For business owners, knowing how to check my business Credit Score is essential for understanding your company’s financial standing, qualifying for loans, and negotiating with vendors. This comprehensive guide covers where to access your business credit report, how different scores are calculated, and what to do if you spot inaccuracies affecting your business creditworthiness.
What’s in Your Business Credit Report & Where It Comes From
- Business credit reports are compiled by commercial credit bureaus such as Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business, and Equifax Business, using data from creditors, lenders, vendors, and sometimes public records.
- Information includes your company’s payment history, outstanding debts, trade lines, credit utilization, public filings like liens and bankruptcies, and identifying details (such as EIN and business registration).
- Data furnishing is not mandatory—some suppliers report only to select bureaus, so each bureau’s report may vary.
- Inquiries from banks, landlords, or vendors may also appear in your business file and can be hard or soft, depending on purpose and bureau policy.
- Update cycle may be monthly or quarterly; not all activity is reflected in real time.
Key Facts (At-a-Glance)
| Business Bureau | Contents | Access Options (Official) | Update Frequency | Retention Periods (Sample/Illustrative) | Security Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dun & Bradstreet | D-U-N-S® Number, trade lines, payment history, public records | D&B official portal; business identity verification may be required | Monthly (sample/illustrative) | Negative items up to 7 years (sample/illustrative) | Dispute process, but no freezes (as of current U.S. practice) |
| Experian Business | Tradelines, account balance, legal filings, business credit score | Experian business center (official access), business verification | Monthly (sample/illustrative) | Defaults, liens, judgments 7–10 years (sample/illustrative) | Dispute process, but no credit freeze |
| Equifax Business | Trade credit, financial relationships, public records | Equifax business portal (authentication needed) | Monthly (sample/illustrative) | Negative marks up to 10 years (sample/illustrative) | Dispute option |
How to Get Your Business Credit Report (Official Channels)
- Contact each relevant bureau (Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business, Equifax Business) through their official portals; verification of business identity and authorization is usually required for business owners/officers.
- AnnualCreditReport.com is only for personal reports—business reports must be obtained directly from commercial bureaus.
- Fees may apply for viewing your business report; check for current terms at each bureau’s official homepage (e.g., Experian Business homepage).
- Third-party platforms also provide summaries, but direct bureau sources are preferred for accuracy and dispute handling.
- Business credit reports are not restricted by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) in the same way as personal consumer reports; some information may be viewable by third parties without your explicit consent.
How to Read & Interpret Business Credit Report Entries
- Look for your company’s legal name, D-U-N-S® Number (if assigned), addresses, and registry information to confirm correctness.
- Trade lines display account status, open/closed dates, terms, payment history, and balance or credit limits from suppliers and lenders.
- Derogatory marks include court judgments, liens, UCC filings, and bankruptcies, generally reported for several years (retention varies by bureau and item).
- Scoring sections may present multiple scores (e.g., Paydex from D&B, Intelliscore from Experian), often with interpretations or risk benchmarks but not direct “approval” decisions.
- Inquiries section shows which entities have requested your report, with date and inquiry reason.
Error Resolution & Disputes
- Retrieve your business credit report from the appropriate bureau’s official access point.
- Note any inaccurate or out-of-date reporting (e.g., payments misclassified as late, accounts listed that don’t belong to your business).
- Document evidence such as corrected invoices, cleared checks, or legal documents as appropriate.
- File a dispute directly through the commercial bureau’s official portal or customer service channel (see CFPB homepage for business lending guidance).
- Bureaus typically investigate and respond within 30–45 days (sample/illustrative); check their policies and follow up as needed.
- If the issue persists, consider supplying supporting documentation from creditors or pursuing dispute escalation per bureau policy.
Hard vs Soft Inquiries (Business Context)
- Hard inquiries occur when a lender or supplier is formally considering your business for credit; these are viewable on your report and may impact business credit scores (degree of impact varies by bureau and model).
- Soft inquiries may be made for account review or pre-qualification; these generally do not affect your business credit score but are still logged for transparency.
- Unlike personal credit, many business credit bureaus do not distinguish between hard and soft inquiries as clearly, and these items can remain visible for up to two years (sample/illustrative).
Security & Privacy in Business Credit Reporting
- Fraud alerts and freezes are typically unavailable for business credit files; most protections apply to consumer reports under the FCRA.
- If you detect signs of business identity theft—such as unfamiliar accounts or inquiries—report directly to the bureau and request investigation.
- Review and monitor reports regularly to spot suspicious activity; U.S. businesses can review additional government guidance via the official FTC homepage.
- For complex cases (e.g., confirmed identity theft), certain states and bureaus may offer business-specific remediation steps—always check the latest regulatory updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which agencies provide official business credit reports?
- The main U.S. agencies are Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business, and Equifax Business.
- Some industry-specific bureaus also exist for sectors like construction or transport.
Can my business get a free business credit report?
- Unlike consumer credit files, most official business bureau reports are fee-based, though occasional promotions or summary access may be available.
- Periodic checks are advisable despite the potential cost; official portals should be used to avoid inaccurate information from unofficial providers.
Will checking my own business credit hurt my score?
- No, accessing your business credit report as an authorized representative typically does not impact your business credit score.
- Third-party, lender-initiated “hard” inquiries during an active application could have a minor effect depending on bureau policies.
How often should I review my business credit reports?
- At least annually, but ideally semi-annually or before major credit applications and contract bids.
- Frequent reviews help detect errors or fraud early and keep your credit file current for vendors and financial partners.
Can I dispute errors if I’m not the company owner?
- Bureaus require proof of authorization—corporate officers or registered legal representatives can typically file disputes, but additional documentation may be necessary.
Are business FICO scores the same as personal FICO scores?
- No, business credit scores use different models and data sources, with ranges and factors that may differ from consumer FICO score systems.
- Examples include D&B Paydex (0–100), Experian Intelliscore Plus (0–100), and Equifax Business Credit Risk Score (sample/illustrative ranges vary).
Conclusion & Next Steps
- Regularly checking your business credit report—directly through Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business, and Equifax Business—helps you manage risks, ensure eligibility for financing, and protect your business reputation.
- If errors are found, use each bureau’s dispute process and keep documentation for future reviews; always verify access policies and scoring formulas on each agency’s official page.
- Stay informed on evolving business credit practices by consulting regulatory resources like the official Consumer Financial Protection Bureau homepage and the official FTC homepage for the latest compliance and security recommendations.