How to Build Business Credit Fast: 7 Proven Strategies

Building strong business credit is one of the smartest financial moves you can make for your company. It unlocks better financing terms, higher credit limits, and can even save you thousands in interest. This guide shows you exactly how to build business credit fast—even if you're starting from scratch.

What is Business Credit?

Business credit is your company's financial reputation—a credit score for your business separate from your personal credit. Just like personal credit, it's based on how reliably you pay bills, how much debt you carry, and how long you've been in business.

Why Business Credit Matters

• Protect personal credit: Keep business and personal finances separate
• Higher borrowing limits: Access more capital than personal credit allows
• Better terms: Lower interest rates and better financing options
• Business credibility: Vendors and partners check business credit
• Liability protection: Strengthens corporate veil for LLCs and corporations
• Growth potential: Easier to scale without personal financial risk

The Three Major Business Credit Bureaus

1. Dun & Bradstreet (D&B)

• PAYDEX Score: 0-100 scale (80+ is excellent)
• Most widely used by lenders and suppliers
• D-U-N-S Number: Unique 9-digit identifier for your business
• Free and paid monitoring options available

2. Experian Business

• Intelliscore Plus: 1-100 scale (76+ is excellent)
• Used by many lenders for financing decisions
• Business credit report shows payment history and public records
• Linked to personal credit in some scoring models

3. Equifax Business

• Business Credit Risk Score: 101-992 scale (700+ is good)
• Business Failure Score: 1,000-1,610 scale (higher is better)
• Used by suppliers and lenders
• Monitors business payment behavior

7 Proven Strategies to Build Business Credit Fast

Strategy 1: Establish Your Business Legally

Before you can build business credit, you need to exist as a legal entity separate from yourself.

Action Steps:

• Form an LLC or Corporation: File with your state (don't operate as a sole proprietor if you want business credit)
• Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number): Free from the IRS at IRS.gov
• Open a business bank account: Use your EIN, not your SSN
• Get a business phone number: Listed in your business name, not your personal name
• Create a business address: Physical address (not a P.O. Box) for your business

Timeline: 1-2 weeks to complete all steps. This is the foundation—don't skip it!

Strategy 2: Get Your D-U-N-S Number

Your D-U-N-S Number is like a Social Security number for your business. It's required for building business credit with Dun & Bradstreet.

Action Steps:

• Apply for free: Visit dnb.com and request your D-U-N-S Number
• Provide business information: Legal name, address, phone, EIN
• Wait for assignment: Usually 30 days for free option
• Expedite if needed: Pay for faster processing (1-2 days)
• Verify your listing: Once assigned, check your business profile is correct

Timeline: 1-30 days depending on free vs. paid option

Strategy 3: Establish Vendor Credit Accounts

Vendor credit (also called trade credit) is the fastest way to build business credit. These are companies that extend net-30, net-60, or net-90 payment terms and report to business credit bureaus.

Starter Vendor Credit (Report to D&B):

• Uline: Business supplies and shipping materials
• Grainger: Industrial supplies and equipment
• Quill: Office supplies
• Corporate Express: Office products
• Amazon Business: Various business supplies

Action Steps:

1. Apply for net-30 accounts: Start with 3-5 vendors
2. Make small purchases: $50-$200 to start
3. Pay early or on time: Never late—this is crucial
4. Pay in full: Don't carry balances
5. Repeat monthly: Consistent activity builds credit faster
6. Verify reporting: Ensure vendors report to credit bureaus

Pro Tip: Pay a few days early to maximize your PAYDEX score. Dun & Bradstreet rewards early payments with higher scores (100 = paid early, 80 = paid on time).

Timeline: 30-60 days to see first credit references appear on your report

Strategy 4: Get Business Credit Cards

Business credit cards that report to business credit bureaus are powerful tools for building credit quickly while earning rewards.

Starter Business Credit Cards:

• Brex: No personal guarantee for funded startups
• Capital One Spark: Reports to all major bureaus
• American Express Business Cards: Reports to Experian
• Chase Ink Business: Reports to all major bureaus
• Bank of America Business Advantage: Reports to bureaus

Store Business Credit Cards:

• Home Depot Business Credit: Easy approval, reports to D&B
• Lowe's Business Account: Reports to business bureaus
• Staples Business Credit: Easy starter card
• Sam's Club Business Credit: Good for building credit

Action Steps:

1. Start with store cards: Easier approval for new businesses
2. Use cards regularly: Make small purchases monthly
3. Pay in full monthly: Avoid interest and show responsibility
4. Keep utilization low: Under 30% of credit limit (under 10% is ideal)
5. Request credit limit increases: Every 6-12 months

Important: Not all business credit cards report to business credit bureaus. Verify before applying that they report to at least one major bureau (D&B, Experian, or Equifax).

