Starting a business means juggling a hundred moving pieces. One of the most critical—yet often overlooked—is establishing solid business credit. Unlike building personal credit, which can take years, you can establish foundational business credit in just 90 days. Here’s your actionable roadmap.

Why 90 Days Matters

Lenders and vendors look at your business credit history to determine trustworthiness and borrowing capacity. The sooner you start, the sooner you can access better financing rates, higher credit lines, and more favorable terms. Ninety days is the minimum time most lenders need to see a track record.

Step 1: Get Your Foundations Right (Days 1-15)

• Register your business officially with your state
• Obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS
• Open a dedicated business bank account
• Get a business phone number

Step 2: Build Your Credit Profile (Days 16-45)

• Register with Dun & Bradstreet to get your DUNS number
• Apply for a business credit card in your company’s name
• Establish vendor relationships and request trade credit
• Make your first small purchases on credit and pay on time

Step 3: Demonstrate Responsibility (Days 46-90)

• Pay all invoices and bills on time—this is critical
• Keep your credit utilization below 30%
• Build relationships with 3-5 vendors who report to business credit bureaus
• Review your credit reports for accuracy

By day 90, you’ll have documented payment history, multiple credit accounts, and a growing business credit profile. Lenders will see you as organized and reliable—exactly what they want to see.

Ready to accelerate? Download our complete 90-day checklist to stay on track and never miss a deadline.