How to Get a Negative Item Off a Business Credit Report

Disputing an item ensures that your company credit keeps flowing.

Getting credit can be a vital part of building your company. You don't have to rely on your personal credit to expand your business -- you can use a separate business credit account for that purpose. Business credit files work similarly to personal credit files, only instead of a Social Security Number, business credit bureaus use your Employer Identification Number to uniquely identify your file. Disputes also work the same way; in general, you'll need to dispute items in writing.

Things You'll Need

• Copy of your business credit report
• Company letterhead

Instructions

1. Order your credit report from one of the main business credit bureaus: D&B, Experian Business, Small Business Exchange, Cortera, Business Credit USA or Equifax Business. Each business credit bureau will charge a fee for the report; fees differ from bureau to bureau.

2. Review your business credit report and note any items you want removed. Each credit bureau may have slightly different information, so check the report thoroughly for incorrect information. An incorrectly reported item might list you as being overdue with payments, in collections or there may be an item on there that doesn't belong to you at all.

3. Visit the credit bureau's website and look for a "Dispute" page or tab to get the most up to date information for disputing the item.

4. Write to the business credit bureau and ask for removal of the item. Each business credit bureau's requirements will differ. However, in general, you'll need to include information about the disputed item from the report or you may need to include the credit report itself with the item circled.

Tips & Warnings

• Some business credit bureaus may allow you to dispute online or by email. For example, you can dispute Experian business credit items by mailing a PDF with the required items to [e-mail].

• You may be required to write the dispute letter on company letterhead, to include your company's previous addresses and provide supporting documentation.

References

• BCS Credit: Business Credit Bureaus
• Entrepreneur: The ABCs of Business Credit
• Experian: Correct Your Business Credit Report