Business Tradelines Guide: Tier 1 Through Tier 5

Introduction

Business tradelines are accounts that report to business credit bureaus (Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business, and Equifax Business). Building them strategically—from Tier 1 to Tier 5—helps your business establish strong credit, qualify for funding, and grow without relying heavily on personal credit.

This e-book breaks down each tier, what it means, example vendors, requirements, and best practices.

Understanding Business Credit Tiers

• Tier 1: Starter tradelines (no credit check, easy approval)

• Tier 2: Growth tradelines (may require existing reporting)

• Tier 3: Cash credit & revolving accounts

• Tier 4: Fleet cards & higher limits

• Tier 5: Bank credit, loans, and high-limit cards

Tier 1: Starter Tradelines (Foundation Level)

Purpose

Tier 1 tradelines help establish your business credit profile. These vendors usually approve businesses with no prior credit history.

Typical Requirements

• Registered business (LLC, Corp, etc.)

• EIN

• Business address & phone number

• DUNS number (recommended)

Common Characteristics

• Net-30 or Net-55 terms

• Low limits ($50–$500)

• No personal credit check

Example Tier 1 Vendors

• Uline

• Grainger

• Quill

• Crown Office Supplies

• Shirtsy

• Summa Office Supplies

• Navia Benefit Solutions

• CEO Creative

• JJ Gold International

• My Corporate Gear

• PrintGlobe

• Sweetheart Paper

• SupplyWorks

• Miller’s Office Products

Tips for Tier 1 Success

• Place small orders

• Pay invoices early (before due date)

• Ensure vendors report before moving to Tier 2

Tier 2: Growth Tradelines (Building Momentum)

Purpose

Tier 2 tradelines strengthen your profile and show consistency. Vendors may require 3–5 reporting tradelines.

Typical Requirements

• 3–5 active tradelines

• On-time payment history

• Business checking account

Common Characteristics

• Higher limits ($500–$2,000)

• Net-30 or Net-60 terms

• May report to multiple bureaus

Example Tier 2 Vendors

• Office Garner

• Strategic Network Solutions

• Business T-Shirt Club

• HD Supply (some locations)

• The CEO Creative

• Promotional Products Inc.

• Laughlin & Associates

• Sunrise Banks Vendor Program

• Credit Strong Business (trade-style reporting)

Tips for Tier 2 Success

• Keep utilization low

• Continue early payments

• Avoid excessive applications

Tier 3: Cash Credit & Revolving Accounts

Purpose

Tier 3 introduces revolving credit, similar to credit cards, and is a major step toward funding readiness.

Typical Requirements

• 5–8 reporting tradelines

• Strong payment history

• Business bank account in good standing

Common Characteristics

• Revolving accounts

• Limits $1,000–$5,000+

• May require soft pull or PG

Example Tier 3 Accounts

• Amazon Business Net 55

• Dell Business Credit

• Staples Business Credit

• Lowe’s Business Account

• Home Depot Commercial Account

• Best Buy Business Credit

• Apple Business Financing

• Wayfair Professional

• Office Depot Business Revolving

Tips for Tier 3 Success

• Keep balances under 30%

• Pay before statement closes

• Monitor reporting accuracy

Tier 4: Fleet Credit & Higher Limits

Purpose

Tier 4 focuses on vehicle-related and operational expenses and demonstrates business stability.

Typical Requirements

• 8–10 tradelines

• Time in business (6–12 months)

• Strong PAYDEX score (80+)

Common Characteristics

• Fleet and fuel cards

• Limits $1,500–$10,000+

• Some require PG, some do not

Example Tier 4 Vendors

• Shell Small Business Card

• BP Business Solutions

• WEX Fleet Cards

• Fuelman

• ExxonMobil Business Card

• Chevron Business Card

• ARCO Business Solutions

• Speedway Business Fleet

• Sunoco Fleet Cards

Tips for Tier 4 Success

• Use cards consistently but lightly

• Pay in full when possible

• Maintain strong cash flow

Tier 5: Bank Credit & Funding (Elite Level)

Purpose

Tier 5 is where businesses access major funding: bank cards, lines of credit, and loans.

Typical Requirements

• 10–14+ tradelines

• 12+ months in business

• Strong business financials

• Possible personal guarantee

Common Characteristics

• High limits ($10,000–$100,000+)

• Business credit cards

• Lines of credit & loans

Example Tier 5 Credit

• Chase Ink Business Cards

• American Express Business Cards

• Bank of America Business LOC

• Wells Fargo Business Credit Cards

• U.S. Bank Business Leverage

• Capital One Spark Business

• Navy Federal Business Credit (if eligible)

• PNC Business Lines of Credit

• SBA Loans

Tips for Tier 5 Success

• Prepare financial statements

• Maintain low debt-to-income ratio

• Work with lenders strategically

Business Credit Scores to Watch

• D&B PAYDEX: Payment performance (goal: 80+)

• Experian Intelliscore: Risk assessment (goal: 76+)

• Equifax Business Score: Creditworthiness

Final Notes & Best Practices

• Never rush tiers

• Pay early, not just on time

• Monitor all three bureaus

• Separate personal and business finances

Building business credit is a process—but when done correctly, it opens the door to funding, growth, and long-term success.