and scores are included in your free trial. The duration of your free access can depend on specific details relating to your business or the information you’re looking for. Using a mix of these free business-credit-monitoring services can help you keep track of where your business stands.
Start by obtaining the necessary business licenses and register your “Doing Business As” name with your state. Credit reporting agencies will retrieve this information from the state and begin tracking the credit of your business. The more outstanding debt you have, the lower your credit score.