Timeline: 60-90 days after opening account for reporting to begin

Strategy 5: Report Your Rent and Utility Payments

You're already paying rent, utilities, and phone bills—make them work for your credit score!

Services That Report Payments:

• Dun & Bradstreet CreditBuilder: Reports various payment types to D&B
• Nav: Free business credit monitoring and reporting
• Experian Boost for Business: Add utility and telecom payments
• Landlord direct reporting: Ask your landlord to report to D&B

What You Can Report:

• Office rent or lease payments
• Business phone (landline and mobile)
• Internet service
• Gas and electric utilities
• Water and sewer
• Some subscription services

Action Steps:

1. Sign up for reporting services: Like Nav or CreditBuilder
2. Link your payment accounts: Connect utilities, phone, rent
3. Ensure timely payments: Set up autopay to never miss
4. Monitor reporting: Verify payments show up on credit reports

Timeline: 30-60 days after enrollment to see payments reported

Strategy 6: Get a Small Business Credit-Builder Loan

Credit-builder loans are designed specifically to help you build credit. You make payments into a savings account, and the lender reports on-time payments to credit bureaus.

Where to Get Credit-Builder Loans:

• Local credit unions: Many offer business credit-builder programs
• Community banks: Often have credit-building products
• Online lenders: Some specialize in credit-building loans
• Nav Credit-Builder Loan: Specifically for business credit

Action Steps:

1. Apply for a small loan: $1,000-$5,000 is sufficient
2. Confirm reporting: Ensure they report to business credit bureaus
3. Set up autopay: Never miss a payment
4. Complete the term: Usually 12-24 months
5. Receive funds plus interest: Get your money back (minus fees)

Timeline: 30 days after first payment to see reporting begin; 12-24 months for full impact

Strategy 7: Monitor and Dispute Errors

Regularly checking your business credit reports helps you catch errors that could be hurting your score.

How to Monitor:

• Nav.com: Free business credit monitoring (all three bureaus)
• Dun & Bradstreet CreditSignal: Free basic monitoring
• Experian Business: Offers free reports with limited monitoring
• Credit Suite: Paid service with comprehensive monitoring

Common Errors to Look For:

• Incorrect business information (name, address, phone)
• Accounts that aren't yours
• Late payments you actually paid on time
• Duplicate accounts
• Outdated information
• Wrong credit limits

Action Steps:

1. Check reports monthly: Set a recurring calendar reminder
2. Identify errors: Document any incorrect information
3. File disputes: Contact the bureau reporting the error
4. Provide documentation: Proof of correct information
5. Follow up: Bureaus must investigate within 30 days

Timeline: Ongoing—make this a monthly habit

90-Day Business Credit Building Plan

Days 1-30: Foundation Phase

Week 1:

• Form LLC or corporation (if not already done)
• Get EIN from IRS
• Open business bank account
• Get business phone number
• Apply for D-U-N-S Number

Week 2-3:

• Apply for 3-5 vendor credit accounts (Uline, Quill, Grainger, etc.)
• Apply for 1-2 store business credit cards (Home Depot, Staples)
• Set up business email and professional website
• Register with Nav.com for free credit monitoring

Week 4:

• Make first purchases on vendor accounts (small amounts)
• Use store credit cards for small purchases
• Set up payment reminders or autopay
• Verify D-U-N-S Number received

Days 31-60: Building Phase

Week 5-6:

• Pay first vendor invoices EARLY (5-10 days before due date)
• Pay store credit card balances in full
• Make second round of vendor purchases
• Apply for additional vendor accounts (2-3 more)

Week 7-8:

• Apply for a major business credit card (Capital One, Chase, Amex)
• Enroll in rent/utility payment reporting service
• Continue paying all accounts early or on time
• Check first business credit report (should show initial activity)

Days 61-90: Acceleration Phase

Week 9-10:

• Increase credit limits on existing cards (if possible)
• Apply for 2-3 more vendor accounts
• Consider a small credit-builder loan
• Maintain 100% on-time payment record

Week 11-12:

• Review full credit reports from all three bureaus
• Dispute any errors or inaccuracies
• Document your credit references and scores
• Plan next 90 days of credit building

Expected Results After 90 Days:

• Credit references: 5-10 tradelines reporting
• PAYDEX score: 70-80+ (if paying early)
• Credit approval: Easier approval for net-30 terms and credit cards
• Foundation established: Solid base for continued growth

Best Practices for Building Business Credit

1. Always Pay Early or On Time

This is the #1 rule. Payment history is the biggest factor in business credit scores. Even one late payment can significantly damage your score.

