How Long Does It Take to Build Business Credit? (2024)

How much will you pay in Stripe transaction fees?

Calculating Stripe fees for customer payments is easy with our calculator. Enter the payment amount to calculate Stripe's transaction fees and what you should charge to receive the full amount.

Payment Amount

Calculate

Our calculations are based on Stripe's per-transaction fees of 2.9% plus $0.30.

Stripe fee:

$ --

You'll receive:

$ --

To take home $--, you should ask for:

$ --

How much will you pay in Square fees?

Calculate how much you’ll pay in Square fees for online, in-person, and manually-entered payments.

Payment Amount

Calculate

Square fees

In-person payments

i

For in-person payments with a card, Square charges a fee of 2.6% + $0.10 per transaction.

$ --

$ --

Manually-entered payments

i

For manually-entered payments or card-on-file payments, Square charges a fee of 3.5% + $0.15 per transaction.

$ --

$ --

Online payments

i

For online payments or payments via invoice, Square charges a fee of 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction. (If you're signed up for the Premium plan, the percentage fee is lower at 2.6%.)

$ --

$ --

Calculate estimated loan payments in seconds

Enter your loan information to get an estimated breakdown of how much you'll pay over the lifetime of your loan.

Loan Amount

Loan APR

Calculate

If you borrow -- over -- at an interest rate of --, you will pay a total amount of --, or -- per month.

Minimum monthly payment:

$ 0.00

Average monthly interest:

$ 0.00

Total interest paid:

$ 0.00

Total amount paid:

$ 0.00

How much will you pay in PayPal fees?

PayPal fees can be confusing. Our calculator helps you understand how much you’ll pay in fees for common transaction methods.

Payment Amount

Is the payment domestic or international?

Domestic

International

PayPal fee rate

Thank you! Your submission has been received!

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Calculate

PayPal fee:

$ 0.00

You’ll receive:

$ 0.00

To take home --, ask for:

$ 0.00

hen your business has a high credit score, you’re more likely to be approved for financing, you’ll qualify for better terms, and you’ll be in a stronger position to negotiate. Unfortunately, if your business is brand new or has had some credit setbacks, it can seem like an uphill battle to establish a good credit history. In this article, you’ll learn how long it takes to build a business credit history and how you can speed up the process.

How fast can you build business credit?

It can take three or more years to build a strong credit history for your business. However, there are steps you can take to start immediately, and you may qualify for some business credit opportunities after just one year.

You're probably familiar with your personal credit score, called your FICO score, which can range from 300 to 850. Your business credit score is a little different. It's measured on a scale of 1 to 100. Although it varies based on the reporting agencies, generally a score of 80 or above is good, while below 50 is poor. Although your score probably won’t qualify you for the best rates and terms after one year, you’ll likely be eligible for small loans in your business name. Getting credit in your business name is important because you won’t need to take out personal loans for your business. Keeping your business and personal finances separate is always a good idea.

Other business financing factors

Even if your business has a good credit score, that’s not the only factor that lenders will consider when you apply for a loan or line of credit. Lenders look at many different variables when determining whether to approve or deny your application—although your credit score is weighted heavily. Here are some other considerations.

How long you’ve been in business

When you apply for credit, lenders want to know how long you’ve been in business. To qualify for many types of loans, you’ll need to have been operating for at least two years. However, this varies by lender and the type of credit you’re seeking. With some types of loans, such as merchant cash advances, you may be able to qualify if you’ve only been in business for six months.

Your annual revenue and profit

Lenders want to know that you’re making enough money to pay back the loan. Most frequently, lenders set annual revenue requirements, but some may have a set requirement for monthly revenue. You’ll usually need to have an annual revenue of at least $100,000, but this may vary.

A business plan

Before they loan you money, the bank may ask for your business plan to evaluate how your business is run and how you plan to use the funds. Your business plan doesn’t have to be a Ph.D. thesis, but it should include a summary of your business, your product, and your market, as well as a competitive analysis and your financial records and projections.

