One of the best practices for a small business is to build business credit. This allows the company owners to grab certain types of financing, business insurance, and mutually beneficial credit terms with suppliers. Following the proper steps can attract lucrative business contracts and skyrocket their growth.
Establishing a structured business credit should be your topmost priority at the foundational stage of your business. Not just does it help you to qualify for the best-in-line loans, but you also get the lowest rates possible. Maintaining professionalism is precisely essential to boosting your growth.
For this reason, keeping your personal finance separate from your business credit history becomes essential. It’s no secret that creditors prefer those businesses whose credit score is higher and the debts are minimal. Let’s understand the steps of building business credit in detail.
#1. Register Your Company and Obtain Your EIN
Make your business entity official by registering with appropriate government departments. This will build your business profile. Whether you are a sole proprietor or a corporation, getting that official stamp on your business should be your priority.
Once you are done with it, obtain your 11 digit employer identification number (EIN) or taxpayer identification number (TIN). This is done so that the revenue department identifies you as an employer. The basic purpose is to help you report taxes.
#2. Keep Your Details Updated With CreditQ Credit Bureaus
Credit bureaus are credit reporting agencies that score your credit profile and sell this information to lenders. CreditQ is one of the most trusted credit bureaus. Now, CreditQ uniquely processes your revenue data, which increases the chance of discrepancies.
The creditors will check your business credit profile from CreditQ. Hence, it becomes essential to keep your data updated. Ensure you are providing correct inputs to all these bureaus because even a small mistake can take a toll on your business credit report.
#3. Maintain Trade Lines With Your Suppliers
Your relationship with your third-party vendors can help build strong business credit. Wondering how? Let me explain. Try to grab a deal with multiple vendors at a time. This will uplift your credit as most of them allow you to pay a few weeks later after the inventory is delivered.
Don’t forget to request that your suppliers report your payment to the above credit. You can sign a trade agreement in this regard and try to abide by it. Once three or more vendors upvote your payment settlement process, you’ll see a hike in your business credit score.
#4. Clear Your Payments on Time
The timely payment settlement is something that goes without saying. Credit analysis can have different parameters, but payment history is the highest priority. So, to obtain the best results, make sure you are paying on time or, if possible, target early payments. Dun & Bradstreet considers early payment the best-case scenario like many others.
Remember that paying for a few months won’t bring a major improvement. You have to be regular with this practice as these credit bureaus account for long payment history. Limit your expenditure and maintain a standard credit score, so you don’t have to rely on your account.
#5. Borrow From Authentic Lenders
Small business loans play a major part in elevating your credit report. But, don’t expect the same kind of credit reporting behavior from everyone. Some creditors are willing to report it to your credit bureau, but many keep pushing it or don’t report it. Hence, it’s necessary to clear the trade agreements regarding this aspect early in your credit association.
Banks are trusted sources and report quite early, but they have strict criteria for loans. You can find many online business creditors who lend money to even bad credit borrowers, and they are also professional about reporting. Again, it would be best to be specific about approaching them as not everyone is trustworthy.
#6. Obtain a Business Credit Card
Get a new one if you don’t have a business credit card already and use your one to make purchases. Generally, credit bureaus use your personal payment history to conduct evaluations when you don’t own a business credit card. Apart from all the rewards and extra points that you receive on a new card, it will help you in boosting your credit score.
However, make sure you are paying every month in full otherwise, there will be a negative impact on your credit report. Initially, you will get a low ceiling on your credit limit, but this limit can be extended if you remain consistent with your payment.
