Vendors, retail creditors, and corporate credit card issuers for building your trade references.
Trade / Vendor Credit Sources
These vendors are known to extend credit to businesses and report to D&B and/or Experian. Verify current terms directly with each vendor.
Viking Office Products
Terms: $300-500 beginning credit line, DUNS needed
PG Required: No | Paydex: No
Quill
Terms: Net-30, DUNS check + 1-3 trade refs, 6 months in business
PG Required: No | Paydex: No
ULINE Office & Shipping
Terms: Net-30, DUNS check + 1-2 trade refs
PG Required: No | Paydex: No
Accurate
Terms: Net 30, revolving, 3 trades + 1 bank trade
PG Required: No | Paydex: No
Five Point Capital
Terms: 2 yrs in business, apply online
PG Required: Yes | Paydex: Yes (65+)
Kinko's
Terms: Corporate account, DUNS & address check
PG Required: No | Paydex: No
WebPrinted
Terms: $100 deposit for company design & set-up
PG Required: No | Paydex: No
Marketing World
Terms: 20% down for business & web marketing packages
PG Required: No | Paydex: No
McWeb Internet
Terms: Custom designs $500-$2000, 25% down
PG Required: No | Paydex: No
Trans Promote Products
Terms: Net 10, 2 trades
PG Required: No | Paydex: No
Retail Credit Sources
After establishing a Paydex score (usually within 60-90 days), choose 2-3 retail cards to continue building your credit file. Apply in the company name using vendor references — ask for a business account, not personal.
Chevron
Terms: 2+ yrs in business, DNB check, revolving net 30
PG Required: Yes
Best Buy
Terms: 2 yrs in business, apply online
PG Required: No
Staples
Terms: Revolving account, net 30
PG Required: No
Sears
Terms: 2 yrs in business or PG, revolving net 30
PG Required: No
Texaco
Terms: Some credit history or PG, apply online
PG Required: No
Conoco
Terms: Net 30 full balance, apply online, 23 states
PG Required: No
Radio Shack
Terms: Revolving account, net 30
PG Required: No
Exxon Fuel
Terms: Net 30 full balance, 1 yr secured or 3 yrs in business
PG Required: Yes
Grainger
Terms: Net 30 full balance, $1K min limit, business license + 1 bank + 2-3 trades
PG Required: No
Union 76 Gas Card
Terms: 2-3 trade refs, 1 bank ref, DUNS check
PG Required: No
Fry's Electronics
Terms: 3 trades, 1 bank trade, net 30, must submit financials
PG Required: No
Lowes
Terms: Revolving net 30, 3 yrs in business or PG
PG Required: No
Office Max
Terms: Some credit history, apply online
PG Required: No
Office Depot
Terms: Revolving net 30, must be incorporated or $1M+ revenue
PG Required: No
Home Depot
Terms: $2M sales or 10+ employees or Paydex 65+ or 2 yrs, no SSN
PG Required: No
Neiman Marcus
Terms: 2 yrs in business, PG required, apply by mail
PG Required: Yes
Mobil Gas
Terms: Net 30 full balance, 1 yr secured or 3 yrs, apply online
PG Required: Yes
Diners Club
Terms: Corp accounts (min 5 cards), 3 yrs in business, $200K net worth
PG Required: Yes
Corporate Credit Card Issuers
Major banks that issue corporate credit cards. Contact them directly for current terms and application requirements.
Funding Source Directories
Online directories for finding venture capital, angel investors, and IPO firms:
Key Documents for Applying
Business Documents
Personal Guarantor Documents
Important Note
Vendor terms, phone numbers, and reporting practices change frequently. This directory is adapted from 2007 data for educational reference. Always verify current terms directly with each vendor before applying. The core principle remains: you need 5 trade references reporting to D&B and 5 cash lines reporting to Experian to build a strong credit profile.
Which vendors will you contact first to build your trade references? How many do you need for a strong profile?