5 Steps For Building Business Credit

Wanted to share 5 steps that will help you build better business credit

Building business credit plays a crucial role in your company’s funding ability. Whether you operate as a limited liability company or corporation, your business has the ability to establish a credit file separate from you as an individual.

When you register a business (LLC, LLP or corporation) it becomes recognized as a separate legal entity with the ability to enter into contracts. It’s treated as a separate being from you as an individual.

If you want to build business credit quickly here are five simple steps:

Step #1: Choose the Right Business Structure

To make your business a distinct legal entity requires that you select a business structure such as an LLC, LLP or corporation. Remember, sole proprietorships do not create a separate business entity.

Once you form your business entity, the next step is to register your business. This particular step is dependent on your structure and where your business is located.

For most small businesses, registering your business is as simple as registering your business name with state and local governments.

Step #2: Obtain a Federal Tax ID Number (EIN)

You can apply for a federal tax ID for free using the IRS assistance tool.

This is a nine-digit number assigned to your company which you will use for things such as filing company tax returns, opening a business bank account, applying for licenses and permits, and applying for business credit.

Step #3: Open a Business Bank Account

Once you have your federal tax ID, you’ll want to open a business bank account for your company. This is a mandatory step in creating a clear separation between your business and personal expenses.

Your banking relationships play an important role in your company’s funding potential.

Not only does your business bank account serve as a bank reference on credit applications, it also allows provides key data that lenders use during a funding review.

Step #4: Establish Credit with Vendors/Suppliers Who Report

One of the easiest ways to build business credit is to apply for net terms with vendors and suppliers.

Net terms essentially allows you to obtain products and services your business needs and defer the payment on those purchases for 30 days, thereby conserving cash flow.

As you buy supplies, inventory, or other materials on credit, those purchases and payments get reported to business credit reporting agencies.

This activity creates your company’s credit profile and business credit report. After your company has several trade lines reporting, a business credit rating (score) is generated.

Step #5: Monitor Your Business Credit Reports

There are three major business credit reporting agencies (Dun & Bradstreet, Equifax, Experian) so it’s important to monitor each of your company credit files.

Each agency collects data from various sources and may have different information about your company.

The good news is each of the business credit agencies provide a way for you to update basic information about your business.

If you uncover any outdated or incorrect information, you’ll want to contact the agency to make the appropriate change.

It’s equally important to establish a diversity of accounts with other types of business credit such as a business credit card or line of credit.

Conclusion

These 5 simple steps, especially step #4 once you have everything registered, can help you establish good business credit relatively quickly.

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