How much does Tradeline Coach cost?

Tradeline Coach is a one-time $297 purchase. This unlocks all four credit tiers (Tiers 1-4), the application preparation assistant, progress tracking, and a seat in the live Business Credit Class. There is no subscription and no recurring fee — lifetime access.

What is a net-30 account?

A net-30 account is a vendor tradeline that gives you 30 days to pay an invoice after receiving your goods or services. When the vendor reports your payment activity to a business credit bureau like Dun & Bradstreet, your on-time payments help build your business credit file.

What is a Paydex score?

A Paydex score is Dun & Bradstreet's business credit score, ranging from 0 to 100. A score of 80 or higher means you typically pay your bills on time or early. Many vendors and lenders look for a Paydex of 80+ before extending larger credit lines.

Do I need a D-U-N-S number?

A D-U-N-S number is a unique nine-digit identifier for your business issued by Dun & Bradstreet. Many net-30 vendors and business credit card issuers require one before approving your application. You can request one directly from Dun & Bradstreet at no cost.

Does this hurt my personal credit?

Building business credit separately from personal credit is the goal. Some vendors and card issuers require a personal guarantee, which may involve a personal credit check. Tradeline Coach flags which vendors are known to require a personal guarantee so you can decide before applying.

How long does it take to build business credit?

Most businesses see initial reporting within 30 to 60 days of opening their first net-30 accounts. Building a strong file with multiple reporting tradelines typically takes 6 to 12 months of consistent, on-time payments. Results vary based on your business profile and vendor reporting schedules.

Is this credit repair?

No. Tradeline Coach is an educational tool that teaches you how to build business credit step by step. It is not a credit repair service, does not dispute items on your credit report, and does not guarantee approval for any account or specific credit outcomes.

How It Works

Tradeline Coach is a step-by-step educational platform that helps small business owners build business credit — the credit tied to your EIN and D-U-N-S number, separate from your personal credit. Here's how to use it.

New here? Start with our guide to the 32 data points lenders check — and which ones Tradeline Coach helps you complete.

What is business credit?

Business credit is a credit profile tied to your business's EIN (Employer Identification Number) and D-U-N-S number — not your personal Social Security number. It's built when vendors and lenders report your payment history to business credit bureaus like Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business, and Equifax Business. A strong business credit file lets you get financing, credit cards, and better terms without putting your personal credit on the line.

Step 1 — Your Business Profile

Your business profile is the foundation. Every lender and vendor will check that your business information is consistent across all records. Your legal name, address, phone, and EIN must match exactly on your state filing, IRS records, bank account, Dun & Bradstreet profile, website, and phone listing. Even a small mismatch can cause a denial or delay.

Fill out every field in your Business Profile once, and Tradeline Coach will show you which fields each vendor needs before you apply. Look for the (i) icon next to each field for a plain-language explanation of what it is and why it matters.

Step 2 — The Credit Ladder

Business credit is built in stages. You start at Tier 1 and work your way up. Each tier unlocks when enough accounts from the previous tier are reporting to the business credit bureaus.

Tier 1 — Starter Net-30

Net-30 vendor accounts that report to business credit bureaus. This is where every business credit file starts.

Always open

Tier 2 — Established Vendors

Established vendor and store accounts that build on your reporting foundation.

Unlocks when 2 Tier 1 accounts are Reporting

Tier 3 — Fleet & Fuel

Fleet and fuel cards for your vehicles and travel expenses.

Unlocks when 1 Tier 2 account is Reporting

Tier 4 — Business Credit Cards

Business credit cards with higher limits and rewards.

Unlocks when 1 Tier 3 account is Reporting

Reading a Vendor Card

Each vendor card shows you what you need to know before you apply. Here's what each field means:

Status

Not Started means you haven't applied yet. Applied means you've submitted an application. Reporting means the account is showing up on your business credit file.

Reports to

The business credit bureaus this vendor sends your payment history to — usually Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business, or Equifax Business.

Personal guarantee

Yes means you are personally responsible for the debt, and they may check your personal credit. No means the account is tied to your business only.

Profile fields ready

Shows whether your business profile has the information this vendor needs before you apply.

Confirm terms with vendor

Always check the vendor's current terms, limits, and reporting schedule directly before applying. Terms can change.

Tips for Success

Make a purchase with each Net-30 vendor — an account with zero activity may not report.
Pay on time or early. Early payment builds trust and can lead to credit limit increases.
Most vendors report within 30 to 90 days. Don't panic if it takes a few weeks.
Keep your business name, address, and phone identical everywhere — on your state filing, IRS records, bank account, and Dun & Bradstreet profile.
Tradeline Coach is an educational tool. It does not guarantee approval for any account and is not a lender or credit repair service.

See a Sample Business Credit Report

Want to see what a business credit report looks like? View a sample report for a fictional business, with explanations of what each section means and what banks look for.

View Sample Report

Ready to start building?

Create your free account and fill out your business profile today.

Create Account Try the Demo

Educational tool only · Not a lender or credit repair service