How to Check Your US Business Credit Score and Fix Errors
For any US small business, maintaining a healthy business credit score is essential for securing financing, building strong supplier relationships, and supporting overall growth. However, errors in your business credit report can significantly impact your score, making it harder to access the resources your business needs. Checking your business credit score regularly is a proactive way to stay on top of your financial health, and correcting any inaccuracies is crucial for maintaining a good credit profile.
If you’re unsure how to address credit report errors, seeking guidance from professionals offering accounting services can help ensure everything is in order, giving your business a stronger financial foundation.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to check your US business credit score, identify errors, and correct them effectively.
What is a US Business Credit Score?
A US business credit score is a numerical value that represents the creditworthiness of your business. It helps lenders, suppliers, and other partners determine how likely your business is to repay borrowed funds or meet its financial obligations.Â
The key factors that influence your business credit score include:
- Payment History: Timely payments on loans, credit cards, and vendor accounts contribute positively to your score.
- Credit Utilization: How much of your available credit you are using.
- Length of Credit History: The longer your business has been active and managing credit responsibly, the better.
- Public Records: Any bankruptcies, liens, or judgments that are filed against your business will impact your score negatively.
1. How to Check Your US Business Credit Score
To manage your business credit score, you need to regularly check your business credit report. Here’s how to do it:
- Access Your Report: Obtain your business credit report from recognized credit bureaus and platforms that offer official credit reporting. This report provides a snapshot of your financial standing and business credit score.
- Review for Accuracy: Examine the report carefully for any discrepancies. Pay close attention to your accounts, balances, payment history, and business information. If you notice anything out of place, make a note to investigate further.
✅ Your books should work as fast as you do. Get real-time insights, automated reports, and expert guidance—all in one place. Experience live accounting here.
2. How to Fix Errors on Your US Business Credit Report
Errors on your business credit report can damage your credit score and hinder your business growth. Here’s how to fix them:
- Identify Common Errors: Common mistakes include:
- Accounts that don’t belong to your business
- Incorrect balances or missed payments that were made on time
- Wrong business information such as the name, address, or contact details
- Submit a Dispute: Once you’ve identified the error, you can dispute it with the relevant credit bureau. Provide any necessary supporting documents and explain why the information is inaccurate.
- Follow Up on Your Dispute: Disputes typically take up to 30 days to resolve. Ensure you track the status of the dispute and confirm that it has been handled appropriately.
3. Prevent Future Errors on Your Business Credit Report
To avoid errors in the future, implement these practices:
- Regular Monitoring: Check your business credit score every six months to catch any discrepancies early and keep your business’s financial health in check.
- Accurate Financial Records: Maintaining precise financial records, including transactions and payments, will help you quickly address any errors should they arise.
- Ensure Correct Reporting: Make sure third-party vendors or service providers report accurate information to credit bureaus to avoid discrepancies on your report.
4. Seek Professional Advice for Complex Issues
Some business credit report errors can be more complicated and may require expert advice. If you are unsure about the next steps or if the errors are particularly challenging, seeking assistance from professionals who specialize in accounting services can be invaluable.
- Ask for Professional Advice: Accounting professionals can provide expert guidance on how to fix errors, navigate disputes, and maintain a healthy business credit score. They can help you gather the necessary documents, handle the dispute process efficiently, and offer advice on long-term credit management for your business.
Summary
Checking and maintaining your US business credit score is an essential part of managing your US small business. By regularly reviewing your business credit report for errors, promptly disputing inaccuracies, and keeping your financial records in order, you can ensure your business remains on solid financial footing.
Your Books, Automated. Your Questions, Answered.
Manual bookkeeping eats into time you could spend growing your business. Traditional accounting services charge more but still need constant guidance. There’s a better way.
Counto’s modern accounting solution combines AI that learns your business with expert human oversight. Once our system understands your patterns, it handles daily bookkeeping automatically. Professional accountants review everything for accuracy, and you get instant access to your dedicated Customer Success Manager via SMS or phone—no more waiting for answers about your finances.
Join forward-thinking businesses who’ve upgraded to intelligent accounting that adapts to you, not the other way around. Ready for accounting that actually gets your business? Chat with us now, email [email protected], or use our contact form.
Here are some articles you might find helpful:
E-File Mandate for New York Businesses