Business Credit Reports Key Terms

Consider terms commonly used with business credit reports
By Kristan Hart As a business, your credit rating can make you or break you. Business credit reports provide lenders with information like your credit rating, lien information, public records and personal identifying information. Lenders use all of that information included in the business credit report to determine if your business is worthy of financing. Whether you're looking to establish, improve or maintain your business credit rating, consider these business credit reports key terms to help.
 

Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings

Businesses conduct UCC filings with their state's Secretary of State office. This nationwide database keeps track of when the business pledges collateral on a loan so lenders can see if there's a claim against the collateral offered on a pending loan.
Try: The Ohio Secretary of State website offers information about UCC filings and their purpose.

Inquiries

Every time your credit is checked by a third party, it's called an inquiry. Having too many inquiries on your credit report can actually lower your credit score.
Try: TransUnion explains the role of inquiries in the credit report process, as well as many other credit report terms you might want to know.

Dispute

If there is an error in your credit report, you have the right to dispute the information. Through an online database, you can dispute bankruptcies, credit accounts, collections, judgments, liens, inquiries and personal identification information.
Try: Equifax explains the online disputing process and provides answers to many frequently asked questions.

D-U-N-S Number

A D-U-N-S Number is a nine digit number that helps prove the credit worthiness of your business. It is recognized internationally to help identify your business and to set up your credit file.
Try: Dun & Bradstreet explains the purpose of a D-U-N-S Number and how you can obtain one for your business.

Credit rating

Your credit rating is a number determined by the quality of your credit. For example, if you're likely to pay back a loan, you'll receive a high credit rating. If you'll likely default on a loan, you'll receive a low credit rating.
Try: OPEN Forum discusses the difference between a business credit rating and a personal credit rating. This website also explains why you should consider keeping personal credit separate from business credit.

Secured credit

When you have secured credit, you have loans that are backed up by collateral. If your business credit is somewhat shaky, banks will not grant you an unsecured loan. They will require some sort of collateral.
Try: FoxIllinois.com explains ways your business can obtain credit and offers information about secured credit.