Dun and Bradstreet Credit Report

Understanding Dun & Bradstreet Credit Report: A Comprehensive Guide

In the world of business, creditworthiness plays a crucial role in securing loans, partnerships, and supplier agreements. One of the most trusted sources for business credit information is Dun & Bradstreet (D&B), a global leader in commercial data and analytics. Their Dun & Bradstreet Credit Report provides valuable insights into a company’s financial stability, payment history, and credit risk.

What is a Dun & Bradstreet Credit Report?

Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) is a leading provider of business credit reporting and risk assessment services. Their D&B Credit Report is a detailed analysis of a company’s credit history, financial stability, and payment behavior. Lenders, suppliers, and potential business partners use this report to evaluate risk before extending credit or entering into contracts.

Unlike personal credit reports (like Experian or Equifax), which focus on individuals, the D&B report is exclusively for businesses. It assigns a D-U-N-S Number (a unique nine-digit identifier) to each business and tracks its creditworthiness over time.

Key Components of a Dun & Bradstreet Credit Report

A D&B Credit Report contains several critical sections that help assess a company’s financial health:

Business Information Summary

This section includes basic details such as:

• Company name, address, and contact information
• Industry classification (NAICS/SIC codes)
• Years in operation
• Number of employees
• Ownership structure

D-U-N-S Number

Every business registered with D&B receives a unique D-U-N-S Number, which is used to track credit history and financial transactions.

PAYDEX Score (Payment Performance)

The PAYDEX Score (ranging from 1 to 100) reflects how promptly a business pays its bills:

• 80-100: Excellent (payments are made on or before the due date)
• 50-79: Moderate (some delays in payments)
• 1-49: High risk (frequent late payments)

Delinquency Predictor Score

This score estimates the likelihood of a business becoming severely delinquent (90+ days late) on payments in the next 12 months.

Financial Stress Score

This predicts the probability of a business ceasing operation or filing for bankruptcy within a year.

Trade References & Payment History

D&B collects payment data from vendors, suppliers, and lenders to track how a business manages its financial obligations.

Public Filings & Legal Events

This includes:

• Bankruptcies
• Liens
• Judgments
• UCC (Uniform Commercial Code) filings

Business Credit Score (D&B Rating)

D&B assigns a composite credit appraisal based on financial strength and creditworthiness, often represented as a rating like 1A, 2B, etc.

How to Obtain Your Dun & Bradstreet Credit Report?

Step 1: Get a D-U-N-S Number

If your business doesn’t have one, you can request a free D-U-N-S Number through the D&B website.

Step 2: Build Your Business Credit Profile

• Open trade accounts with suppliers who report to D&B.
• Apply for a business credit card.
• Ensure timely payments to build a positive history.

Step 3: Access Your D&B Credit Report

You can purchase your report directly from D&B or through third-party business credit monitoring services like Nav or CreditSignal.

Why Does Your D&B Credit Report Matter?

1. Securing Business Loans & Financing

Banks and lenders review your D&B report before approving loans or credit lines. A strong PAYDEX score increases approval chances.

2. Establishing Supplier & Vendor Relationships

Suppliers often check D&B reports before offering trade credit or net-30 payment terms.

3. Winning Government & Corporate Contracts

Many government agencies and large corporations require a D-U-N-S Number and a solid credit profile to qualify for bids.

4. Enhancing Business Reputation

A strong D&B credit score signals reliability, making it easier to attract investors and partners.

How to Improve Your D&B Credit Score?

1. Pay Bills on Time (or early)

Your PAYDEX Score is heavily influenced by payment history. Prioritize timely payments to vendors and lenders.

2. Add Trade References

Ask suppliers and creditors to report your positive payment history to D&B.

3. Monitor Your Report Regularly

Check for errors or outdated information and dispute inaccuracies with D&B.

4. Maintain Low Credit Utilization

If you have business credit cards, keep balances below 30% of the limit.

5. Avoid Public Filings Like Bankruptcies & Liens

Legal issues can severely damage your credit profile.

Final Thoughts

A Dun & Bradstreet Credit Report is a powerful tool for businesses of all sizes. By understanding its components and actively managing your credit profile, you can unlock better financing options, stronger partnerships, and long-term growth opportunities.

If you haven’t already, request your D-U-N-S Number, review your report, and take steps to improve your business credit score today. Your company’s financial future depends on it!

Don't let a low credit score hold you back—call (888) 803-7889 for a personalized action plan!