Guide

Limited company credit report

A guide to running a credit report on a UK limited company, what it shows that other business types do not, and how to read it before extending credit.

A credit report on a limited company

A limited company credit report is a credit report on an incorporated UK business, a company whose name ends in “Limited” or “Ltd”. Because limited companies must file information at Companies House, the report on one is the fullest there is: a credit score and suggested credit limit, filed accounts and financial trend, the public record, and the directors and people with significant control. It is the natural starting point before you extend trade credit to a registered company.

What is unique to a limited company

Limited companies file annual accounts and confirmation statements, so a report on one can show real financial figures, net worth, working capital and the direction of travel over several years, alongside the score. That financial depth is what sets it apart from a report on a sole trader or partnership, which do not file accounts. For those, see the business credit report and the non-limited example.

What the report covers

For a limited company the report draws together, where held: the credit score and risk band; a suggested credit limit; county court judgments, insolvency and Gazette notices; registered charges and mortgages; filed accounts and ratios; payment behaviour; and the directors, secretaries and people with significant control. For the full breakdown see what’s in a company credit report, or view an annotated example.

How to run a limited company credit report

Search the company name or its registration number on the homepage to find the right entity, then choose a report. A company credit report on a limited company is available instantly online. Read the score and limit first, then the public record and accounts, as set out in how to read a company credit report.

Data you can rely on

Company credit reports are built from official and commercial sources, including Companies House filings, insolvency notices in The Gazette, and county court judgment data from the Registry Trust, combined with payment and risk information. Reports reflect the latest data held at the time of your search. creditreports.co.uk is a First Report service. See where our data comes from.

FAQs

Can I get a credit report on any limited company?

Yes. You can run a report on any UK registered limited company by searching its name or company registration number. Reports are pay as you go, with no account needed.

What is the difference between a limited and a non-limited credit report?

A limited company files accounts at Companies House, so its report includes real financial figures and a full score. A sole trader or partnership does not file accounts, so a non-limited report leans on credit reference and public-record data and gives a credit guide instead.

Do I need the company registration number?

No, but it helps. You can search by company name; the registration number makes sure you pick the exact entity when several have similar names.