Where to check your business credit score
Your business credit score lives with business credit bureaus, not the consumer credit bureaus that track your personal credit. The three main business credit reporting agencies are Dun & Bradstreet, Equifax Business, and Experian Business. Each maintains its own file on your company and calculates a score using different methods, so your score may differ across all three.
You can view your business credit report directly from each bureau's website. Dun & Bradstreet offers a free basic report through their website; Equifax Business and Experian Business typically charge a fee for detailed reports, though both offer limited free access. Some business credit monitoring services bundle reports from multiple bureaus for a single subscription.
Your bank, accountant, or business lender may also have access to your business credit file and can sometimes share what they see. If you are applying for a loan or line of credit, the lender will pull your report as part of their decision, and you can ask them to share the results with you.
Key Takeaways
- Business credit scores come from Dun & Bradstreet, Equifax Business, and Experian Business — not from the consumer credit bureaus that track your personal credit.
- You can check your score directly through each bureau's website; Dun & Bradstreet offers free basic reports, while Equifax and Experian typically charge fees.
- Your business credit score is based on payment history, credit accounts in your company's name, public records, and company age — not your personal credit.
- Lenders pull your business credit report when you apply for financing, and you can request a copy of what they see.
What information makes up your business credit score
Business credit bureaus calculate scores using data specific to your company, not your personal finances. The main factors are payment history on business accounts (how often you pay vendors, suppliers, and lenders on time), the number and age of credit accounts opened in your company's name, public records like liens or judgments against the business, and how long your company has been operating.
Your personal credit score does not directly affect your business credit score, though lenders often look at both when deciding whether to lend to your company. A sole proprietorship or partnership may have less separation between personal and business credit than a corporation or LLC, depending on how the business is structured and how you have used credit.
The scoring models differ by bureau. Dun & Bradstreet uses a PAYDEX score (ranging from 0 to 100) that emphasizes payment timeliness. Equifax and Experian use different numerical ranges and weighting systems. Because of these differences, your score from one bureau may not match your score from another, even though they are all measuring your company's creditworthiness.
Why your business credit score matters
Lenders, suppliers, and landlords use your business credit score to decide whether to extend credit to your company and on what terms. A higher score typically means lower interest rates on loans, higher credit limits, and better payment terms from vendors. A lower score can result in higher rates, smaller credit limits, or outright denial of credit.
Some vendors and suppliers check your business credit before deciding whether to work with you or what payment terms they will offer. Insurance companies may also review your business credit as part of underwriting. If you are seeking a commercial lease, the landlord may pull your business credit report as part of their screening process.
How to read your business credit report
Your business credit report lists your company's identifying information (legal name, address, tax ID), payment history on accounts reported to the bureau, public records like liens or judgments, and a summary of your credit profile. It shows which accounts are current, which are past due, and which have been closed or charged off.
Look for accounts you do not recognize, incorrect payment statuses, or outdated information. If your report shows a payment as late when you paid on time, or lists a closed account as still open, you can dispute that item with the bureau. The bureau has a process for investigating disputes and correcting errors.
Pay attention to the date range covered by the report. Some bureaus include older information that may no longer be relevant to your current creditworthiness. Public records like tax liens or judgments will appear on your report and affect your score until they are resolved or expire.
Steps to improve your business credit score
Build a separate credit history for your company by opening business accounts in your company's name rather than using personal accounts. This means getting a business credit card, business bank account, and business loans or lines of credit that are reported to the business credit bureaus.
Pay all business bills on time, every time. Payment history is the largest factor in most business credit scores. Set up reminders or automatic payments to avoid missed or late payments. If you have past-due accounts, bring them current as soon as possible.
Keep your credit utilization low. If you have a business credit card with a $10,000 limit, try to keep your balance well below that. High utilization signals financial stress to lenders and bureaus.
Monitor your business credit report regularly for errors or fraud. Dispute any inaccuracies you find. If your company is a victim of identity theft or fraud, report it to the bureau and the Federal Trade Commission so it does not damage your score.
The difference between business and personal credit scores
Your personal credit score is based on your individual credit history — credit cards, personal loans, mortgage, and payment history in your name. Your business credit score is based on your company's credit history — business accounts, vendor payments, and the company's payment record.
Lenders often look at both scores when you apply for business credit, especially if your company is new or small. If you are a sole proprietor or have personally may provide a business loan, your personal credit score may carry significant weight in the lender's decision. If your company is an established corporation or LLC with its own credit history, lenders may focus more on the business score.
Building business credit takes time. A new company may not have a business credit score at all until it has opened accounts and built a payment history. In the meantime, lenders may rely entirely on your personal credit and financial statements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I check my business credit score?
Check your business credit report at least once a year to catch errors or fraud early. If you are actively seeking financing or working to improve your score, checking every few months can help you track progress. Many business credit monitoring services send alerts when changes occur on your report.
Does checking my business credit score hurt it?
No. Checking your own business credit report is a soft inquiry and does not affect your score. Only hard inquiries — when a lender or creditor pulls your report as part of a credit decision — may have a small impact on your score.
What if I find errors on my business credit report?
Contact the bureau that issued the report and file a dispute. Provide documentation of the correct information (such as proof of payment for a disputed late payment). The bureau must investigate your dispute and correct or remove inaccurate information within a set timeframe, typically 30 days.
Can I check my business credit score for free?
Dun & Bradstreet offers a free basic business credit report. Equifax Business and Experian Business typically charge fees for full reports, though they may offer limited free access or trial periods. Some business credit monitoring services offer free trials before charging a subscription fee.
How long does it take to build a business credit score?
Most bureaus need at least three to six months of credit history before they will generate a score. Building a strong score — one that qualifies you for favorable loan terms — typically takes one to two years of consistent on-time payments and responsible credit use.