Though they are harder to obtain than their net 30 and net 60 counterparts, net 90 accounts are extended-period trade accounts that can help businesses improve their creditworthiness in the eyes of investors, vendors, and stakeholders. Most vendors offer net 90 terms only in certain circumstances, often relying on external credit reporting agencies to verify a customer’s financial standing.

Since net 90 accounts can feel a bit elusive at first, we’re here to peel back the curtain. Let’s assess what net 90 actually means, discuss how business leaders can secure these agreements, and comb through a list of net 90 vendors that are operating now.

What is Net 90?

If you’re asking, “Okay, what is net 90?” then you’re in the right place. Net 90 refers to the payment terms offered by a specific vendor. If a vendor is a net 90 vendor, they allow certain customers to pay invoices back within 90 calendar days of receiving said invoices – without interest, too. Net 90 vendors are much rarer than net 30 or net 60 vendors because waiting for 90 days to get paid after administering goods or services isn’t an option for every business.

Net 90 vendors are common in some industries – like wholesale or construction – but not in others. It’s also easier for large enterprises to support net 90 terms than it is for smaller businesses. Since large vendors usually have more cash on hand and a variety of customers, the 90-day gap between providing goods and getting paid isn’t as tough to cover financially.

Securing net 90 accounts with vendors, no matter the size or industry of your business – is a win. It says that the vendors are confident in your ability to pay back business debts, giving you the chance to tap into what is essentially a new “line of credit.” An added bonus of net 90 accounts is that most vendors report these accounts to major credit bureaus, so if you pay your invoices on time, your business credit score is getting a boost.

Access Net 90 Terms Without a Business Credit Score

Most vendors won’t enter into net 90 trade accounts unless they are certain that the customer can and will pay their invoices on time. To gain that certainty, they’ll check the credit score of that business. For new businesses, however, building a business credit score can be challenging at first. It’s the same as a personal credit score – you have to have debt to build it, but no one wants to give you access to debt unless you have a credit score. 

Businesses without a business credit score might have to start small and work their way up to net 90 payment terms. Perhaps starting with net 30 payment terms at first, then after months or years of displaying reliable accounts payable practices, those vendors will agree to longer terms, offering 60- or 90-day windows for payment. Establishing strong vendor relationships – and managing them well – is critical if obtaining net 90 terms is the goal.

How to Build a Business Credit Score Using Net 90 Credit

Once a net 90 account is active, it becomes a tool that businesses can use to build a business credit score. Since most net 90 vendors report trade accounts to credit bureaus like Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business, Equifax Business, and Creditsafe, every business customer will be assigned a number within those bureaus, making it easy to monitor fluctuations in a business’s credit score. 

Just like a business could tank its business credit score by failing to make payments, it can boost its credit score by being financially responsible and making payments on time. Again, think about it through a personal finance lens – people who pay their credit card debts off each cycle have great credit scores, even if they use credit cards more than someone who makes late payments and is constantly maxing out their card. Business leaders simply need to make payments on time and pay invoices off when they’re due, and they’ll see their business credit score climb.

Net 30 vs. Net 60 vs. Net 90

When searching for net 90 vendors, you may notice some vendors offering net 30 or net 60 accounts. Essentially, net 30, net 60, and net 90 are all very similar; the main difference is how long the payment window is for each invoice. Net 30 accounts allow customers a 30-day window to fulfill invoice payments, while net 60 accounts give 60 days, and net 90 accounts provide – you guessed it – 90 days.

Another key difference between the three types of trade accounts is their ease of access. Net 30 accounts are much easier to secure, and some vendors automatically apply net 30 terms to all new client accounts. Net 60 vendors are a bit more stringent when approving new customers for these terms, but they are accessible even to startups and small businesses. Net 90 terms are the hardest to get; net 90 vendors are few and far between, and small businesses especially have a hard time obtaining these contracts.

How Major Business Credit Bureaus Work

The credit bureaus listed above publish credit bureau reports that vendors, investors, competitors, and lenders can use to vet certain potential clients or accounts. The bureaus gather company information when a business registers with them. After providing their Employer Identification Number (EIN) and other business information, the businesses are then given a unique identifying number within that credit bureau’s system.

When vendors are doing a credit check on a new client – which is often done when deciding what kind of payment terms to offer a client – vendors can look up the business with each of the credit bureaus. With the reports provided, vendors can get an idea of the business credit score, allowing them to make an informed decision before entering into any specific business partnership with them.

In turn, vendors then report each customer’s payment history to the credit bureaus, helping them maintain an accurate database of business credit scores for reference. Business credit reports created by these bureaus contain business credit scores, suggested credit limits, and business ratings.

Best Net 90 Vendors

Ready to start building business credit? Check out these vendors’ net 90 options:

Lenovo Net 90 Accounts

With 2-in-1 laptops and build-your-own laptops, Lenovo makes it easy for businesses to provide customized technology solutions to their employees. For businesses that have been operating for two or more years, have ten or more employees, and are based in the US, net 90 payment terms are offered. Lenovo does conduct business credit checks, so without secure credit standing, businesses may not qualify. 

Dell Net 90 Accounts

Another powerhouse electronics provider, Dell has a wide range of tools and office equipment that business customers use daily. Business users can even find servers and workstations to expand their operations. In addition to net 90 terms, Dell has a business credit option. Granting businesses a revolving line of credit that doesn’t accrue interest as long as the balance is paid off within 90 days for specific items.

Bzaar Net 90 Accounts

For brick-and-mortar stores, Bzaar is an online wholesaler that allows buyers to try products before they pay for them. With a 90-day payment window, customers can test out jewelry, décor, or other artisan products they purchased before forking over the cash. For retailers, this is great news – if a product isn’t performing as expected, there will be less of a financial burden associated with it.  

Quill Net 90 Accounts

Quill extends net 90 accounts to businesses, granting extended payment terms on a wide range of office supplies, including stationery, electronics, furniture, and break room essentials. This comprehensive product offering ensures that businesses can access everything they need to maintain their operations while benefiting from flexible payment options.

Wise Net 90 Accounts

Wise, previously “TransferWise,” is the go-to payment platform for international money transfers and multi-currency businesses. Sending funds internationally is more affordable with Wise than with other banks, and the fees used are much more transparent. And with net 90 accounts for businesses, too? There’s nothing but good news here. If you need more details on global financial management, this is a great read.

Obey Business Net 90 Accounts

Marketing is one of the key differentiators between small businesses that fail and small businesses that thrive. With Obey Business, startups and small businesses can tap into a wealth of marketing resources. Everything from logo design and social media management can be accessed through Obey’s business credit building service. For $98 per month, users can purchase a net 90 tradeline. There is a limit of $7,500, but there are no credit checks or other qualifications needed to access this service.

Build Credit, Stay Current on Payments, Grow Your Business

For new business owners and entrepreneurs, it can sometimes feel like established organizations have it all figured out when it comes to things like business credit and vendor selection. But the truth is that every business leader is learning as they go, tapping into as many resources as they can find, and learning from those around them. So, no matter where a business is in its journey, building business credit and staying up-to-date on payments and obligations are both great tools for growth.

Use the list of net 90 vendors if you’re looking for a place to start building credit. Then, it’s time to up your accounts payable game. With software like Nanonets, you can move through the day knowing that you’re never going to be late on a payment and that nothing but positive credit bureau reports are in your future. With automated invoice approvals, built-in internal controls, and electronic payment features, it’s hard to mess up.

The best part? Nanonets doesn’t stop at payment management and invoice processing – it has the capabilities to automate your accounts payable entirely.