Guide
Credit rating, score and report explained
A short guide to the difference between a company credit rating, a credit score and a credit report, and how each is used.
Three related things
The credit score is the underlying number that summarises how likely the business is to fail or default. The credit rating is how that score is interpreted into a risk band (low, moderate or high) and a suggested credit limit. The credit report is the full online document that shows the score, the rating and all the evidence behind them. When you run a report you get all three.
Which one do you need?
For a quick view of risk, the rating and score are enough. For a credit decision of any size, read the full company credit report so you can see the public record and accounts behind the number. To check the rating specifically, see the company credit rating page.
A note on your own company
Checking another company’s rating is a business-to-business decision and is what this site is for. Seeing and monitoring your own company’s score is a separate, owner-focused service through First Report.
FAQs
Is a higher credit score better?
Yes. A higher score means lower assessed risk. Always read it with the risk band and the latest accounts.
Does the rating change over time?
Yes. It is recalculated as new accounts, judgments or payment data arrive, so it can move between checks.
Related guides
What is a company credit report?
Read the guide →What’s in a company credit report
Read the guide →How to read a company credit report
Read the guide →