Which business credit bureaus do lenders check?

The three main business credit bureaus are Dun & Bradstreet (PAYDEX score), Experian Business (Intelliscore), and Equifax Business. Lenders also use the FICO SBSS score, which combines data from all three bureaus plus the owner's personal credit history.

How is business credit different from personal credit?

Business credit is tied to a company's EIN rather than the owner's Social Security Number. It is built through vendor trade lines, business credit cards, and payment history with suppliers that report to business credit bureaus. Unlike personal credit, business credit is not protected by the same consumer credit laws.

How long does it take to build a business credit profile?

Establishing an initial business credit profile typically takes 3–6 months of active trade line reporting. Building a strong score suitable for bankable loan programs, especially SBA loans requiring FICO SBSS scores above 160, generally takes 6–18 months depending on the starting point.

Business Credit Building

Build credit in the business's name, not yours

A business credit profile separate from personal credit is the single biggest factor lenders use to assess small business risk. Most small businesses don't have one.

Schedule Demo Personal + Business Credit

Starting Point

No Credit

Where most small business owners start

After OwnersPath

$5K+

Average initial business credit access

12-Month Goal

SBA-ready

Profile eligible for SBA loans and bank financing

The Three Credit Bureaus

Every bureau has a different score and a different audience

Dun & Bradstreet Paydex

The oldest and most widely used business credit score. A Paydex of 80 or above signals that the business pays on time. Most banks check D&B first.

Experian Intelliscore Plus

Predictive risk score from 1 to 100. Based on payment history, credit utilization, and length of credit history. Used heavily by commercial lenders.

Equifax Small Business

Equifax's business credit risk score used by many banks and CDFI lenders. Often checked alongside D&B in SBA pre-screening.

How It's Built

Business credit builds through tradelines, not time

Many owners wait years hoping credit appears. It doesn't. Business credit is built by opening accounts that report to the bureaus and paying them on time. OwnersPath identifies and sequences the right accounts.

See How

Vendor net-30 accounts

200+ business vendors who report to D&B and Experian. Purchase products you use, pay in 30 days, and build history.

Business credit cards

Business-only cards from major issuers, applied for in the right sequence after starter accounts establish a base.

B2B tradelines

3,000+ B2B businesses willing to extend net terms and report payment history to bureaus, building profile depth.

Personal credit coaching

Owner personal credit is a factor in FICO SBSS. Coaching ensures personal score supports the business application.

The Vendor Database

200+ starter vendors that report to business credit bureaus

Office supplies and business equipment vendors
Technology and software providers
Fuel and fleet management accounts
Business services and maintenance vendors
Wholesale and distribution accounts

All vendors verified to report to D&B and Experian
No personal credit check required for most accounts
Payment history reports within 30 to 60 days
Accounts usable for actual business purchases
3,000+ additional B2B tradeline options

Build the credit profile your clients' businesses deserve

Schedule a demo to see the business credit building system in your white-labeled portal.

Schedule Demo Personal + Business Credit