Business credit scores are not transparent but there are steps to take to boost your ability to get business credit.

If you’ve ever wondered about a business credit score, you’re in good company. Several credit reporting agencies produce them but provide neither transparency about how business credit scores are assigned nor ready access to the reports. The lack of information about the scoring process led the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to launch an inquiry in 2023.

Who issues business credit scores?

You’ll likely recognize some of the agency names that issue business credit scores.

Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Information Solutions, Equifax, Ansonia Credit Data and Creditsafe USA are the major players. And, all these organizations are subjects in the FTC’s inquiry on the business credit reporting industry.

Business credit scores aren’t regulated

The Fair Credit Reporting Act governs credit reports for individuals but there is no corresponding law for business credit reporting and scores. This means business owners have little to no insight on how their business credit score is calculated, whether errors exist in the report, or how to correct them.

Dun & Bradstreet says it uses trade payment data to determine business credit scores, but they don’t include every transaction made by a business with its vendors. Further, Dun & Bradstreet says, “For confidentiality, data integrity and data completeness reasons, we generally cannot tell you the names of Trade Vendors.”

Other information not included in D&B’s trade payment data includes bank, insurance and certain credit card business transactions.

It’s unclear how business credit scores are generated.

Consumers doesn’t share business data with credit agencies

We often get questions from new business owners seeking to establish business credit. Consumers doesn’t report business payment data to any reporting agency.

Like the FTC, we don’t know how business scores are generated.

How to establish business credit

One thing we are sure of is that businesses can take specific steps to establish credit. By creating a positive financial track record, a business increases the likelihood of getting a loan, credit card or business line of credit.

Business owners who get approved for credit do the following:

• Make money
• Show positive cash flow at levels to cover their debts
• Build a cash reserve
• Maintain good personal credit

Doing all of the above doesn’t guarantee your business will get a loan but these are the factors a lender will evaluate.

Applying for a business line of credit

If you want a business line of credit talk to a Consumers Commercial Loan Officer. You’ll get answers to your questions, and we’ll do our best to help you get the cash you need.

 

All loans subject to approval. Rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change and may vary based on credit worthiness, qualifications, and collateral conditions. Federally insured by NCUA