Step-by-Step Guide: How to Build Business Credit Fast in 2025

Introduction

Having strong business credit is essential for securing loans, negotiating better vendor terms, and establishing financial credibility. However, many small business owners either rely on personal credit or don’t know where to start when it comes to building business credit.

If you’re looking to grow your business, establishing and improving business credit should be a priority. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of building business credit from scratch in 2025.

1. Understand Why Business Credit Matters

Business credit works separately from your personal credit and provides several key benefits:

Easier access to financing – Qualify for business loans, credit lines, and vendor accounts.
Better loan terms – Lower interest rates and higher credit limits.
Separation of personal & business finances – Protect your personal credit from business-related risks.
Improved vendor relationships – Net-30 and Net-60 terms for better cash flow management.

Now that you understand the importance of business credit, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of establishing it.

2. Legally Establish Your Business

Before you can build business credit, you need to separate your business finances from your personal finances. Follow these steps:

A. Register Your Business as a Legal Entity

Choose a legal structure such as LLC (Limited Liability Company) or Corporation (Sole proprietorships do not build business credit).
Register your business with your state’s Secretary of State website.

Where to Register in California:
https://bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov

B. Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

An EIN is a business equivalent of a Social Security number and is required to establish business credit.
Apply for an EIN for free on the IRS website:
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online

C. Open a Business Bank Account

A business checking account is crucial for separating personal and business finances.
Most banks require an EIN and business registration documents to open an account.

Recommended business banks:

Chase Business Banking: https://www.chase.com/business
Bank of America Small Business: https://www.bankofamerica.com/smallbusiness/
Wells Fargo Business Banking: https://www.wellsfargo.com/biz/
Bluevine Business Checking: https://www.bluevine.com/business-checking/
NBKC Business Account: https://www.nbkc.com/business
Axos Bank® Basic Business Checking: https://www.axosbank.com/Business/Checking/Basic-Business-Checking
U.S. Bank Silver Business Checking Package: https://www.usbank.com/business-banking/business-bank-accounts/business-checking/silver-business-checking.html
Citizens Bank Clearly Better Business Checking®: https://www.citizensbank.com/small-business/checking/overview.aspx
Truist Simple Business Checking: https://www.truist.com/small-business/banking/checking/simple-business-checking

3. Get Listed With Business Credit Bureaus

Business credit is reported differently than personal credit. To start building credit, you need to get listed with business credit bureaus such as:

Dun & Bradstreet (D&B): Get a DUNS number (free) to establish a business credit file.
- Apply here: https://www.dnb.com/duns-number/get-a-duns.html
Experian Business: Your business will automatically be listed when lenders report to Experian.
- Check your Experian Business Credit Score here: https://www.experian.com/small-business/business-credit-reports.jsp
Equifax Business: Banks and lenders report loan and credit line activity to Equifax.
- Learn more: https://www.equifax.com/business/small-business/

4. Open Vendor & Trade Credit Accounts

Many vendors and suppliers offer “Net-30” accounts, which means you have 30 days to pay after purchasing. These accounts report to business credit bureaus and help you build credit.

Recommended Net-30 Vendors for Small Businesses:

Quill: https://www.quill.com/
Uline: https://www.uline.com/
Grainger: https://www.grainger.com/
Crown Office Supplies: https://www.crownofficesupplies.com/
Summa Office Supplies: https://www.summaofficesupplies.com/
The CEO Creative: https://theceocreative.com/
Wise Business Plans: https://wisebusinessplans.com/
Ohana Office Products: https://ohanaofficeproducts.com/
NAMYNOT: https://namynot.com/
Creative Analytics: https://creativeanalyticsdc.com/
Strategic Network Solutions: https://stntsol.com/
Newegg Business: https://www.neweggbusiness.com/
Gempler’s: https://www.gemplers.com/
HD Supply: https://hdsupplysolutions.com/
Office Garner: https://officegarner.com/

5. Apply for a Business Credit Card

A business credit card helps you build credit while keeping expenses separate. Look for cards with low fees and high rewards.

Top Business Credit Cards for 2025:

Capital One Spark Business Card: https://www.capitalone.com/small-business/credit-cards/spark-classic/
Chase Ink Business Credit Card: https://www.chase.com/business/credit-cards
American Express Blue Business Cash Card: https://www.americanexpress.com/us/credit-cards/business/
Bank of America® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card: https://www.bankofamerica.com/smallbusiness/credit-cards/business-advantage-unlimited-cash-rewards-secured/
First National Bank of Omaha Business Edition® Secured Mastercard® Credit Card: https://www.fnbo.com/business-credit-cards/business-edition-secured-mastercard/
Brex Card for Startups: https://www.brex.com/card/
Ramp Corporate Card: https://ramp.com/

6. Maintain & Improve Your Business Credit Score

Tips for Maintaining Strong Business Credit:

Pay bills on time or early – Late payments damage your score.
Monitor your credit reports regularly – Dispute errors if necessary.
Keep debt levels low – Avoid maxing out business credit lines.
Diversify credit sources – Use a mix of vendor accounts, credit cards, and loans.

Check Your Business Credit Score Here: