Guide
What is a company credit report?
A plain-English explanation of what a UK company credit report is, what it contains, and when to use one before trading or extending credit.
The short answer
A company credit report is a single online document that brings together the credit and financial information held on a UK business. It typically shows a credit score and a suggested credit limit, any county court judgments, the company’s filed accounts, how promptly it pays its bills, and details of its directors. It lets you judge, before you trade, whether a business is likely to pay.
Why businesses use one
Extending credit to a customer, or relying on a supplier, is a risk. A credit report turns the public and commercial record on a business into a clear view of that risk, so you can set a sensible credit limit, decide payment terms, or ask for payment up front. Credit controllers and finance teams use them to approve new accounts and to keep an eye on existing ones.
What it contains
A full report covers the credit score and limit, the public record (judgments, insolvency and charges), filed accounts and financial trend, payment behaviour, and the people behind the business. For the full breakdown see what’s in a company credit report, or view an annotated example.
Company or business?
The terms overlap. A company credit report usually means a registered limited company; a business credit report can also cover sole traders and partnerships, which do not file accounts and so carry a credit guide instead of a full score.
FAQs
Is a company credit report the same as a credit check?
Largely yes. A credit check is the act of checking; the report is what you receive. Both describe assessing a company’s credit risk before trading.
Can anyone buy a company credit report?
Yes. Reports on UK businesses are available to anyone for legitimate business purposes, pay as you go, with no account needed.
How current is the information?
Reports are produced from the latest data held at the time of your search, including the most recent Companies House filings.
Related guides
What’s in a company credit report
Read the guide →How to read a company credit report
Read the guide →Credit rating, score and report explained
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