Business credit bureaus are specialized agencies that collect, assess, and distribute credit-related information about businesses. These reports influence how lenders, vendors, insurers, and partners evaluate a company’s creditworthiness and financial health. Understanding how these bureaus work is key to building a strong business credit profile.
The Major Business Credit Bureaus
There are three main agencies that dominate the business credit reporting landscape: Dun & Bradstreet (D&B), Experian, and Equifax.
Dun & Bradstreet (D&B)
Dun & Bradstreet is widely recognized in the business credit world. It assigns a D-U-N-S® number to every business it tracks and issues a PAYDEX® score, which ranges from 0 to 100. This score is based on how promptly a business pays its bills. Vendors and suppliers often rely on D&B data to make credit decisions.
Experian Business
Experian Business gathers data from public records, lenders, and vendors to produce its Intelliscore Plus sm. This score ranges from 1 to 100 and assesses the likelihood that a business will become seriously delinquent on payments. Experian also considers legal filings, collections, and payment histories.
Equifax Small Business
Equifax Business focuses on the risk of default and uses proprietary data sources, including leasing and utility accounts. It provides scores like the Business Credit Risk Score and Business Failure Score, both of which help predict the likelihood of delinquency or bankruptcy.
Comparison of the Major Business Credit Bureaus
To better understand how each of the three major bureaus operates, here’s a side-by-side comparison of their scoring systems, data sources, and areas of focus:
| Bureau | Score Name | Score Range | Primary Data Sources | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dun & Bradstreet | PAYDEX® | 0–100 | Vendor payment data, trade references | Timeliness of payments |
| Experian Business | Intelliscore Plus SM | 0–100 | Public records, lenders, vendors | Likelihood of serious delinquency |
| Equifax Small Business | Business Credit Risk Score / Business Failure Score | 101–992 / 1000–1880 | Leasing companies, utilities, banking data | Risk of delinquency or failure |
Other Business Credit Reporting Agencies
In addition to the three major credit bureaus, several smaller reporting agencies contribute data that can impact your business credit standing. These agencies often specialize in particular industries or data types and are used by niche lenders, commercial creditors, or data aggregators to supplement mainstream credit information. Their role may be less visible, but their influence is growing—especially in sector-specific lending decisions.
Ansonia
Ansonia specializes in trade credit data within the transportation and logistics sectors. It collects supplier-submitted payment histories to provide lenders and vendors with insight into industry-specific payment behaviors. It also includes public records and collections.
Creditsafe
Creditsafe offers international coverage and quick-access credit reports with a focus on usability. Its platform is popular with businesses that frequently assess global partners, vendors, and clients.
Data Axle
Data Axle, formerly Infogroup, provides rich firmographic and demographic data. While not a credit bureau in the traditional sense, its data supports marketing, compliance, and risk profiling that may indirectly affect how companies are evaluated.
PayNet
PayNet compiles loan performance data on small businesses, with a focus on real-time reporting from lenders. It plays an important role in commercial loan and lease decisions by providing behavior-based credit insights.
How Do Business Credit Bureaus Collect and Report Data?
These bureaus gather data from a wide variety of sources, including:
- Payment experiences from vendors and suppliers
- Loan data from banks and financial institutions
- Legal filings like bankruptcies, liens, and judgments
- Utility and leasing accounts
Reports are updated frequently, and scores can change based on payment timeliness, credit utilization, and other financial activities.
Why Business Credit Reports Are Crucial
A strong business credit profile can:
- Improve loan and credit approval odds
- Secure better payment terms with vendors
- Lower business insurance premiums
- Enhance your company’s reputation with potential partners
Lenders often view business credit as a reflection of your company’s financial responsibility and operational stability.
How to Improve Your Business Credit Score
Improving your business credit score doesn’t happen overnight, but there are concrete steps you can take to build a strong and reliable credit profile. Here are the most effective ways to start improving your business credit today:
- Obtain your D-U-N-S number and establish credit with vendors that report to bureaus.
- Pay all bills on or before the due date
- Monitor your reports regularly for accuracy.
- Keep credit utilization low.
- Dispute any errors immediately.
Building business credit takes time, but strategic actions can lead to significant improvements. If your business credit has already suffered setbacks, North Shore Advisory offers expert help to identify issues and guide you through the repair process.
Take Control of Your Business Credit
Understanding how business credit bureaus operate gives you the power to actively manage your company’s financial reputation. By staying informed and proactive, you can build a strong credit profile that opens doors to funding, partnerships, and growth.
Need help building or repairing your business credit? Contact North Shore Advisory today for expert guidance.