Dun & Bradstreet Paydex Score: What It Is and How to Improve It

Your Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) Paydex score is one of the most important numbers in your business credit profile. Ranging from 1 to 100, it tells lenders and vendors how reliably your business pays its bills.

In this guide, we explain exactly what the Paydex score is, how it is calculated, and proven strategies to raise yours.

What Is the Paydex Score?

The Paydex score is D&B proprietary business credit score that measures your company payment performance. Unlike personal FICO scores (300-850), Paydex uses a simpler 1-100 scale:

80-100: Low risk — payments on time or early
50-79: Medium risk — payments slightly late
0-49: High risk — payments significantly late

Paydex Score Breakdown

100: Payment 30+ days early
90: Payment 20 days early
80: Payment on time (net terms)
70: Payment 15 days late
50: Payment 30 days late
30: Payment 60 days late
20: Payment 90+ days late

Why Your Paydex Score Matters

Vendor decisions: Many vendors check your Paydex before extending net 30/60/90 terms
Loan applications: Banks and lenders use it to evaluate creditworthiness
Insurance rates: Some business insurance companies check business credit
Contract bids: Government and corporate contracts may require a minimum Paydex

How to Build and Improve Your Paydex Score

Step 1: Get Your DUNS Number

You need a D&B DUNS number before you can have a Paydex score. Get one for free at dnb.com.

Step 2: Open Net 30 Accounts That Report to D&B

You need at least 3 trade references reporting to D&B to generate a Paydex score. Start with:

Crown Office Supplies — Reports to D&B, Experian, and Equifax
Uline — Reports to D&B
Quill — Reports to D&B

Step 3: Pay Early, Not Just on Time

This is the single biggest factor. Paying on time gives you an 80. Paying early pushes you toward 100.

Pro tip: Pay your net 30 invoices within 10-15 days. This signals low risk and earns you the highest possible score.

Step 4: Increase Your Trade References

More trade lines = more data points = more stable score. Aim for 5-7 reporting vendors within your first year.

Step 5: Monitor Your Report

Check your D&B report regularly at dnb.com. Look for:

Accuracy of reported trade lines
Any missing vendors (contact them to verify reporting)
Errors or discrepancies to dispute

Common Paydex Score Mistakes

Paying late on even one invoice — A single late payment can drop your score significantly
Not having enough trade lines — You need at least 3 for a Paydex score to generate
Using vendors that do not report — Always verify reporting before opening an account
Ignoring your report — Errors happen. Check quarterly.

How Long Does It Take?

30-60 days: First trade lines appear after opening net 30 accounts
60-90 days: Paydex score generates (need 3+ trade lines)
6 months: Stable score established with consistent payment history

Start Building Your Paydex Score Today

Open a Crown Office Supplies Net 30 Account — One of the fastest ways to add a trade line to your D&B report. Easy approval, reports to all three bureaus.

Dun & Bradstreet Paydex Score: What It Is and How to Improve It Leave a comment