Building Business Credit: Net 15, Net 30 & Net 45 Accounts

What Are Net Accounts?

Net accounts (also called trade lines or vendor credit) are credit terms extended by suppliers where payment is due within a set number of days after delivery. Net 15 means payment due in 15 days. Net 30 means 30 days. Net 45 means 45 days.

These accounts report to business credit bureaus — Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business, and Equifax Business — and form the backbone of your business credit profile. Unlike personal credit, business credit doesn't require a personal guarantee if structured correctly.

Why Net Accounts Matter

Lenders evaluate your Paydex score (D&B), Intelliscore (Experian), and Business Credit Risk Score (Equifax). To reach a Paydex of 80+ — the benchmark most lenders want — you need at least 5 trade lines reporting on-time payments.

Net accounts are the fastest, most cost-effective way to seed that history.

The Tier System

Tier 1 — Starter Vendors (No Requirements)

These vendors extend credit with no personal credit check and no prior business credit needed:

• ✦Uline (shipping & packaging)
• ✦Quill (office supplies)
• ✦Grainger (industrial supplies)
• ✦Crown Office Supplies
• ✦Strategic Network Solutions

Apply, order a small item, pay the invoice before the due date. Repeat this 3x per vendor. Most begin reporting within 60–90 days.

Tier 2 — Mid-Tier Vendors (Light Requirements)

Once you have 3–5 Tier 1 accounts reporting, apply here:

• ✦Home Depot Business Account
• ✦Sam's Club Business Credit
• ✦Walmart Business
• ✦Amazon Business Line of Credit
• ✦Staples Business

Tier 3 — Fleet & Bank Cards (Requires Established Profile)

• ✦Wex Fleet Card
• ✦Brex Corporate Card
• ✦Ramp
• ✦Divvy Business

Tier 4 — Major Bank Credit Lines

With a strong profile: Capital One Spark, Chase Ink, American Express Business.

Building Your Foundation First

Before applying for net accounts, your business needs:

1. EIN from IRS — Never use SSN for business accounts

2. DUNS Number — Register free at D&B (takes 30 days or expedite for fee)

3. Business bank account — Minimum 30 days old, consistent deposits

4. Business phone in 411 directory — Use a dedicated line (VoIP acceptable)

5. Professional email — [email protected] (no Gmail)

6. Business address — Not a PO Box; a physical or registered agent address

The Payment Strategy

Pay early, not just on time. A Paydex of 100 requires payment before the due date. Set payment reminders for Day 10 on Net 30 accounts. Never let a net account age past due — even one late payment tanks your Paydex.

Timeline to First Business Loan

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With a structured entity (holding company + operating company) and 10+ trade lines, you become fundable for $50K–$250K in unsecured business credit.