Consumer Credit Reports
Small businesses make up 99 percent of all U.S. companies and 73% of those are sole proprietorships. Creditworthiness of a sole proprietor or a guarantor may be verified by using a consumer credit report.
Leveraging Consumer Credit Reports for Business Credit Decisions
Small businesses are the backbone of the U.S. economy. Sometimes, business reports alone don’t provide enough information for sound credit decisions. In these cases, consumer credit reports can be invaluable, especially when considering a personal guarantee from the principal of the company.
When Can You Access a Consumer Credit Report?
Small businesses are the backbone of the U.S. economy. Sometimes, business reports alone don’t provide enough information for sound credit decisions. In these cases, consumer credit reports can be invaluable, especially when considering a personal guarantee from the principal of the company.
Owners of Unincorporated Businesses
Access consumer credit reports for business owners when the business structure is not incorporated, ensuring you have a clear understanding of the owner’s creditworthiness as it directly impacts the business’s financial stability.
Credit Transactions Initiated by the Consumer
Retrieve consumer credit reports when extending or collecting credit initiated by the consumer, allowing you to make informed decisions based on the consumer’s credit history and risk profile.
Guarantors
Obtain credit reports for individuals who have guaranteed the business obligation in writing, providing insight into the financial reliability of those backing the business’s debts.
Written Authorization
Review personal credit histories of individuals who have provided written approval, ensuring compliance with legal requirements while gaining valuable credit information for your assessments.
OneCreditSource Reports
What’s Available?
OneCreditSource is a nationally recognized company providing consumer credit reports from all three bureaus (Experian, Equifax & Transunion) along with Tenant Screening, National Evictions & Criminal Data, and Pre-Employment reports.
Please note that not all states allow pre-employment credit checks. Please check your state laws.
CIC Consumer Credit Reports
What CIC Credit Provides
CIC Credit has been in the reporting business since 1921 providing products within the verification, fraud detection, and screening business.
Their cutting-edge tool extracts and stores data directly from the credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax & Transunion) to seamlessly access, merge, and automate credit information.
Need a Credit report?
Need a Credit report? Please call or email our Customer Support Representatives for assistance: (800) 622 6985
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Consumer Credit Reporting
Are Consumer Credit Reports instant?
Yes, after you are set up you will have online access to instant reports.
Can I get business credit reports on international companies?
No, consumer reports offered are domestic reports only.
I can’t find the individual I am looking for. What should I do?
Are you utilizing the social security number, which can assist in identifying the correct individual. Try searching with fewer details. Use just the individual’s name and state to improve your chances of finding it. Are you utilizing the social security number, which can assist in identifying the correct individual.
Are there legal guidelines I Need to Follow to Access a Consumers Report?
Yes, please refer to the Fair Credit Reporting Act Guidelines (FCRA)
What information is included in a consumer credit report?
No matter which bureau a consumer report generally includes some personal information, credit history including open as well as closed accounts, history of on time payments and delinquent payments, comments such as write-offs, etc.
How can a consumer credit report help my company?
A consumer report can be helpful when accessing a small business that may not have much on their commercial credit report or when a principal of a company signs a personal guarantee.
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General Credit Reporting
Are Commercial Credit Reports instant?
Yes, after you are set up you will have online access to instant reports.
Can I get business credit reports on international companies?
Yes, we offer several international report options, both real-time reports and freshly investigated.
I can’t find the company I am looking for. What should I do?
Try searching with fewer details. Use just the company’s name and state to improve your chances of finding it. If you’re still unable to locate the company, please note that businesses are not required to provide their data. Contributing data is crucial for creating comprehensive reports.
How can a business credit report help my company?
A business credit report can help your company make informed decisions by providing insights into the financial health and payment behavior of potential clients, partners, and suppliers. This can aid in risk management, credit decisions, and establishing strong business relationships.
What information is included in a business credit report?
A business credit report typically includes the company’s credit history, payment patterns, public records (such as liens, judgments, and bankruptcies), company background information, financial statements, and credit score. Reports vary depending on the vendor and type of report.
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NACM Credit Reporting
Are Commercial Credit Reports instant?
