How to establish business credit

Your business credit can be as important as your personal credit. Creditors and suppliers are increasingly using business credit reports to make lending and credit decisions.

Establishing business credit may seem like a daunting process—especially if your business is new. But it’s not.

There are several steps you can take to begin building business credit:

1. Incorporate or form an LLC (Limited Liability Company) to ensure your company is seen as a separate business entity
2. Obtain a federal Employer Identification Number
3. Open business bank accounts in your legal business name
4. Set up a dedicated business phone line in your business name and make sure it's listed

Once you've completed the steps above, you can request business credit in your company name. Your business trades are then reported to Experian, creating a robust business credit report that gives lenders and suppliers quality information about your company. This improves your ability to obtain loans, increase credit lines, and secure more favorable credit terms.

Wondering what's in your business credit file now? Check your Experian business credit report today to find out.