What is business credit?
Business credit is a credit profile attached to your EIN — separate from your personal SSN. The three main bureaus are Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business, and Equifax Business.
The 6-step business credit roadmap
Follow these in order. Skipping steps is the #1 reason new founders get denied.
1. Form an LLC or Corporation
Sole props can't build true business credit — you need a separate legal entity.
2. Get your EIN
Free from the IRS. Your EIN is the SSN of your business.
3. Open a business bank account
Lenders want to see consistent business banking activity.
4. Get a D-U-N-S number
Free from Dun & Bradstreet. This is the number lenders look for first.
5. Open net-30 vendor accounts
Start with vendors that report to D&B — Uline, Quill, Grainger, Crown Office Supplies. Pay early.
6. Apply for a business credit card
Once you have 3–5 reporting trade lines, apply for a card that reports to business bureaus.
Want optional setup services?
Done-for-you technical setup is available as a separate service.
Vendors that report to business credit bureaus
Start here. Order something small, pay it off in 7 days, and your credit profile starts forming within 30–60 days.
- Uline — packaging and shipping supplies
- Quill — office supplies
- Grainger — industrial supplies
- Crown Office Supplies
- Summa Office Supplies
How long does it take to build business credit?
You can have a basic profile in 60–90 days with consistent vendor reporting. A profile strong enough to qualify for $50K+ in funding usually takes 6–12 months of disciplined credit-building.