Yes, after you are set up you will have online access to instant reports.
I can’t find the company I am looking for. What should I do?
Yes, we offer several international report options, both real-time reports and freshly investigated.
I can’t find the company I am looking for. What should I do?
Please consider if it is a newly formed business there may not be trade data being reported yet. If you are still unable to locate, please contact customer service to assist you.
Why an NTCR Over Another Report?
The major reporting agencies offer several of the same components of a credit report. One key benefit of the NTCR report is identifying member numbers displayed first for the local affiliates. This allows industry group members to identify their peers within the report between meetings.
How can a business credit report help my company?
A business credit report can help your company make informed decisions by providing insights into the financial health and payment behavior of potential clients, partners, and suppliers. This can aid in risk management, credit decisions, and establishing strong business relationships.
What information is included in a National Trade credit report?
The NTCR consists of trade information including trend analysis, chart of top industries reporting, a predictive score, collection accounts. You may also request additional information such as public records which includes judgments, state and federal tax liens and more.
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D&B Credit Reporting
Are Commercial Credit Reports instant?
Yes, after you are set up you will have online access to instant reports.
Can I get business credit reports on international companies?
Yes, we offer several international report options, both real-time reports and freshly investigated.
What is a D&B PAYDEX® Score?
Dun & Bradstreet assigns scores on a scale of 1 to 100, with 100 being the best possible PAYDEX Score. Scores are divided into three Risk Categories, with 0 to 49 indicating a high risk of late payment, 50 to 79 indicating a moderate risk, and 80 to 100 indicating a low risk.
What is a D&B Failure Score
The D&B® Failure Score (formerly the Financial Stress Score) also uses a 1 to 5 rating, but the FSS pertains to the business’s likelihood of financial stress – such as filing for bankruptcy – in a 12-month outlook.
What information is included in a business credit report?
A business credit report typically includes the company’s credit history, payment patterns, public records (such as liens, judgments, and bankruptcies), company background information, financial statements, and credit score. Reports vary depending on the vendor and type of report.
What is the D&B Rating?
The D&B® Rating combines a company’s size and its balance sheet information (the company’s assets, liabilities, and the owners’ equity) and uses this to create an overall rating for the business’s creditworthiness. This score can help viewers make sense of all the information in a business credit report by giving an overall indication of a company’s credibility.
How can a business credit report help my company?
A business credit report can help your company make informed decisions by providing insights into the financial health and payment behavior of potential clients, partners, and suppliers. This can aid in risk management, credit decisions, and establishing strong business relationships.
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Experian Credit Reporting
How do I obtain access for Experian credit reports?
Contact customer service for the completion of the appropriate documentation. You will generally have access within a couple days.
Do I need approval to access a business credit report?
No approval is necessary for a business credit report. Unlike personal credit reports which are regulated under permissible purposes only, commercial business credit reports can be ordered as often as you wish.
Are Credit Reports Instantaneous?
Yes. You are provided the website logins and after entering the search information, it will deliver back the report instantly.
What if I cannot find the report I am looking for?
If you have already searched once, please contact customer service for assistance to avoid duplicate billings. Generally, it is better to search with less details such as company name, city and state.
What information is generally on a business credit report?
A business credit report typically includes the company’s business facts, credit history, payment patterns, public records (such as liens, judgments, UCC’s, and bankruptcy listings), credit scores, and more.
What does the Experian’s Credit Risk Score Indicate?
The score is from 1 to 100. One indicates high risk; 100 indicates low risk. There are two exclusion scores. A 998 displays when there is a bankruptcy within the past two years. A 999 displays when there is not enough information to score the business.
What does Experian’s Financial Stability Risk Score Indicate?
The Financial Stability Risk Score predicts the likelihood of financial stability risk within the next 12 months.
Can I obtain a consumer report from Experian?
Yes, Experian offers the Business Owner Profile report. These reports are for accessing the owner’s personal credit information when you have obtained a personal guarantee, or they are a small business lacking information on their business credit report. You must have a written authorization for accessing these reports and should be aware of all FCRA guidelines.
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International Credit Reporting
Are Commercial Credit Reports instant?
