If you’ve been told you can “buy tradelines” to instantly boost your business credit score, pause—because that shortcut can cost you far more than it promises. In this post, we expose why paying for tradelines is one of the fastest ways to trigger red flags with Dun & Bradstreet and lenders, how it can lead to removals, downgrades, or even a frozen business credit file, and what to do instead to build legitimate corporate credit that stands on its own merit and helps you qualify for real funding.

Don’t be fooled. "Tradelines" are free. Any company who is requiring that you pay to purchase a credit line at their business or one unrelated to their own is putting your business at extreme risk. Not only could those tradelines be removed from your D&B profile, but your business can be downgraded and your business credit could be frozen or permanently destroyed in the process. This could also impact any other businesses you may have or plan to have in the future. Don't pay for tradelines. It's a trap you can't escape.

If you are working with a company who is requiring that you to purchase a service so they can report that payment history to D&B, or they promote selling you some “tradelines” to boost your business credit profile, you are being ripped off. Don't fall into that trap. DON'T PAY FOR TRADELINES!

READ MORE: How to Find the Right Tradelines for Your Business

Thousands of businesses offer lines of credit for small businesses, with their only requirement being that your company has an established business credit profile. Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous businesses who are selling “tradelines” for outrageous prices, many of which are being also paid to be affiliates for those same companies, meaning they are making money off both ends of the deal.

The key to being able to get credit lines isn’t in how much you pay to get them, but how credible your business is. And, for that, creditors look to Dun & Bradstreet for solid history, scores and risk ratings. If you want your business to stand on its own merit and achieve the tradelines it needs now, as well as future credit approvals, you have to start at the beginning.

READ MORE: Stop Bootstrapping And Start Building A Business Credit Blueprint

If you want to continue on a secure path to your goals, you have to be able to withstand the scrutiny of how you got there in the first place. Don't let someone's ridiculous scheme cost your company it's ability to succeed.

ONE MORE TIP: Request a free consultation and business credit assessment to see if we can help you get to the finish line faster.