How to build business credit in 30 days

When you’re just starting out, business credit can seem like something you’ll get to later on. But timing matters. The moment you need credit, whether to cover a short-term expense, unlock better payment terms, or qualify for a line of credit, is not the time to start building it.

Strong business credit gives your company legitimacy and flexibility. It helps you get approved faster, secure higher limits, and access better rates. And while it can take months to see results, you can start laying the groundwork immediately. With the right steps and consistent action, it’s entirely possible to build business credit in 30 days and set your company up for future financial success.

Below is a week-by-week roadmap designed to help founders move from zero credit history to a solid foundation that lenders, vendors, and financial institutions can trust.

Before you can establish credit, your business needs a clear, verifiable identity. Think of this as the infrastructure that credit bureaus and lenders will reference when determining your legitimacy. 

Here’s what to tackle in your first week:

1. Form your business entity

Register as an LLC or corporation, not a sole proprietorship, to create a legal separation between you and your business. This distinction allows your business to build its own credit profile.

2. Get your EIN

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS functions like a Social Security number for your business. You’ll use it when applying for bank accounts, credit cards, and vendor terms. If you don’t have one yet, you can get one through the IRS website. 

3. Open a business bank account

A dedicated business account shows you’re operating professionally and separates personal and business finances. This step is essential for tax purposes and credit reporting. Platforms like Mercury make it fast and seamless, with online onboarding and transparent banking tools built for startups.

4. Set up consistent business details

Use the same business name, address, phone number, and email across registrations, invoices, and credit applications. Consistency helps verify your legitimacy with bureaus and vendors.

5. Register with Dun & Bradstreet

Apply for your free Dun & Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (D-U-N-S) Number. This unique nine-digit identifier helps track your company’s credit activity and is required by many lenders and vendors.

By the end of week one, you’ll have built a legitimate business profile that can start being recognized by credit reporting agencies and give you a foundation for building business credit fast.

Now it’s time to start generating activity under your business’s name, not your personal one. This step officially separates your personal credit from your business credit profile, which can reduce financial risk over time.

In week two, focus on opening and using accounts that report to business credit bureaus.

1. Open a business credit card

Choose a card that reports to commercial credit bureaus. If you’re eligible, the Mercury IO Card is a strong choice. It integrates seamlessly with your Mercury banking tools, helping you monitor spending and build credit responsibly in one connected system.

2. If you’re not yet eligible, consider a secured card

A secured business card requires a cash deposit as collateral but still reports your payment history to credit bureaus. This helps you start building credibility even with a limited credit history.

3. Set up vendor or supplier accounts with net-30 terms

Companies such as Uline, Quill, and Grainger often extend short-term credit to small businesses and report on-time payments to credit bureaus. Start with vendors you already plan to use for operational needs.

Pro tip: Only work with vendors who report to Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business, or Equifax Small Business. These early accounts help you build a positive payment history and move closer to the fastest way to build business credit.

Once your credit lines are open, how you use them matters just as much as the fact that they exist. Credit bureaus look for responsible, consistent activity rather than high spending.

In week three, your goal is to create a pattern of reliability.

1. Make small, regular purchases

Use your business credit card and vendor accounts for manageable expenses such as supplies, subscriptions, or small equipment purchases.

2. Pay early or on time, every time

Payment history is the single most important factor in building business credit. Paying before the due date can even earn you extra points with certain bureaus.

3. Keep credit utilization low

Aim to use less than 30% of your available credit at any given time. Low utilization signals to lenders that you’re not overextended.

4. Run transactions through your business bank account

This further separates your business finances from personal ones and creates a record of consistent, legitimate activity.

By the end of your third week, you’ll have early signs of credit activity building and, more importantly, habits that support long-term financial health. These habits are key if you’re looking for the quickest way to build business credit without unnecessary risk.

You’ve built the foundation and started using credit wisely. Now, it’s time to make sure your progress is being tracked correctly.

During week four:

1. Check your business credit profile

You can view your scores and reports through platforms like Nav or directly with Dun & Bradstreet. Look for errors, missing accounts, or outdated information.

2. Fix inaccuracies

Dispute any incorrect details or missing payment records. Even small discrepancies can impact your score and eligibility.

3. Set up calendar reminders

Consistency is key. Mark due dates for bills, credit card payments, and vendor accounts so you never miss a payment.

4. Consider adding another account

If your first few weeks went smoothly, consider applying for another vendor account or credit card to further strengthen your profile. Each positive account helps demonstrate creditworthiness and shows lenders you’re serious about how to build a business credit fast.

Some founders get discouraged when progress feels slow, but building business credit is about steady, responsible growth. There are ways to accelerate the process and pitfalls to avoid.

To speed things up:

• Keep every business record consistent across government, banking, and credit applications.
• Pay before due dates to show reliability.
• Use tools that make managing cash flow easier, such as integrated bill pay, accounting syncs, and automated expense tracking through your business bank account.

To avoid setbacks:

• Don’t mix personal and business accounts. Using your personal card for business expenses can blur your credit history and create liability risks.
• Avoid personal guarantees if possible, especially early on. They tie your personal credit to your business creditworthiness.
• Never miss a payment or max out a line of credit. Even one missed payment can set back months of progress.

What lenders are looking for

Lenders want to see proof of consistency, such as stable income, regular payments, and a growing credit history. They also value transparency. Having clear financial records, regular transaction activity, and a reputable banking relationship can all make a difference when it’s time to apply for financing.

The right tools support as you build

Mercury offers founders an easy way to manage all the moving parts of financial growth, from banking to credit to spend tracking, in one intuitive platform. With tools designed for transparency and control, you can focus on running your business while building a strong financial foundation.

You don’t have to wait years to start establishing business credit. In just 30 days, you can create the foundation for a healthy credit profile that helps you access funding, secure better terms, and scale confidently.

But building credit isn’t a one-time task; it’s a practice. Continue using your accounts regularly, paying on time, and monitoring your reports. Over time, you’ll see your business credit grow and open the door to bigger opportunities and stronger partnerships.

Mercury’s tools keep you organized and proactive, giving you the clarity and confidence to stay on top of your business goals and build your business credit in 30 days and beyond.