Should you use Uline business credit? Here’s what Nav’s research shows
Uline may be a useful supplier for new businesses that genuinely need shipping and industrial supplies.
Not only does it offer a wide variety of supplies, its net-30 account has long been recommended in the business credit-building community as a way to establish a tradeline that can help build business credit. A tradeline is simply another term for accounts that appear on credit reports.
Uline does not publish information about its approval requirements, or how it reports accounts to business credit on its website. Information here has been gathered independently by Nav through online sources and business credit coaches but has not been confirmed by Uline. There is no guarantee a Uline account will help you build business credit.
Can be good for:
Newer and small-to-medium businesses in industries such as e-commerce, manufacturing, or logistics that regularly purchase packaging materials, shipping supplies, janitorial supplies, or warehouse or industrial equipment.
Skip if:
Your business:
- Is brand new
- Doesn’t need to regularly order these types of supplies
- Wants specific approval guidelines
There are other net-30 vendors that list their basic approval requirements on their website. Uline does not.
Pros & cons of Uline
Pros
- No application fees, annual fees, or membership costs
- Massive product catalog with over 43,000 items
- Easy online application integrated into checkout process
- No personal guarantee required for most applicants*
- May report to major business credit bureaus*
Cons
- Shipping costs can be high on low-value orders
- You may need to make multiple purchases before credit terms are extended
- Does not appear to report to all three major business credit bureaus*
What is Uline business credit?
Business credit accounts like Uline work similarly to business credit cards or Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL). In other words, you can make purchases now and pay later. Rather than using a physical credit card though, you get the equivalent of “store credit” with Uline specifically.
With a Uline net-30 account, you have 30 days to pay your invoice after making a purchase. This can help your business manage cash flow while potentially helping to build your business credit history through on-time payments, if those payments are reported and accepted by the credit bureaus. .
Beyond the possibility of building business credit, payment terms may help your business improve cash flow and keep more cash available for immediate operational needs while stocking up on the supplies you need to run your business.
Is a Uline business account a tradeline?
Uline is known as a business tradeline account. A business tradeline reports payment history to major business credit bureaus. Although Uline does not publish information about which credit bureaus it reports to, users in credit forums have reported using it to build credit with major credit bureaus such as Experian Business.
Opening and using accounts with net-30 vendors is a popular way to start building business credit. A personal credit check is not usually required, and some suppliers will offer payment terms to younger businesses.
When compared to getting small business loans that may require more extensive time in business and proof of business revenues, net-30 vendors can be a more accessible way to start building credit, if those payments are submitted to and accepted by business credit bureaus.
Why is Uline good for building business credit?
One of the reasons Uline is considered a popular vendor for building credit is the fact that it has been around for many years, and it offers lots of items a small business may need.
- Product needs: Unlike some vendors that sell niche products, Uline offers essential supplies most businesses actually need—packaging materials, shipping boxes, safety equipment, office furniture, and janitorial and industrial supplies.
- Credit reporting: Users in online forums have reported this account appears on business credit reports, such as Experian Business, which can give business owners the opportunity to potentially build a credit reference with bureaus that accept submitted payment information. This information has not been confirmed by Uline.
How to apply and get approved for a Uline account
Before you apply for credit, it is helpful to understand the process and have the information you need handy.
Step 1: Prepare your business information
- Legal business name and business address
- Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- Business phone number
- Dun & Bradstreet D-U-N-S® Number (if available)
Step 2: Create your Uline account
- Visit Uline.com and select "Business/Company" account type
- Use your exact legal business name as filed with your state
- Provide complete business contact information
Step 3: Online checkout application
- During checkout, select "Invoice Me - Pay within 30 days"
- Submit your order for credit review
Alternative to step 3: Apply by phone
Call Uline customer service at (800) 295-5510 to apply by phone if you prefer speaking with a representative.
Step 4: Complete credit approval process
- Uline's credit department will review your application
- They may request additional information or references
- Users report approval decisions typically coming within 24–48 hours
New businesses should be prepared that their first few orders may require upfront payment before net-30 terms are granted. This is not unusual with some vendors.
Uline net-30 requirements (2025)
Requirement | Detail |
Business structure | LLC, corporation, or established business entity |
EIN required | Must have federal Employer Identification Number |
D&B D-U-N-S® Number | Requested but not mandatory for approval |
Business age | No minimum, but newer businesses may need to pay upfront |
Personal guarantee | Based on user feedback in forums, does not appear to be required, but review terms and conditions carefully |
Trade references | May be requested for credit evaluation |
Bank references | Business bank account information may be required |
Minimum order | Uline’s customer service department reports no minimum order is required |
Does Uline report to business credit bureaus?
Business owners in forums and working with credit coaches have reported successfully using Uline accounts to help build their business credit history.
- Experian Business: Monthly reporting can help build a positive Experian Intelliscore PlusSM
- Equifax Business: Business owners may add reporting to Equifax by using a third-party service like eCredable.
Payment history is an important factor used in calculating business credit scores, so paying on time is crucial for credit-building success.
Common reasons Uline denies net-30 terms
Here are a few reasons that may stop you from being able to get a Uline account.
Business age issues
Very new LLCs (less than 30 days old) may be asked to establish operating history first.
Inconsistent business information
Mismatched business names, addresses, or phone numbers across your application and public records can result in credit problems.
Missing trade references
Businesses without any existing vendor relationships may need to provide bank references or start with prepaid orders.
Incomplete application
Missing EIN, business address, or other required information can trigger automatic denials.
Previous payment issues
Negative credit history with other suppliers or existing collections accounts may impact approval.
Alternatives to Uline business credit
Nav Prime
With Nav Prime1 you can check, manage and monitor your business credit with multiple bureaus, and get up to two business tradelines submitted to major business credit bureaus.2
Other net-30 accounts
There are a lot of other net-30 accounts that may be better suited for your business than Uline. Check out our comprehensive list of the top net-30 vendors for small business owners.
Frequently asked questions
*Information about credit reporting gathered independently by Nav.
Nav Technologies, Inc is a financial technology company and is not an FDIC-insured bank. Banking services provided by Thread Bank, Member FDIC. The Nav Prime charge card is issued by Thread Bank, Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used anywhere Visa cards are accepted. See Cardholder Terms for additional details. All other features of the Nav Prime membership are not associated with Thread Bank.
With regard to credit history building features: results will vary, some users may not see improved scores – improvement not guaranteed. Scores are calculated from many variables. The Nav Prime Charge Card is a business financing product and may not be used for personal, family or household transactions.
This article was published on October 27, 2025.
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Susan Guillory
Susan Guillory is an intuitive business coach and content magic maker. She’s written several business books and has been published on sites including Forbes, AllBusiness, and SoFi. She writes about business and personal credit, financial strategies, loans, and credit cards.