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5. Get a free D-U-N-S number

Request a free D-U-N-S number from Dun & Bradstreet to open your D&B file.

Why it matters

The D-U-N-S number is the key your PAYDEX and trade history are filed under at D&B.

How

Request it free directly at dnb.com. Do not pay for expedited "credit builder" upsells to get the number itself.

Source: Dun & Bradstreet (dnb.com)

What it costs

FREE, directly from Dun & Bradstreet

What gets sold here: ⚠️ D&B upsells a paid "CreditBuilder" product alongside the free number, and resellers charge for expedited issuance. The NUMBER is free. Ask for the number.

Do these first

1. Form an active state-registered entity

2. Get an EIN from the IRS

Then

6. Open net-30 vendor tradelines that report

Reported on-time payments are the raw material of a business credit file. Tradelines that don't report do nothing.

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This is general business-credit education, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Confirm specifics with a licensed professional and the official sources directly.