Your industry

Some industries are naturally more high-risk than others. If you’re operating in a high-risk industry, it may be harder for you to get credit. Businesses that are riskier include those in industries where there’s a higher likelihood of chargebacks or fraud. Some of these industries include:

  • Casinos and gambling
  • Tour operators
  • Weapons
  • Dropshipping
  • Electronics
  • Fantasy sports
  • Collectibles

How long does it take to establish a business line of credit?

There’s no set time limit for how long you need to have been in business to take out a line of credit. However, many lenders require two years. Some may be willing to work with you if you’ve only been in business for one year or, more rarely, six months. Don’t expect to get the best terms, though. You’ll usually pay higher interest rates if you haven’t been in business very long.

How to speed up business credit building

There are no shortcuts to building your business credit history, but there are steps you can take to speed up the process.

Legally establish a business entity

If you’re operating as a sole proprietorship, your business is not a separate legal entity. Establishing a business structure that separates you from your business will make it easier for you to build business credit. Register your business with your secretary of state with a formal business structure, such as an LLC or a corporation.

Get an EIN

You can apply for an employer identification number (EIN) from the IRS website. You’ll need an EIN to file business taxes, open a bank account, pay employees, and otherwise operate as a business. An EIN will help separate you and your business so you can build your business credit independently from your personal credit.

Open a business bank account

Another important step in separating your business and personal finances is opening a business bank account. It will help establish a financial history for your business and build a relationship that can lead to credit later. In many cases, you’ll need a business bank account to apply for credit.

A business bank account also helps protect your personal assets if your company can’t pay back debt. Handling your business finances through a dedicated checking account also makes it easier for you to supply the financial records many lenders will want to see.

Pay your bills on time (or early)

Paying your bills reliably every month proves to lenders and suppliers that you’re creditworthy. In addition to building trusting relationships with your vendors, paying your bills on time eliminates any possibility of a negative mark going on your credit report.

Whenever possible, you should also do business with companies that report to credit agencies. When other businesses report on your payments, it will generate a business credit report profile. As more activity is added to your credit profile, you’ll start to build a credit history. If you're working with a vendor that provides trade credit but doesn't report to any credit agencies, you can submit trade references yourself.

Check your credit

Once you have a business credit profile, check it regularly so you can quickly identify any incorrect information that may negatively impact your credit. There are three major business credit reporting agencies:

  • Dun & Bradstreet
  • Equifax Business
  • Experian Business

To monitor your credit, register for a Dun & Bradstreet (DUNS) number. You'll need a different number for each physical location of your business. Once you have your DUNS number and a business credit profile, check with all three agencies to monitor your credit. If you notice anything inaccurate, you can contact them to have it removed.

Takeaways

Building a good business credit score can help your business thrive even in difficult times. Although it will take some time to build a credit history, you can get started right away. Novo’s business banking solution provides a complete platform that lets you handle all of your company’s financial records in one place. Sign up today to get started building a great future for your business.

Novo Platform Inc. strives to provide accurate information but cannot guarantee that this content is correct, complete, or up-to-date. This page is for informational purposes only and is not financial or legal advice nor an endorsem*nt of any third-party products or services. All products and services are presented without warranty. Novo Platform Inc. does not provide any financial or legal advice, and you should consult your own financial, legal, or tax advisors.

Merchant Cash Advance products and services are offered by Novo Funding LLC (“Novo Funding”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Novo. Merchant Cash Advances require a Novo checking account.

Novo is a fintech, not a bank. Banking services provided by Middlesex Federal Savings, F.A.: Member FDIC.

How Long Does It Take to Build Business Credit? (2024)

FAQs

How Long Does It Take to Build Business Credit? ›

Summary. Experts say it can take three years or more to build business credit, but some creditors may only require one year. If you're trying to establish credit for a new business, these steps can help you get started.

How fast does it take to build business credit? ›

Building business credit typically takes around six months to a year of consistent financial activity, including making on-time payments to creditors and vendors, maintaining a positive bank account balance, and demonstrating responsible credit usage.

How long does it take for an LLC to get a credit score? ›

Within a three-year period, all the financial activities that are linked to a company will be part of its credit history, including its bank account, credit card use, supplier payment history, etc., as reported to the business credit reporting agencies, Equifax, Experian, and Dun & Bradstreet.

