The 3 major business credit bureaus and how they work
- What are business credit bureaus?
- The three major business credit bureaus
- How business credit bureaus collect information
- Additional business credit scoring models
- Why business credit matters for your company
- How to check your business credit reports
- How to build and improve your business credit score
- Common business credit mistakes to avoid
- How Ramp can help you build business credit
Business credit bureaus influence how lenders, suppliers, and partners assess your company when making financing and risk decisions. The three major business credit bureaus in the U.S. are Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business, and Equifax Business, each collecting and reporting financial data to evaluate business creditworthiness.
Unlike personal credit, business credit uses bureau-specific scoring models, offers fewer consumer protections, and is generally accessible to third parties, making accuracy and visibility especially important for growing companies.
What are business credit bureaus?
Business credit bureaus are organizations that collect, analyze, and sell information about a company’s financial behavior and credit risk. They track how businesses pay vendors, manage debt, and meet financial obligations, then package that data into credit reports and scores.
Lenders, suppliers, insurers, and potential partners use these reports to decide whether to extend credit, set payment terms, or enter into commercial relationships. While personal credit bureaus focus on individuals, business credit bureaus monitor companies of all sizes, from early-stage startups to large enterprises.
How business credit bureaus differ from personal credit bureaus
Business credit and personal credit operate under different systems, with distinct rules around privacy, scoring, and access. Understanding these differences helps explain why business credit reports can influence financing decisions even when an owner’s personal credit is strong.
| Feature | Personal credit | Business credit |
|---|---|---|
| Identification method | Social Security number (SSN) | Employer Identification Number (EIN) or D-U-N-S Number |
| Privacy protections | Regulated under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) | Generally public and minimally regulated |
| Scoring standardization | FICO scores standardized across bureaus | Proprietary scoring models vary by bureau |
| Free report access | Annual free reports required by law | No requirement for free access |
| Report accessibility | Permission required to pull reports | Anyone can purchase a business credit report |
The three major business credit bureaus
Most lenders, suppliers, and financial institutions rely on three primary sources when evaluating business credit risk: Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business, and Equifax Business. Each bureau collects different data, uses its own scoring models, and serves slightly different decision-making needs.
Dun & Bradstreet (D&B)
Dun & Bradstreet is the oldest and most widely recognized business credit bureau, with roots dating back to the 19th century. Many businesses encounter D&B early because its system is built around the D-U-N-S Number, a unique nine-digit identifier required to establish a file and track credit activity.
D&B’s best-known score is the PAYDEX score, which ranges from 1 to 100 and focuses entirely on payment behavior. A score of 80 indicates on-time payments, while higher scores reflect early payments. Because PAYDEX is dollar-weighted, larger invoices have a greater impact on your score.
In addition to PAYDEX, Dun & Bradstreet provides other risk indicators that lenders and suppliers may review, including delinquency predictors, business failure risk scores, and composite ratings that factor in financial strength.
Experian Business
Experian Business builds credit profiles using hundreds of data points drawn from payment history, public records, and financial accounts. Its primary score, Intelliscore Plus, ranges from 1 to 100, with higher scores signaling lower risk.
For newer businesses that have yet to build a credit history, Experian may incorporate personal credit data from business owners to create a blended risk assessment. This makes Experian especially relevant for startups seeking bank loans or lines of credit. The bureau also offers industry benchmarking, allowing lenders to compare a business against peers in the same sector.
Equifax Business
Equifax Business takes a multi-score approach, providing separate metrics that evaluate different types of risk rather than relying on a single headline score. This structure gives lenders a more segmented view of payment behavior, credit risk, and business stability.
Key Equifax scores include payment-focused indexes, a business credit risk score that predicts severe delinquency, and a business failure score that estimates bankruptcy risk. Equifax also distinguishes itself through its connection to the Small Business Financial Exchange, which contributes payment data from participating lenders.
Key differences between the three bureaus
While all three bureaus assess business credit risk, they are not interchangeable. Each emphasizes different data sources and scoring priorities:
| Bureau | Primary score | Score range | Common use cases | Notable characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dun & Bradstreet | PAYDEX | 1–100 | Trade credit and vendor terms | D-U-N-S Number required, dollar-weighted payment scoring |
| Experian Business | Intelliscore Plus | 1–100 | Bank loans and revolving credit | Blended personal/business data, industry comparisons |
| Equifax Business | Multiple scores | Varies by model | Comprehensive lender risk analysis | SBFE data, segmented risk scoring |
How business credit bureaus collect information
Business credit bureaus do not receive information from a single centralized source. Instead, they compile data from a network of private companies, financial institutions, and public records to build a profile of how a business manages its financial obligations over time.
Some information is reported automatically, while other data appears only when creditors or vendors choose to share it. This means two businesses with similar financial behavior can look very different on paper depending on who reports their activity.
