Building business credit can be an important part of running a winning business. Business credit could help you secure business financing and separate your personal and business finances. However, many business owners struggle to understand how to build business credit. To begin, it may be wise to form a business entity, such as an LLC or corporation.
Doing this could separate your personal and business finances, which is crucial for building strong business credit. Next, open a business bank account and obtain a business credit card. Use these accounts wisely and responsibly and make sure to make on-time payments to establish a good business credit history. Another step in building business credit is to establish relationships with other companies that can serve as vendors and suppliers, as long as these companies report your payments to the business credit bureaus. This means paying your bills on time and building a positive payment history. By following these steps and regularly monitoring your credit report, you can build strong business credit and set your company up for long-term success.
What is Business Credit?
Business credit is the creditworthiness of a business entity and its ability to obtain financing and pay back debts. It is a measure of how likely a business is to pay its bills on time and manage its finances responsibly. Business credit must be separate from personal credit and should be based on the payment and credit history of the business, not the personal credit of the owners or managers. Business credit is established by opening certain accounts with specific vendors and suppliers who must report your positive payment history to the business credit bureaus. As a business makes timely payments and maintains a good credit history, it can build a strong credit profile that can be used to obtain loans, credit lines, and other financing options.
Why is Business Credit Important?
A strong business credit profile is essential for any business that wants to access financing or credit. In addition to helping a business obtain financing, a strong business credit profile can also help attract new customers and suppliers. Many businesses prefer to work with companies that have a good credit history, as it indicates that they are reliable and financially stable. By establishing credit accounts with vendors and suppliers, making timely payments, and managing finances responsibly, a business can build a strong credit profile that will help it access financing and grow.
Establishing a Business Entity
To build business credit, you may consider registering your business as a Limited Liability Company (LLC), Corporation, or Partnership. Once you do that, you may wish to obtain a Federal Tax Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. You need to know that these are permanent, similar to a social security number, so make sure to file taxes every year that your business is open and close your business account with the IRS properly if you ever decide to close your business.
Getting a Business Phone Number and Address
Having a dedicated business phone number and address can help establish your business’s credibility and legitimacy. Consider getting a business phone number and address through a virtual office or a physical office space.
Opening a Business Bank Account
Opening a separate business bank account in the name of the business is essential to separate your personal and business banking activities. Make sure to keep a high balance and don’t get any NSF fees in your business account.
Applying for a Business Credit Card
If you get a business credit card that reports to the business credit bureaus and ou use it wisely and make on-time payments over time, this could help you build business credit.
Making Payments on Time
Making payments on time is crucial. Make sure you pay all landlords, vendors, suppliers, credit cards, lenders, and other creditors on-time every month if you want to build business credit.
By following these steps, you can establish and build your business credit, making it easier to obtain financing and grow your business. YOu can compare business credit services by visiting our business credit services comparison page.