📋 Table of Contents
Understanding Your Business Credit Score
Business credit scores operate separately from personal credit scores, tracked by agencies like Dun & Bradstreet and Experian Business — building a strong business score can unlock better terms independent of your personal credit.
Business vs. Personal Credit
| Factor | Personal Credit | Business Credit |
|---|---|---|
| Scoring range | 300-850 (FICO) | 0-100 (Dun & Bradstreet PAYDEX) |
| Tracked by | Experian, Equifax, TransUnion | Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business, Equifax Business |
| Public visibility | Private | Often publicly accessible |
Building Business Credit
Register for a D-U-N-S number (free from Dun & Bradstreet), establish trade lines with vendors who report payment history, and use a business credit card responsibly — all contribute to building a business credit profile.
Most Business Cards Still Require a Personal Guarantee
Even as you build business credit, most small business cards require a personal guarantee, meaning your personal credit is checked at application and may be affected by missed payments.
Common Mistakes
Assuming business and personal credit are the same or automatically linked — they're tracked separately, though a personal guarantee creates a connection for card applications specifically.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can access reports directly through Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business, or Equifax Business — some offer free basic reports while detailed monitoring may require a paid subscription.
They're tracked separately, but most business cards require a personal guarantee — meaning missed business card payments can still affect your personal credit.