It depends. Business credit information availability is not the same for each country because of economic and political rules. It depends on what is readily available or if you want a freshly investigated report, which could take a few days.
Which Supplier of International Reports is best?
We suggest you contact your Customer Service Representative which can help guide you to the best resource depending on your needs.
What information is included in an international credit report?
Every country is different on how they collect information related to companies.
You can generally find company identity and structure, company status and financial standing, negative legal events and adverse data, business management and shareholders, details on activities and related parties and risk assessment.
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General Questions
How does membership in NACM work?
The NACM membership is a company benefit and multiple credit people in a department can benefit from the services and trainings. Once you become a member of NACMCS, we also register you as a national member where you receive additional benefits.
Can I get assistance with strengthening our credit application?
Absolutely! NACMCS reviews your credit application and makes suggestions to strengthen the document to best protect your company while extending credit to clients.
How do I get help finding an industry group for a specific industry?
On a national level NACM has over 350 different industry groups. If you’re looking for coverage in a specific geographic area or industry, we can help you find the perfect match for your company.
How do I network with other credit professionals?
NACMCS is the perfect place to meet new credit professionals, virtually and in-person. There are endless opportunities to interact with others, learn from peer networking, and gain confidence the credit practices in your business are top notch. Conferences, forums, virtual discussion groups, trainings, and online communities are available to members.
What is AR Data Contribution?
A majority of NACM member companies choose to report their client’s payment patterns to NACM and credit bureaus monthly to assist building client’s business credit scores or reflecting slow paying customers. Contributing the information gives companies leverage in debt collection. NACM offers this service free with a membership, as it believes the reporting assists the overall credit community. It’s how commercial credit reports are built. Various complimentary services are offered to member companies who contribute their AR aging to the NACM database and other reporting agencies as an added benefit. Members can request to remain anonymous while practicing good policy of contributing payment data.
What’s available to companies who are non-members?
NACM is a trade association built to support our community of credit professionals. Most benefits are offered to member companies. There is a limited number of services offered to companies who cannot become members, but the fees are much higher. The magic happens behind the Member Portal!
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Equifax Credit Reporting
Are Commercial Credit Reports instant?
Yes, after you are set up you will have online access to instant reports.
Can I get business credit reports on international companies?
You can access business credit information from more than 200 countries worldwide.
I can’t find the company I am looking for. What should I do?
Try searching with fewer details. Use just the company’s name and state to improve your chances of finding it. If you’re still unable to locate the company, please note that businesses are not required to provide their data. Contributing data is crucial for creating comprehensive reports.
What is the Credit Index Score on a Canadian Report Mean?
It is a general measurement of the positive and negative characteristics of a commercial file as it relates to overall credit worthiness. A low CI suggests mostly positive credit history.
What is the Difference Between Business Failure Score and the Delinquency Score?
This score predicts the likelihood of business failure through either formal or informal bankruptcy within the next 12 months.
What information is included in a business credit report?
A business credit report typically includes the company’s credit history, payment patterns, public records (such as liens, both financial and non-financial judgments, and bankruptcies), company background information, financial statements, headquarters and credit score. Reports vary depending on the vendor and type of report.
How can a business credit report help my company?
A business credit report can help your company make informed decisions by providing insights into the financial health and payment behavior of potential clients, partners, and suppliers. This can aid in risk management, credit decisions, and establishing strong business relationships.
What Does the Business Delinquency Score Mean?
A score developed using both financial services and trade payment data, providing a high degree of predictability. Scores range from 101 – 662 with a lower score indicating higher risk. A 0 indicates a bankruptcy on file.
What does the Payment Index mean on a Canadian Report?
A numeric measure of payment habits. Ranges from 0-99. The closer the score is to 0, the better they are at paying the creditors.
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Membership
How long does it take to process my application?
Generally, we have an application processed within a couple days.
Does membership automatically renew?
Yes, unless we are instructed to cancel.
Are there fees to belong?
Yes, there are two membership levels depending on your needs. Please contact Customer Service at 971-230-1202 for clarification.
How do I network with other credit professionals?
Membership fees are invoiced annually unless the member has requested an alternative method.
Does membership automatically renew?
Yes, unless we are instructed to cancel.