Primary data sources
Business credit bureaus collect information from a mix of commercial and public sources, including:
- Trade creditors and vendors: Suppliers may report how quickly you pay invoices and whether payments are late or early
- Banks and lenders: Financial institutions share data on business loans, lines of credit, and credit cards
- Public records: Bureaus track liens, judgments, bankruptcies, and UCC filings from court systems
- Business registration data: This includes incorporation details, industry codes, and ownership structure
- Collection agencies: Outstanding debts sent to collections may appear on your business credit report
Not all vendors or lenders report to every bureau, which is why businesses often have different profiles and scores across Dun & Bradstreet, Experian, and Equifax.
How long information stays on your report
Unlike personal credit reports, business credit reports are not governed by standardized federal retention rules. Each bureau sets its own policies, though timelines tend to follow similar patterns.
| Information type | Typical retention period |
|---|---|
| Trade payment data | Up to 36 months |
| Bankruptcies | Up to 9 years and 9 months |
| Judgments | Up to 6 years and 9 months |
| Tax liens | Up to 6 years and 9 months |
| UCC filings | Up to 5 years |
| Collections | Up to 6 years and 9 months |
Additional business credit scoring models
In addition to the scores produced by the major business credit bureaus, lenders often rely on supplemental scoring models to assess small business risk. These models typically combine data from multiple bureaus and, in some cases, personal credit information.
FICO Small Business Scoring Service (SBSS)
The FICO Small Business Scoring Service, commonly referred to as FICO SBSS, uses a 0–300 scale and blends personal and business credit data into a single score. Because many small businesses have limited credit history, this blended approach helps lenders evaluate risk more consistently.
FICO SBSS plays a central role in Small Business Administration lending. Many SBA lenders require a minimum SBSS score of around 155, though thresholds often range higher depending on the loan program and lender policies. Payment history, credit utilization, and public records across both personal and business profiles can all influence the score.
Other business credit agencies
Beyond the major bureaus and FICO, several specialized agencies collect and analyze business credit data for niche use cases:
- Creditsafe: Focuses on global business credit data and is commonly used for international trade and supplier risk assessments
- LexisNexis Risk: Combines credit data with public records and legal filings to support fraud detection and compliance
- Ansonia Credit Data: Specializes in trade credit information, particularly for transportation and logistics businesses
These agencies are less commonly referenced in traditional lending decisions but may influence supplier relationships, insurance underwriting, or international partnerships.
Why business credit matters for your company
Business credit affects far more than whether a lender approves a loan. It influences the cost of capital, the flexibility of vendor terms, and how much financial risk your business must personally absorb as it grows.
Access to better financing terms
Lenders use business credit reports and scores to assess default risk and determine loan conditions. Strong business credit can help your company qualify for:
- More financing options: Including loans, lines of credit, and trade financing that may not be available to higher-risk borrowers
- Lower borrowing costs: Better credit profiles often lead to more competitive interest rates and fees
- Longer repayment terms: Extended terms can improve cash flow and reduce monthly payment pressure
- Fewer personal guarantees: Established business credit may reduce reliance on the owner’s personal assets
Improved vendor relationships and payment terms
Vendors frequently review business credit before extending trade terms, especially for new customers or larger orders. When your credit profile reflects consistent, on-time payments, vendors may be more willing to offer:
- Extended payment terms: Net-30, net-60, or net-90 terms instead of upfront payment
- Higher purchasing limits: Larger credit lines that support growth without straining cash flow
- Early payment incentives: Discounts for paying invoices ahead of schedule
Operational and strategic benefits
Strong business credit can also influence day-to-day operations and long-term strategy in less obvious ways:
- Lower security deposits: Utilities, landlords, and service providers may require smaller deposits
- More favorable insurance pricing: Insurers often factor credit risk into premium calculations
- Stronger partnership opportunities: Potential partners may review credit profiles before entering long-term agreements
- Greater financial flexibility: Reliable access to credit makes it easier to manage unexpected expenses or seasonal fluctuations
How to check your business credit reports
There is no single, centralized place to view your business credit. Each major bureau maintains its own reports, pricing, and monitoring options, which means most businesses need to check more than one source to get a complete picture.
Accessing reports from each bureau
Each bureau offers one-time reports and subscription-based monitoring, with different levels of detail:
- Dun & Bradstreet: CreditSignal provides limited access to alerts but does not include a PAYDEX score. One-time reports typically start around $60, while monitoring plans range from basic to premium tiers.
- Experian Business: One-time reports that include your Intelliscore Plus score generally cost around $50, with ongoing monitoring available through monthly subscriptions
- Equifax Business: Individual reports are typically priced higher than other bureaus, with annual monitoring plans designed for businesses that need deeper lender-focused insights
Costs and available features vary by product, and pricing can change, so it’s important to confirm details directly with each bureau before purchasing.
Third-party monitoring services
Some businesses use third-party platforms to view multiple bureau reports in one place. These services can simplify monitoring, but they may not provide the same level of detail or direct dispute capabilities as accessing reports from the bureaus themselves. Third-party monitoring is often most useful for ongoing visibility, while direct bureau access is better when applying for financing or resolving reporting issues.
