Company Credit Check: Complete UK Guide (2025)
Master company credit checks in the UK with our comprehensive guide. Discover free methods, compare top providers like Experian and Creditsafe, and learn how to assess business creditworthiness effectively.
Table of Contents
What is a Company Credit Check?
A company credit check is a comprehensive assessment of a business's financial health, creditworthiness, and payment history. It provides crucial insights into a company's ability to meet financial obligations and helps assess business risk.
What You'll Discover
- Credit rating and financial stability score
- Payment behavior and history
- Outstanding debts and credit utilization
- County Court Judgments (CCJs)
- Company registration and director details
Why It Matters
- Reduce bad debt risk by 70%
- Make informed credit decisions
- Set appropriate credit limits
- Monitor existing customers
- Identify potential fraud
Free Company Credit Check Methods
1. Companies House (Free)
Official UK government database
What's Free
- Basic company information
- Director details
- Filing history
- Current status
Limitations
- No credit rating
- No payment history
- Limited financial data
Best For
- Basic due diligence
- Company verification
- Director research
2. Free Trial Credit Reports
Limited-time access to premium features
Available Trials
- Creditsafe: 7-day free trial
- Experian: Free business profile (limited)
- Dun & Bradstreet: Basic report preview
What's Included
- Credit scores and ratings
- Payment performance data
- Risk assessments
- Financial summaries
Best Company Credit Check Providers UK
Experian
Market leader in credit reporting
Pricing
From £12
per report
Key Features
- Comprehensive credit scores
- Real-time monitoring
- Global coverage
- API integration
Industry Standard
Creditsafe
Europe's largest credit bureau
Pricing
From £5
per report
Key Features
- 7-day free trial
- User-friendly interface
- Detailed risk analysis
- Mobile app available
Best Value
Dun & Bradstreet
Global business intelligence
Pricing
From £15
per report
Key Features
- DUNS number system
- Global database
- Industry benchmarking
- Advanced analytics
Enterprise Focus
Experian vs Creditsafe: Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Experian | Creditsafe |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £12 per report | £5 per report |
| Free Trial | Limited preview | 7 days full access |
| Database Size | 5.4M UK companies | 4.8M UK companies |
| Credit Scoring | Advanced algorithms | Standard scoring |
| User Interface | Professional | More intuitive |
| Mobile App | Available | Excellent rating |
| Global Coverage | 195+ countries | Europe focused |
| API Access | Enterprise grade | Standard API |
| Customer Support | Business hours | 24/7 support |
Our Recommendation
For most UK businesses, Creditsafe offers the best value with its 7-day free trial, competitive pricing, and user-friendly interface. Choose Experian if you need global coverage or the most comprehensive credit scoring algorithms.
How to Perform Company Credit Checks
Step-by-Step Guide
Gather Company Information
Collect the company's basic details before starting your search:
- Company name (exact spelling)
- Company registration number
- Registered address
- Director names (if known)
Choose Your Method
Select the most appropriate option based on your needs:
Free Options
- • Companies House search
- • Free trial periods
- • Basic online searches
Paid Options
- • Creditsafe reports
- • Experian profiles
- • D&B intelligence
Conduct the Search
Enter the company details into your chosen platform:
- Start with the company name
- Refine using registration number if needed
- Verify the correct company before proceeding
Review and Analyze
Carefully examine the credit report and key indicators:
- Credit score and rating
- Payment history patterns
- Outstanding judgments or defaults
- Financial stability indicators
Best Practices
Do's
- Always verify company identity before extending credit
- Check multiple data sources for accuracy
- Set up monitoring for existing customers
- Document your credit decisions
- Review reports regularly for changes
Don'ts
- Don't rely solely on free information for major decisions
- Don't ignore warning signs in payment history
- Don't make decisions based on outdated reports
- Don't skip checking director history
- Don't forget to comply with GDPR
Understanding Credit Reports
Credit Score Breakdown
Significant payment issues, CCJs, or insolvency risk
Some payment delays or financial difficulties
Generally reliable with minor issues
Strong financial position and payment history
Key Report Sections
Company Summary
Basic company information and current status
- Registration details and company number
- Trading status and incorporation date
- Industry classification and business activities
Financial Summary
Key financial metrics and performance indicators
- Latest filed accounts and turnover
- Profit margins and financial ratios
- Asset values and liabilities
Payment Behavior
Historical payment patterns and trends
- Average payment days and trends
- Late payment incidents and patterns
- Credit utilization and limits
Risk Indicators
Warning signs and negative events
- County Court Judgments (CCJs)
- Winding-up petitions or charges
- Director disqualifications or bankruptcy
Taking Action Based on Reports
Good Credit (70+)
- • Approve standard credit terms
- • Consider higher credit limits
- • Offer preferred payment terms
- • Minimal monitoring required
Moderate Risk (40-69)
- • Set conservative credit limits
- • Request trade references
- • Shorter payment terms
- • Regular monitoring needed
High Risk (0-39)
- • Consider cash on delivery
- • Require personal guarantees
- • Request credit insurance
- • Continuous monitoring essential
Start Your Company Credit Check Today
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