Are membership fees refundable if I cancel before the year ends?
Membership fees are not refundable once paid. However, you will have access to all member benefits throughout the year you have paid for.
Are services available to me if I am not a member?
Yes, but the fees for services are higher and there are many additional benefits to being a member.
Are membership fees refundable if I cancel before the year ends?
Membership fees are not refundable once paid. However, you will have access to all member benefits throughout the year you have paid for.
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Education & Events
I’m not sure where to start. Where do I get the information, I need?
We offer Certification Roadmap Introduction classes several times a year. This complimentary session will guide you through the process of:
- Registering with NACM National
- Deciding which classes best suit your needs and schedule
- Earning roadmap points.
Are scholarships available for certification classes?
Yes! NACM Commercial Services Foundation and NACM National provide scholarships to help offset the cost of books and tuition fees. You also should check with your employer regarding tuition reimbursement for job-related classes.
What are my options for participating in classes?
NACM offers several ways to meet class requirements:
Through local colleges and universities
In-house at NACM Commercial Services
Annually at Credit Congress
Through NACM National Credit Learning Center
What are my options for participating in classes?
NACM offers several ways to meet class requirements:
- Through local colleges and universities
- In-house at NACM Commercial Services
- Annually at Credit Congress
- Through NACM National Credit Learning Center
Do I need a college degree to start working towards designation?
No. Work experience will be taken into consideration when determining certification requirements. You will need an updated resume when you are ready to register. If you have completed college classes, request official transcripts to send to NACM National with your registration.
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Industry Groups
What is an Industry Group?
An Industry Group is an association of credit professionals from the same industry who meet regularly to exchange credit information. Group members exchange information, including customer payment history and network, and receive professional education.
How often do groups meet?
Group schedules vary depending on member needs. Groups may meet monthly or quarterly.
How much do groups cost?
Group fees vary and cover the meeting costs and may have additional costs for meals, speakers, and incidentals.
Who can attend Industry Groups?
Credit personnel may attend industry groups. Sales staff may not participate. All information shared in the group setting must remain confidential and may only be used by the credit department.
What is Antitrust, and how does it protect my firm in a credit group situation?
Antitrust laws promote business and limit monopolies and anti-competitive behavior. NACM strictly monitors our groups to avoid conversations on price, terms, and market allocation among competitors. Find more information here.
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Collection Services
How can I place an account for collection?
Established clients may use our website as the quickest and easiest way to submit a claim. If you prefer, you may complete a claim placement form and submit it along with your supporting documentation by email or mail.
Can I place an account for collection even if I don’t have a credit application from our customer?
Yes, you may. Please provide copies of your invoice and/or statement along with any other documentation you may have to support your claim and submit it with a claim form.
Does NACM handle foreign collection accounts?
Yes, NACM collects internationally.
Why should I use a collection agency?
Every company wants more time to focus on its good-paying customers. A collection agency can help you with the delinquent ones. We make every attempt to deal with your customer so that, in addition to collecting the past-due balance, you and your customer may feel comfortable continuing your sales relationship.
If my customer has filed bankruptcy, can I place the account for collection?
At this point, there is nothing NACM can do to assist in the collection of the monies due. Creditor should file their Proof of Claim with the Bankruptcy Court.
Can NACM attach business assets or file a lien on real property?
Yes, but only where NACM has managed the lawsuit process and a court judgment has been obtained.
When should I turn an account over for collection?
Studies have shown that debtors are more likely to pay once a third party gets involved. After three months, the probability of collecting a delinquent account drops to 69.6%; after 6 months, 52.1%; and after one year, 22.8%. It’s in your company’s best interest to send your accounts to collections sooner rather than later.
My account is over a year old. Is it too old to collect?
No, the statute of limitations ranges from 3 to 10 years, depending on the debtor’s state of residence. Please send supporting documentation for review.
If I utilize a 10 Day Free Demand and the customer has surfaced to offer a partial payment or a payment plan, may I cancel the 10 Day Free Demand?
No. The 10 Day Free Demand instructs your customer to Pay In Full within 10 calendar days. Anything short of payment in full will roll over into full collection service by NACM on the 11th day.