How often to check your business credit
Review your business credit reports at least quarterly to catch errors before they affect financing decisions. You should also check reports ahead of major loan or credit applications, and increase monitoring frequency if you suspect fraud or notice unexpected denials.
How to build and improve your business credit score
Building strong business credit is a gradual process that depends on both structure and consistency. By establishing the right foundation and maintaining disciplined financial habits, businesses can create credit profiles that support long-term growth.
1. Establish your business credit foundation
Before credit activity can be reported, your business needs clear identifiers and consistent records across bureaus:
- Incorporate your business: Form an LLC or corporation to separate business and personal finances
- Obtain an EIN: Use your Employer Identification Number as your business’s primary tax and credit identifier
- Open a business bank account: Keep all company income and expenses separate from personal funds
- Register for a D-U-N-S Number: Create a Dun & Bradstreet file and obtain a D-U-N-S Number so payment history can be reported
- Standardize business information: Use the same legal name, address, and contact details everywhere
- Establish a professional presence: Maintain a business phone number and website tied to your company
2. Build positive payment history
Payment behavior is the most influential factor across business credit scoring models. Start by opening accounts with vendors that report payment activity to business credit bureaus.
Pay invoices on time or early whenever possible. Early payments are especially important for improving D&B PAYDEX scores, which reward promptness rather than just avoiding late payments. Starter vendors such as office supply and shipping providers are often more willing to extend trade credit to newer businesses.
3. Manage credit utilization responsibly
Beyond payment history, how much credit you use matters. High balances can signal financial stress even when payments are made on time.
Aim to keep utilization low across all accounts, avoid maxing out credit lines, and request limit increases only when they align with actual business needs. Applying for credit selectively also helps limit hard inquiries that can temporarily affect risk assessments.
4. Dispute errors and maintain accuracy
Because business credit reporting is less regulated than personal credit, errors are more common. Review reports regularly for incorrect payment histories, outdated business information, or accounts that do not belong to your company.
Each bureau has its own dispute process, and documentation is critical. Providing invoices, payment confirmations, or contracts can help resolve inaccuracies more quickly. Follow up consistently until corrections are confirmed.
Common business credit mistakes to avoid
Even well-run businesses can harm their credit profiles by overlooking a few fundamentals. These issues are common, but they tend to compound over time if they are not addressed early.
Mixing personal and business expenses
When personal and business spending are combined, credit reporting becomes harder to interpret and lenders have less confidence in the business’s financial independence. Commingled finances can also increase personal liability and make it more difficult to establish a clear business credit history. Maintaining separate bank accounts and payment methods helps ensure activity is reported accurately and consistently.
Waiting until financing is needed to check credit
Many businesses only review their credit reports when applying for a loan or line of credit, which is often too late. Errors or missing information can take weeks to correct, delaying approvals or weakening negotiating leverage. Reviewing reports regularly allows issues to be resolved before they affect time-sensitive financing decisions.
Failing to establish trade credit relationships
Relying exclusively on business credit cards limits the depth of a company’s credit profile. Vendor and supplier payment history plays a meaningful role in business credit scoring, particularly with bureaus like Dun & Bradstreet. Establishing accounts with vendors that report payment activity helps build a more complete and credible credit record.
How Ramp can help you build business credit
One of the smartest ways to establish business credit is with a business credit card that reports to the major bureaus, and that's exactly what Ramp offers. With the Ramp Business Credit Card, you can:
- Get access to business credit with no personal guarantee or credit check required. We evaluate your business on its own merit.
- Build your business credit. We report your on-time payments to bureaus, such as Experian, Equifax, and Dun & Bradstreet, helping you establish a positive credit history
- Manage your business financial information and spending with powerful expense management tools, spend controls, and real-time reporting, all built into our platform
- Automate your accounting and save time with seamless integrations with QuickBooks, Xero, NetSuite, Sage Intacct, and more
Access the capital you need to grow your business while building a strong small business credit profile, all without impacting your personal credit.
Ready to get started? Try an interactive demo and see why Ramp customers save an average of 5% a year across all spending.
FAQs
Dun & Bradstreet is most commonly used for trade credit decisions, which is why many vendors check D&B first. Banks and financial institutions typically review reports from multiple bureaus, including Experian Business and Equifax Business, to get a broader view of risk.
There is no federally mandated option for free business credit reports. Dun & Bradstreet offers limited access through CreditSignal, but meaningful details and scores usually require purchasing reports or subscribing to monitoring services.
A good score depends on the bureau and scoring model. In general, a PAYDEX score of 80 or higher, an Experian Intelliscore Plus score of 76 or higher, an Equifax Business Credit Risk Score above 700, and a FICO SBSS score around 160 or higher are considered strong.
Most businesses need at least six to twelve months to establish a usable credit profile once trade accounts begin reporting. Building strong, stable business credit typically takes longer and depends on consistent payment history and responsible credit use.
An EIN is used to identify your business credit file, but it does not have a score on its own. Credit scores are generated only after lenders or vendors report payment activity associated with the business.
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