Business credit scores are provided to help a business, whether it's large or small, better understand how lenders view their credit report. Business credit scores are not an an endorsement or a determination of one's qualification for business loans. They are used by lending institutions to help determine whether or not a potential client is a good candidate for a loan and what interest rate they will pay.

Each lender has specific underwriting standards, so firms should not assume that they will receive the same evaluation from each lender they apply to. As part of the underwriting process, banks will incorporate additional information (personal included) that you provide. They may also obtain references. In addition, even if you are approved, the terms and conditions of loans vary from one lender to the next.

Information used to determine business credit scores will come from one of the three major credit bureaus. Business credit reports are a compilation of credit information that is reported to the bureaus by the various lending institutions with which a business has accounts. The information contained in a report will reflect the latest information provided.

Recent payments, new accounts, and/or authorization of inquiries won't be reflected in the credit report you receive. In addition, none of this newer information will be reflected in your credit score. Disputed items on your credit report are not incorporated into the assessment of your credit score. It should also be noted that your score will change each time new information is captured in your record.