Understanding how to read a business credit report is crucial for entrepreneurs, lenders, suppliers, and investors alike. A business credit report gives a snapshot of a company’s financial reliability and creditworthiness, helping stakeholders make informed decisions.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key sections of a business credit report, walk through real-world scoring models like the PAYDEX Score, and explore the impact of negative events. We’ll also show you real examples and explain why maintaining accurate business credit data is essential.
Key Sections of a Business Credit Report
A business credit report is more than just a credit score. It includes several important sections that offer a complete financial profile of your business. Each bureau (such as Dun & Bradstreet, Equifax, Experian, or FICO SBSS) formats reports differently, but the core components remain consistent.
Let’s explore each section in detail:
The Company Profile
The company profile is the first section you’ll see on a business credit report. It contains identifying details such as:
- Legal business name
- Address and phone number
- EIN or D-U-N-S number
- Type of business (industry classification)
- Incorporation date and structure
Why it matters: This section must be accurate. Lenders or partners may hesitate if your business data appears inconsistent or outdated across different credit bureaus.
Credit Summary/Payment History
This section provides a snapshot of your business’s credit activity and payment behavior. It may include:
- Number of credit accounts
- Current balances
- Past-due accounts
- Average days beyond terms (DBT)
- Number of accounts in good standing
How to read it: If your business often pays vendors late, your average DBT will be high, which may hurt your score. Consistently paying on time or early improves your standing.
Trade Payment Information
This is one of the most detailed parts of a business credit report. It shows how you’ve managed payments to suppliers, often reported voluntarily by vendors. Information may include:
- Supplier name
- Credit terms (e.g., Net 30, Net 60)
- Credit limit
- Amount owed
- Payment timeliness
Pro tip: Not all suppliers report trade data. It’s worth asking your vendors if they report to bureaus like Dun & Bradstreet or Experian. More positive data helps build a strong credit profile.
Commercial, Banking, and Leasing Information
Some credit reports also include banking relationships and leasing activity. This could include:
- Commercial loans
- Equipment leases
- Bank lines of credit
Why it matters: Responsible use of commercial credit and leases indicates financial stability and improves access to future funding.
Public Records and UCC Filings
This section highlights any legal or financial risks associated with the business. It includes:
- Bankruptcies
- Tax liens
- Judgments
- Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings
Inquiries from creditors or lenders may also appear here.
Tip: UCC filings are not negative but indicate that a lender has a secured interest in your business assets.
Risk Scores
The risk score is one of the most critical metrics on your report. It predicts the likelihood that your business will become delinquent or go bankrupt within the next 12 months. Different bureaus use different scoring models. Let’s review each one.
Real World Examples and Considerations
PAYDEX Score
The Dun & Bradstreet PAYDEX Score ranges from 1 to 100, based solely on payment performance:
| Score | Risk Level |
| 1-49 | High risk |
| 50-79 | Moderate risk |
| 80-100 | Low risk (on-time pay) |
Real example: A PAYDEX score of 85 indicates that a business pays bills slightly earlier than terms (e.g., Net 30 paid in 25 days).
Comparison Scores
Other major bureaus have their own business credit score ranges:
Equifax (Payment Index Score)
| Score | What it Means |
| 1-19 | 120+ days overdue |
| 20-39 | 91-120 days overdue |
| 40-59 | 61-90 days overdue |
| 60-79 | 31-60 days overdue |
| 80-89 | 1-30 days overdue |
| 90-100 | Payments are on time |
Experian (Intelliscore Plus)
| Score | Risk Category |
| 1-10 | High risk |
| 11-25 | Medium to high risk |
| 26-50 | Medium risk |
| 51-75 | Low to medium risk |
| 76-100 | Low risk |
FICO SBSS (Small Business Scoring Service)
Used by lenders like the SBA:
| Score | Rating |
| 0-160 | Poor |
| 161-190 | Fair |
| 191-210 | Good |
| 211-300 | Excellent |
Impact of Adverse Events
Negative events like late payments, bankruptcies, or tax liens can drastically reduce your score and hinder access to funding.
Real example: A business with a PAYDEX score of 90 dropped to 58 after three late supplier payments. It took six months of consistent on-time payments to recover.
Importance of Accuracy
Errors in your business credit report can cost you. Even a wrong address or a misreported late payment could harm your score and credibility. Regularly monitor your reports from:
- Dun & Bradstreet
- Experian Business
- Equifax Business
- Nav (for a unified view)
Dispute errors promptly to protect your business reputation and access to credit.
Business Credit Score Ranges
Each bureau’s scoring model has a different numerical range. That’s why there’s no universal “good” business credit score. However, here’s a breakdown of what’s typically considered favorable:
| Scoring Model | Score Range | What’s Considered Good |
| D&B PAYDEX | 1-100 | 80-100 = Low risk |
| Equifax Payment Index | 1-100 | 90-100 = On-time payments |
| Experian Intelliscore Plus | 1-100 | 76-100 = Low risk |
| FICO SBSS | 0-300 | 211-300 = Excellent |
Understanding how to read a business credit report (with real examples) gives you the power to take control of your business’s financial reputation.
Why Vyde is the Best Accounting Partner for Your Business
At Vyde, we understand how crucial your business credit profile is—not just during tax season, but year-round. We do more than just file taxes.
Vyde helps you:
- Track and organize business expenses accurately
- Identify financial red flags before they hurt your credit
- Build a solid record of on-time vendor payments
- Prepare for business loan applications with clean books
- Review credit reports and flag discrepancies proactively
We combine expert tax strategy, automated bookkeeping, and insightful reporting—all under one roof. Whether you’re a freelancer, startup, or growing enterprise, Vyde is your reliable partner in managing finances and protecting your business credit reputation.
Knowing how to read a business credit report (with real examples) allows you to build trust with suppliers, attract investors, and secure loans with confidence. Every transaction your business makes paints a picture—make sure it tells the right story.
From your PAYDEX Score to public records, understanding every section empowers you to take control of your financial destiny.
Let Vyde help you navigate taxes, manage your books, and keep your business credit report in top shape.
Visit Vyde.com today to get started with a financial partner that grows with your business.
Feel free to explore more related topics in this section:
- Personal vs. Business Credit: What Every Owner Needs to Know
- What Lenders Look For in Your Financials — And How to Prepare
- How to Use Dun & Bradstreet Credit Insights to Your Advantage
- How to Build Business Credit from Scratch (Step-by-Step Guide)
- What is the D&B PAYDEX Score
- The Pros and Cons of Merchant Cash Advances
- How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Approved for a Business Loan