• Set up autopay for all accounts
• Set payment reminders 5 days before due dates
• Pay early when possible (boosts PAYDEX score)
• If you'll be late, contact creditor immediately

2. Keep Personal and Business Finances Separate

Mixing personal and business finances weakens your corporate veil and makes it harder to build true business credit.

• Never use personal credit cards for business expenses
• Don't use business cards for personal purchases
• Maintain separate bank accounts
• Keep clean accounting records

3. Use Credit Regularly But Responsibly

Inactive accounts don't help your credit. Use each credit account at least once per month, but keep utilization low.

• Make small purchases on all cards monthly
• Pay balances in full to avoid interest
• Keep utilization under 30% (under 10% is ideal)
• Don't max out credit limits

4. Build a Mix of Credit Types

A diverse credit mix shows you can manage different types of credit responsibly.

• Revolving credit: Credit cards, lines of credit
• Installment credit: Term loans, equipment financing
• Trade credit: Vendor accounts with net-30/60/90 terms

5. Start Small and Scale Up

Don't apply for large amounts of credit immediately. Build a history first, then request increases.

• Start with vendor accounts (easiest approval)
• Move to store credit cards
• Then apply for major business credit cards
• Finally, apply for larger loans and lines of credit

6. Request Credit Limit Increases

Higher credit limits improve your utilization ratio and show creditors trust you.

• Request increases every 6-12 months
• Make sure account is 6+ months old first
• Have a record of on-time payments
• Keep utilization low before requesting

What to Avoid When Building Business Credit

❌ Don't Apply for Too Much Credit at Once

Multiple credit applications in a short time can hurt your score and raise red flags.

• Limit applications to 2-3 per month
• Space out applications over time
• Only apply for credit you actually need

❌ Don't Close Old Accounts

Length of credit history matters. Keep old accounts open and active even if you rarely use them.

❌ Don't Miss Payments—Ever

One late payment can drop your score significantly and stay on your report for 7 years.

❌ Don't Max Out Credit Cards

High utilization (above 30%) hurts your credit score. Keep balances low relative to limits.

❌ Don't Ignore Your Personal Credit

Many business lenders still check personal credit, especially for newer businesses. Maintain both.

❌ Don't Fall for "Credit Repair" Scams

Companies promising to "erase bad credit" or "guarantee 700+ scores" are almost always scams. Build credit legitimately.

How Long Does It Take to Build Business Credit?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I build business credit as a sole proprietor?

It's very difficult. Most business credit bureaus require you to be an LLC, corporation, or partnership. If you're serious about building business credit, form an LLC or corporation.

Do I need good personal credit to build business credit?

Not necessarily, but it helps. Many starter vendor accounts and store cards will approve you based on your business, but personal credit is often checked. Having decent personal credit (640+) makes the process much easier.

How much does it cost to build business credit?

The basics are free or low-cost:

• LLC formation: $50-$500 depending on state
• EIN: Free from IRS
• D-U-N-S Number: Free (or $200+ for expedited)
• Credit monitoring: Free with Nav.com
• Vendor accounts: Free to apply

Optional paid services (CreditBuilder, Credit Suite, etc.) run $50-$300/month but aren't required.

Will building business credit affect my personal credit?

Generally no, if done correctly. Business credit is separate from personal credit. However:

• Initial applications may cause soft or hard pulls on personal credit
• Personal guarantees mean you're liable if business defaults
• Some business cards report to personal credit bureaus
• Defaults on business credit can affect personal credit if you guaranteed the debt

Can I get business credit with bad personal credit?

Yes, but it's harder and you'll need to:

• Start with vendor accounts (less stringent requirements)
• Be prepared for higher deposits or fees
• Focus on lenders that don't check personal credit
• Expect smaller initial credit limits
• Work on improving personal credit simultaneously

What's a good business credit score?

It depends on the bureau:

• PAYDEX (D&B): 80+ is good, 90-100 is excellent
• Intelliscore Plus (Experian): 76+ is good, 90+ is excellent
• Equifax Business Risk Score: 700+ is good, 900+ is excellent

The Bottom Line

Building business credit fast is absolutely possible with the right strategy. By following these seven proven strategies consistently, you can establish a strong business credit profile in as little as 3-6 months.

Need Financing While Building Credit?

Building business credit takes time, but you might need financing now. Many lenders specialize in working with businesses that have limited or developing credit histories.

Get matched with lenders who understand your situation. Whether you're just starting to build credit or have an established profile, our network includes lenders who can help. Compare offers, rates, and terms from multiple lenders specializing in businesses at every stage of credit development.

Building your business credit? We can connect you with lenders who will work with you now while you continue building—and offer better terms as your credit improves.