Check Your Business Credit Report and Score Online

"I need to check my business credit report and score so I can find out how creditors see me. Can I check them online, and if so where?" This is a common question among business owners. Fortunately, it's an easy one to answer. Yes, you can get this information online, by using the Experian link provided below.

If you already know why this information is important, and you'd simply like to check your business credit score and report, use the link provided above. You can view our full disclosures below. It gives you access to your Experian data. If you'd like to learn more about business credit reporting, and why it's so important to you, please refer to the information provided below.

What Does My Business Credit Report Include?

"Where does my business credit report come from, and what kind of information is included in it? Where does the data originate?"

In a nutshell, it shows how your business has borrowed and repaid money over the years. It's a snapshot of your financial history. The type and amount of data found in a business credit report may vary from one company to another. Generally, a report will include your banking and borrowing history, background information about your company, any liens or judgments against you, credit inquiries within the last few months, payment history and more. It gives lenders / creditors all the information they need to make lending decisions about you.

Credit-reporting companies obtain this information from various sources. They might get financial information about your business from Standard and Poor's. They can get borrowing histories from the creditors who have lent you money in the past. They can get background information on your company from a variety of public sources. They compile all of this information in your business credit report, and they deliver it to any organization that requests the report (mostly creditors).

Where Does the Score Come From?

"How is my business credit score determined, and what can I do to improve it?"

Basically, your score comes from the information contained within your business credit report (described above). The "raw data" is put through some kind of scoring model to produce a numerical score pertaining to your business. This number is very important, because it determines how easily you can obtain credit / financing in the future.

There are other types of business credit scores, aside from the one provided through Experian and other reporting bureaus. Creditors can also purchase a credit rating about your company through Dun and Bradstreet (D&B). This number is called a Paydex score, and it ranges from 0 to 100. Higher is better. Regardless of what score is used, it essentially gives lenders and creditors the same information -- it gives them some degree of insight into your financial past and present.

Why Are These Things Important?

If your business credit report shows a history of financial stability and responsible credit usage, then you'll be in a much better position to borrow money. Of course, the opposite is true as well. Negative information within your report can seriously harm your chances of obtaining new credit in the future.

Creditors use this information to decide whether or not they're willing to lend you money. We just talked about that. But they also use it to set the terms of the loan. Generally speaking, better credit means you'll qualify for a better rate. A bad credit score, on the other hand, means that you'll end up with less favorable terms (i.e., higher interest rates, fewer options, etc.).

Can I Check Them Online, and How?

"What is the best way to check my business credit report and score online? What websites do you recommend using?"

It really depends on which score you're after. If you want the information compiled by Dun and Bradstreet, you can visit the "small business" section of their website (smallbusiness.dnb.com). If you want to check your business credit through Experian, you can do so by using the link at the top of this page.

Here's the good news. Regardless of the source you use, it's very easy to check a business credit report and score online. All you have to do is visit your preferred website, choose the exact product you want (there are usually several available), and then pay the fee. The fees for these reports are generally very affordable, when you consider the importance of the information.

Disclosure: In the interest of transparency, I disclose that I have an affiliate-style relationship with Experian. I am compensated for the traffic / purchases I drive to their website. I'm happy to perform this function, because it's a vital service they provide. Note, however, that I am not paid to write anything to support this product. All of the statements on this page are objective and factual. I stress the importance of business credit scores and reports because they are, in fact, very important. Try to obtain financing with bad credit, and you'll see what I mean.