Top 9 vendors that help you build business credit fast: 2025

Access to capital is a lifeline for small businesses; unfortunately, many struggle to secure it when they need it most. According to the Federal Reserve Bank, loan application approval rates have been decreasing. The good news is that partnering with vendors to build business credit can improve your chances of approval.

With a better credit score, your business can enjoy easier access to financing, including lower interest rates and more favorable payment terms. We’ll explore what vendor financing companies are, how they can help your business, and some of the best options in 2025.

What are vendor financing companies?

Vendor financing companies enable businesses to secure financing without relying on traditional banks. Not only does this introduce the opportunity to build strong partnerships, but some vendors may report payment history to credit bureaus. This approach enables your business to obtain the goods it needs while establishing credit over time.

For example, a small cafe may need to acquire a new espresso machine but doesn’t have the credit score to go through a traditional bank. With vendor financing, they can secure a payment agreement directly with the vendor rather than a conventional bank. The most common agreement is a net 30 payment term, requiring payment within 30 days.

Laying the foundation: Setting up your business to build credit 

Building credit can be a challenge, but with the proper footing, your business can develop its own financial identity, build credit, and mitigate potential risks. Here’s how to set yourself up to build strong credit:

• Choose the right business structure: Options like an LLC or corporation separate personal and business finances, which is crucial for building business credit. Some structures also provide legal separation between yourself and the business, reducing personal liability.
• Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN): This federal tax ID is needed to open bank accounts, apply for credit, and file taxes. Lenders and vendors use your EIN to identify your business when you apply for credit.
• Open a dedicated business bank account: This separates business and personal expenses, a crucial step for maintaining financial credibility and accurate reporting. A dedicated account simplifies bookkeeping, expense tracking, and tax preparation.
• Register with business credit bureaus: Sign up with Dun & Bradstreet (D&B), Experian Business, and Equifax Business to keep on top of your credit file. Lenders, suppliers, and even potential partners use these scores to assess risk before extending credit or engaging in business.

• Start with vendor credit lines: Obtain credit lines from net 30 vendors that report payments to business credit bureaus. You can establish a positive payment history by making timely payments on these accounts.

Understanding tradelines

Lines of credit and vendor accounts listed on your business credit report are also known as tradelines. In other words, your credit report shows one tradeline per business credit account, and each tradeline includes information about your business, the lender, the type of credit, and your history together.

Managing your tradelines by repaying debts on time is a great way to manage cash flow and build business credit.

Vendors that help build business credit

To get your business started in the right direction, we’ve gathered nine vendors that can help build business credit for your business through net 30 invoicing. From office supplies to IT services and marketing materials, these companies report their activities to business credit bureaus, including D&B, Experian Business, and Equifax Business.

1. Uline

Uline offers net 30 payment terms on a vast selection of shipping, packaging, and industrial supplies. The company allows businesses to purchase necessary items and pay for them within 30 days, which is crucial for managing immediate cash flow and preserving working capital. Uline reports your payment activity to major business credit bureaus, including Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business, and Equifax Business. 

How to qualify

To qualify for Uline’s net 30 terms, select “Invoice Me” during checkout. Uline will request your business name, contact information, and EIN. While there is no minimum order requirement for approval, it’s recommended to place orders of at least $50 for payments to be reported to the bureaus.

2. Quill

Quill offers net 30 payment terms for office supplies, making it a valuable resource for small business owners and startups seeking to establish business credit. Quill helps establish business credit by reporting activity to Dun & Bradstreet and Experian Business.

How to qualify

To qualify for Quill’s net 30 terms, your business needs to have an EIN, be in operation for at least 30 days, and maintain a clean business credit history. There is often a minimum order amount (around $100) required for your purchase to qualify for net 30 terms and for payments to be reported.

3. Grainger

Grainger offers net 30 accounts for industrial, maintenance, repair, and operating products, which is helpful for businesses in trades or manufacturing. These terms enable businesses to acquire essential tools, equipment, and supplies with pay flexibility. Grainger is a valuable option for building business credit, reporting payment activity to Dun & Bradstreet.

How to qualify

To qualify for a Grainger net 30 account, your business needs to have been operating for at least three months, have an EIN, and, ideally, a D-U-N-S number. While there is no minimum order requirement to qualify for the account, it’s recommended to spend at least $50 per order for your payment history to be reported.

4. Branded Apparel Club

Branded Apparel Club offers custom-printed business apparel, including wholesale options, on net 30 terms. Their offerings are ideal for small businesses, solopreneurs, and startups seeking branded uniforms or promotional merchandise. Branded Apparel Club is a good option for building business credit; it reports activity to Equifax Business, Creditsafe, and Ansonia.

