Glossary

Finance

Trade line

A trade line is a credit account recorded on a business credit report, such as a supplier account with payment terms or a business credit card. Only accounts that report to a commercial bureau contribute to a company's credit profile.

In plain terms: An account on your business credit report. Only reported accounts count.

Why it matters

The reason paying a supplier reliably for two years can build nothing: if they do not report, no bureau ever sees it. Ask whether a vendor reports before opening the account, not after.

Read the full guideBusiness credit and funding

Related terms