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How to Build Business Credit

Separate your business from your personal finances and build a profile lenders can evaluate.

2 min read 4 sections

Key takeaways

  • Separate business and personal finances.
  • Use vendors that report to business bureaus.
  • Pay early or on time, every time.

Best for

Owners who want to reduce reliance on personal credit.

Set the foundation

Register your business entity, get an EIN, open a business bank account, and use a consistent business name, address, and phone number.

Build history

Work with vendors that report payments to business credit bureaus, use a business credit card responsibly, and pay early or on time.

Pros and cons

Advantages

  • Protects personal credit
  • Can support larger funding

Things to weigh

  • Takes consistent effort over time

Frequently asked questions

Does business credit affect personal credit?

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They're separate profiles, but personal guarantees can link them if a business debt goes unpaid.

How long does it take to build?

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It varies. Consistent reporting accounts and on-time payments over months build a profile.

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This guide is general educational information, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Terms, requirements, and availability vary by lender and your situation.