How to qualify

To qualify for a Branded Apparel Club net 30 account, your business typically needs to be operational for at least 30 days and have a valid EIN. They’re a membership-based company, so an annual membership fee is required. There are also minimum order requirements for custom print and embroidery, as well as pre-designed and blank apparel orders.

5. Amazon Business

Amazon Business offers ‘Pay by Invoice,’ a net-30 payment term option for eligible business customers. This option enables small business owners and startups to purchase a wide range of products, including office supplies, electronics, and industrial equipment. Amazon Business’ Pay by Invoice program primarily reports to Dun & Bradstreet.

How to qualify

To qualify for Pay by Invoice, your business must have an active Amazon Business account. Eligibility is invite-only, meaning Amazon assesses your business based on factors like your purchase history on Amazon Business and information from business credit reports.

6. Strategic Network Solutions

Strategic Network Solutions offers net 30 accounts focused on IT services, computer accessories, and general office supplies, catering to tech-oriented startups and small businesses. Strategic Network Solutions reports payment activity to Experian Business and Creditsafe.

How to qualify

To qualify for their net 30 terms, your business typically needs to be based in the U.S., have been in operation for at least 30 days, and have a clean business credit history. They may require a specific initial purchase threshold, and some sources indicate an annual membership fee for maintaining net 30 account credit terms.

7. Newegg Business

Newegg Business offers net 30 credit lines for businesses purchasing computers, electronics, and other IT equipment. Small businesses with technology needs can acquire essential hardware and software. Newegg Business reports payment activity to business credit bureaus, including Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business, and Equifax Business.

How to qualify

To qualify for a Newegg Business net 30 credit line, your business typically needs to be established (with a minimum of two years in operation) and have a strong existing business credit history. They also usually conduct a business credit check. While they cater to businesses, very young startups might find it challenging to qualify initially without other established tradelines.

8. McKesson Medical-Surgical

McKesson Medical-Surgical is a leading distributor of wholesale medical, surgical, and lab supplies and equipment. They offer Net-30 payment terms, allowing eligible healthcare-related small businesses, clinics, and practices to purchase essential medical products and defer payment for 30 days. McKesson typically reports payment history information to Dun & Bradstreet and Experian Business.

How to qualify

To qualify for a Net-30 account with McKesson, your business must complete a detailed credit application. Given the nature of their products, you will also need relevant medical licenses (DEA, HIN, license number) and proof that purchases are for use in your medical practice.

9. Shirtsy

Shirtsy offers net 30 accounts for customizable apparel and select office supplies, benefiting small business owners and startups that need branded merchandise. Shirtsy reports payment activity to multiple prominent business credit bureaus, including Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business, Equifax Business, and Creditsafe.

How to qualify

To qualify for a Shirtsy net 30 account, your business must typically be at least 30 days old and have a valid EIN. They require basic business information (name, address, website) and often an annual account fee. There is typically a minimum initial order requirement to establish net 30 terms and ensure accurate reporting.

How net 30 vendors can help you build business credit

Establishing and maintaining strong tradelines can lead to favorable payment terms when you negotiate future contracts. This can help your company simplify supplier payments and cash flow.

Here are a few factors to consider when looking for vendors:

• Clear net terms: Verify clear payment terms, such as net 30.
• Fees and minimums: Check for annual fees or minimum purchase amounts that may be in the fine print.
• Needed products/services: Ensure they sell what your business actually uses; don’t just open an account to build credit.
• Qualification requirements: Understand their requirements for opening an account and if you qualify.

• Reports to bureaus: Confirm the vendor reports to business credit bureaus.

Choose vendors that report business credit

Ask your vendors if they report to the credit bureaus, and if they don’t, ask if they can start. Lenders and vendors who offer long-term repayments or contracts are best for building business credit, as they involve a longer relationship. Diversifying your suppliers and paying them all on time also enhances creditworthiness, so don’t limit yourself to too few suppliers.

A business that strategically uses vendor credit is already demonstrating advanced financial planning. They’re not just buying supplies; they're turning necessary operational expenses into credit-building assets."

– Aditya Narula, SVP, GM of Lending & Credit | Bluevine

Maintain relationships and negotiate terms

When starting a new business relationship—whether it’s with a landlord, a supplier, or a lender—always negotiate agreement terms to meet the needs of your business. Having a strong business credit profile will help you do that, and negotiating can help improve your cash flow.

Healthy, long-term relationships with lenders and suppliers will continually improve your business credit. If you foresee difficulty paying on time, communicate honestly with your partners—you’ll be more likely to be able to renegotiate terms if you have history. 

Monitor and manage credit relationships

Managing credit relationships starts with choosing the right tools to manage your business finances. Choose a business checking account that allows you to track cash flow and pay vendors directly from your account. Using an all-in-one financial tool will allow you to quickly see if you’re behind on payments and strategically plan for any future credit needs.