Are the officers of a Corporation or an LLC personally liable for the debts of those entities?
No. Unless you have also obtained a signed Personal Guaranty.
Once I have placed an account with NACM for collections services, should I continue to communicate with the customer in an effort to collect the outstanding balance?
No, not without first communicating with the NACM Collection Agent assigned to your matter. Once an account has been placed with NACM, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act requires that a single party communicate with debtors to avoid claims of harassment.
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Data Contributions
What information should be included in a data contribution file?
We need some basic information on your customers, like their name and address, along with their balance info. View a complete list of required items.
How often do I have to report?
Data should be contributed on a monthly basis.
Do I have to report on all customers?
Yes. You may exclude a handful of customers for special reasons (for example, internal accounts, employee accounts, or special pricing circumstances), but you must generally report on all customers.
I only want to report on my past dues!
Many businesses wonder why they must report on all customers. Commercial credit bureaus are building strong, consistent, and fair credit reports for all businesses. If firms reported only on their past due or hand-selected accounts, the goal could not be accomplished. Prompt-paying firms might have no credit report at all. Reporting on all customers is in the credit community’s best interest.
How do I get started?
Download our Data Contribution Consent Form. This form gives us permission to receive and share your company’s data.
Can I skip reporting on the F.O.B.’s?
You may exclude a few accounts for specific reasons, including F.O.B (friend of boss). We will handle this for you.
How do I transmit my file to NACM?
We can accept data files via email, FTP, and our website. We prefer website uploads as they allow greater security.
Will my customers be mad?
Your good customers should not be mad…you are building their positive credit history! Your delinquent customers may not like the contribution of delinquent credit experience, but it should encourage them to pay.
What if I don’t have any I.T. support?
While having technical support can certainly help, most systems include tools that allow the average user to export aging data. NACM is available to help determine if your system can export aging information.
Can I report international accounts?
International accounts may be included; however, some credit bureaus do not accept international accounts and will disregard them.
Can I report consumer accounts?
We are unable to accept consumer accounts. A sole proprietor doing business under their name is fine to report on.
What about my biggest customer? They are always late!
You may exclude a few accounts for specific reasons. If your biggest customer is always late and you want to exclude them, we will handle this for you.
How much does contributing cost?
Contribution is a complimentary service.
Will anyone know I am contributing?
Contributors have the right to remain anonymous. We will not release your company’s name without your permission. Your tradelines will show on credit reports with either your industry code or your NACM member number, depending on the database, not with your company name.
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Preferred Providers
Do You Have to Be Approved to Be a Preferred Provider?
NACM CS reserves the right to qualify service providers. We will consult with you to determine if your services are a fit for our members. We do not allow direct competitors and collection agencies.
Are There Different Pricing Levels?
Yes, we have four pricing levels with different offerings. Please contact us for further information.
A Paid Sponsorship Runs on Long?
Sponsorships are based on a calendar year.
What are the Benefits?
It depends on the pricing level but may include: General marketing to our members, ads in our newsletter, highlighted as a sponsor at member events, a booth at conferences and more.
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Scholarships
Are scholarships available for certification classes?
Yes! NACM Commercial Services Foundation and NACM National provide scholarships to help offset the cost of books and tuition fees. You also should check with your employer regarding tuition reimbursement for job-related classes.
Who Is Eligible to Receive a Scholarship?
Any employee of a member firm of NACM Commercial Services.
Where do Scholarship Dollars Come From?
The Scholarship Committee plan and host various fundraising events throughout the year to raise money and from generous donations from our members.
How Often Can I Receive a Scholarship?
Once per calendar year.
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Portal Login
What does the Portal login allow me to do?
The Portal provides you with a range of functionalities, including:
- Access to all services you are currently signed up for
- Viewing your educational transcript
- Credit resources that are exclusive to members
- Editing your profile and more
Where do Scholarship Dollars Come From?
Yes, but with limited abilities. Your account will be reviewed, and you will be assigned the specific services requested.
Credit Reporting
A Word From Our Members
KEEN, Inc.
Kodiak Building Partners
Walters Wholesale Electric
Toyota Lift
Conmas Construction Supply
OrePac
