Did you know that, just like individuals, your business needs a good credit score? Whether you’re thinking of turning your side hustle into a full-time gig or starting a new business, establishing business credit is imperative.

Without a good business credit history, your business is at risk of facing multiple challenges, such as:

• Denial of loan applications.

• High interest rates for approved loan applications.

• Inability to acquire upgrades or inventory.

• Stunted growth.

Whether you plan to expand now or expansion is part of your future plans, good credit is necessary. Business credit is similar to personal credit but is often even more scrutinized by lenders – so it’s essential to start off managing your credit reputation the smart way.

Here are some essential tips on building and establishing business credit.

Make Your Business Official

Establish your business as an LLC or Corporation to make it official. Then register it with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to obtain a Federal Tax ID Number, also known as an Employer Identification Number (EIN). You’ll then use this number to file business taxes, open business financial accounts, apply for permits and licenses, and above all, build your business credit.

Open a Business Checking Account

Once your business is registered, you’ll want to open separate business financial accounts, such as a business savings and checking accounts. Having separate business accounts comes with two main benefits. 

• First, it separates your personal expenses from your business expenses and creates the foundation to build your business credit. Keeping your personal and business expenses separate will also make tax time much easier.

• Secondly, it helps you establish a relationship with your financial institution. Should you ever seek a business loan in the future, they will have more information to review, including how you manage your business account day-to-day.

Obtain a Business Credit Card

Credit cards are one of the easiest ways to establish and build credit – and this applies to businesses as well. Having a business credit card is one of the best options to build up your credit history with the major credit bureaus. However, just like a personal credit card, you must manage this card responsibly and never miss a payment.

Work with Business Vendors or Suppliers

Many vendors will provide your business with credit, such as when purchasing inventory. Make sure you pay on time all the time. While not all vendors will report good payment history, they will often report delinquent accounts. Maintaining good relationships with vendors that offer you credit is a must for growing your business’s financial reputation.

Pay Vendors or Suppliers Early

Building business credit requires you to meet your financial obligations on time. You must establish and maintain a reputation for paying your bills on time, if not early. If, for some reason, business is slow and you’re unable to pay on time – contact your vendor BEFORE the due date to work out possible solutions. They will have more flexibility to work on a payment plan with you if you reach out to them before an invoice is due.

Monitor Your Credit Reports

Checking your credit reports regularly (at least once per year) could help identify costly errors, providing an opportunity to have them corrected promptly. For example, your business credit score may be incorrect simply because you provided the wrong EIN or business name in the form of an incorrect number or letter. The good thing is you can have such errors corrected.

We’re Here to Help!

Maintaining good business credit is one of the best ways to keep your business afloat, even during hard times. And having a good relationship with your financial institution can better your chances of being approved for business loans in the future as your company expands.

If you’re ready to start your own business, we’re here to help. Please stop by any of our convenient branch locations to learn more about the various services we offer businesses throughout our communities.

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