How long does it take to build enough credit? ›

Building a great credit score can take much longer—as long as seven to 10 years in some cases. The reason a strong credit score often takes so long is because one of the factors taken into account is just how long you've consistently paid your bills on time.

How long does it take to establish a business line of credit? ›

Years in business: Most lenders want to see one to two years in business, though some lenders, like fintech lenders, will allow six months in business. Revenue and cash flow: Lenders want to see that you have a healthy flow of revenue and that you can handle making debt repayments.

How do I build business credit ASAP? ›

If you want to build business credit quickly here are five simple steps.
  1. Step 1 – Choose the Right Business Structure. ...
  2. Step 2 – Obtain a Federal Tax ID Number (EIN) ...
  3. Step 3 – Open a Business Bank Account. ...
  4. Step 4 – Establish Credit with Vendors/Suppliers Who Report. ...
  5. Step 5 – Monitor Your Business Credit Reports.
Dec 5, 2019

Can you build business credit in 2 months? ›

Building business credit can take anywhere from a few months to a few years. Unlike personal credit, which can be established relatively quickly, business credit typically takes longer due to the different factors involved.

Does opening an LLC hurt your credit? ›

If your LLC has debts taken out in the company's name, only the LLC's business credit report will be impacted by whether you repay your debts on time. An LLC loan will only impact your personal credit if you cosign or guarantee it. If you don't do so, your credit report will remain unaffected.

Does LLC give you credit? ›

Over time, your LLC can build a strong business credit profile, which will help you access better financing options and business opportunities.

What is a good credit score for an LLC? ›

A good credit score for an LLC is typically considered to be in the range of 600–800, similar to your personal credit score. The higher your score, the better it looks to potential lenders and vendors who might want to do business with you.

How to get a 720 credit score in 6 months? ›

To improve your credit score to 720 in six months, follow these steps:
  1. Review your credit report to dispute errors and identify areas for improvement.
  2. Make all payments on time and avoid applying for new credit.
  3. Lower your utilization ratio by paying down balances, increasing credit limits, or consolidating your debt.
Jan 18, 2024

How long does it take to go from 500 to 700 credit score? ›

The time it takes to raise your credit score from 500 to 700 can vary widely depending on your individual financial situation. On average, it may take anywhere from 12 to 24 months of responsible credit management, including timely payments and reducing debt, to see a significant improvement in your credit score.

Can you build a 700 credit score in 3 months? ›

It may take you 4 months to a year to reach the credit score of 700. Your credit score improvement is completely dependent on your financial activities.

What is the minimum credit score to start a business? ›

Still, a higher credit score of 700 or above generally means you'll be eligible for funding with more attractive terms. And while it's possible to get a business loan with a credit score as low as 500, a lower credit score could make it more challenging to qualify for a business loan.

Can you build business credit in 30 days? ›

Again, building business credit takes time and can't be done completely in 30 days. That's mainly because it typically takes vendors and suppliers at least a month and a half to report your payment history to credit bureaus. And some may take longer than three months or more.

What credit score does a business start with? ›

Business credit scores range from zero to 100 and most small business lending companies require a minimum business credit score of 75.

How to build business credit in one month? ›

How to Build Business Credit
  1. Identify the Right Structure For Your Business. ...
  2. Maintain a Separate Bank Account For Your Business. ...
  3. Establish Trade Lines. ...
  4. Keep Your Bills Paid in Full and On Time. ...
  5. Keep Your Personal Credit Score in Check. ...
  6. Regularly Check Business Credit Agencies.
Jun 6, 2023

What is the starting credit score for a new business? ›

Most small business lenders like to see a business credit score above 75, but local lenders may consider lower scores for small businesses or startups. Conventional consumer financing companies rarely make loans to individuals with credit scores below 500.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Rueben Jacobs

Last Updated:

Views: 5792

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (77 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Rueben Jacobs

Birthday: 1999-03-14

Address: 951 Caterina Walk, Schambergerside, CA 67667-0896

Phone: +6881806848632

Job: Internal Education Planner

Hobby: Candle making, Cabaret, Poi, Gambling, Rock climbing, Wood carving, Computer programming

Introduction: My name is Rueben Jacobs, I am a cooperative, beautiful, kind, comfortable, glamorous, open, magnificent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.