If you’re a freelancer offering services like graphic design, copywriting, consulting, or coaching, you probably think business credit is only for big companies. But here’s the truth: Building business credit is one of the smartest moves you can make, even if you’re a solo operator. It helps you qualify for funding, scale more quickly, and protect your personal finances as your business grows.
The good news is you don’t need a storefront or employees to get started. You just need a plan. Here’s how to build business credit as a freelancer in 2025, step by step.
Step 1: Form a Legal Business
If you’re still operating under your name, it’s time to fix that. Lenders and credit bureaus want to see a real business entity, not a side hustle.
The easiest and most flexible option is to form an LLC (Limited Liability Company). It separates your personal and business finances and makes your operation legit in the eyes of banks and partners.
You can set up your LLC using trusted services like:
- Northwest Registered Agent
- Bizee (formerly Incfile)
- Tailor Brands
These services handle the paperwork, help you stay compliant, and even include your business address and registered agent support if you need it.
Step 2: Get an EIN
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is basically a Social Security Number for your business. It’s free to apply on the IRS website and takes less than 10 minutes. You’ll need it to open a business bank account and apply for credit.
Pro tip: Don’t skip this step. Having an EIN shows that your business is separate from your personal identity, which is key for building business credit.
Step 3: Open a Business Bank Account
You need to keep your personal and business finances separate. If you’re paying business expenses with your personal debit card, stop now.
Open a business checking account in your LLC’s name. Look for banks or fintech platforms that support freelancers.
Explore our favorite credit card
Opening a business bank account gives you credibility and creates a financial history that banks and lenders will look at later.
Step 4: Set Up a Business Phone and Address
You don’t need a fancy office or landline, but having a dedicated business address and phone number helps establish legitimacy.
For your address, you can:
- Use a virtual mailbox service (like Bizee or Northwest Registered Agent)
- Avoid using your home address, especially if it’s linked to your personal credit
For your phone number, use tools like Google Voice or OpenPhone to get a separate business line that looks professional.
Step 5: Get Listed With Business Credit Bureaus
There are three main business credit bureaus you need to pay attention to:
- Dun & Bradstreet
- Experian Business
- Equifax Business
Start by creating a D-U-N-S number with Dun & Bradstreet. It’s free and helps vendors report your payment history. This is how your business credit profile gets built.
Step 6: Start With Net-30 Vendor Accounts
This is where you actually build your credit history. Net-30 vendors give you 30 days to pay after making a purchase, and they report on-time payments to credit bureaus.
Even if you don’t need much inventory, you can still use Net-30 vendors that offer office supplies, software, and digital tools.
Examples:
- Uline – shipping and office supplies
- Quill – general business supplies
- Summa Office Supplies – digital downloads and forms
Place small orders, pay early, and build a pattern of trust. That’s how your score goes up.
Step 7: Apply for a Business Credit Card
Once your business has a few months of consistent revenue and Net-30 history, apply for your first business credit card.
Look for cards that:
- Don’t require a personal guarantee (if possible)
- Report to business credit bureaus
- Offer cashback or points for business spending
Start small and use the card for things like software, subscriptions, or ads. Always pay in full and on time.
Step 8: Use Revenued for Fast Working Capital
When you’re ready to scale but don’t want to give up equity or take on traditional debt, Revenued is a great tool for freelancers.
It’s not a typical credit card. It’s a business card that’s based on your revenue, not your credit score.
Main benefits:
- No hard credit checks
- Instant decision
- Offers a line of credit for everyday expenses
- Perfect for service-based freelancers who want to fund projects without upfront cash
Key Features
Business card with no credit check, based on revenue instead
Flexible spending power that grows with your business
Cashback rewards on every purchase
Why We Recommend It
The Revenued Business Card is ideal for small businesses that need flexible funding but don’t qualify for traditional credit. It’s based on your revenue, not your credit score, making it easier to get approved and grow.
Pros & Cons
- No credit check required
- Cashback on all purchases
- Fast approval and access to funds
- Only available to businesses with consistent revenue
- Daily repayment model may not suit everyone
Step 9: Monitor Your Business Credit Score
Once you’re set up, track your business credit with tools like:
- Nav (free and paid plans)
- Dun & Bradstreet CreditSignal
- Experian Business Credit Reports
This helps you stay ahead of any errors, spot opportunities to improve your profile, and prepare for bigger funding options down the road.
Final Thoughts
Building business credit as a freelancer might feel extra, but it’s one of the best ways to take control of your financial future. You’ll get better rates, access to higher credit limits, and build a business that’s separate from your personal finances. And the earlier you start, the better your options will be. You don’t need investors. You just need structure, smart tools, and consistency.
