Does the business operate ethically?
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What BBB Accreditation is
Accreditation reviews how your business operates ethically and with integrity. Apply and BBB vets you against its Accreditation Standards. Approved businesses display the BBB Accredited Business Seal and are listed as Accredited in the BBB Directory.
Strong candidates answer "yes" to these:
Does it conduct business with integrity?
Does the business advertise honestly?
Is this a business consumers can trust?
STEP 1: CONFIRM
Are you eligible?
You've been in business for six or more
You're resolved any BBB customer complaints
You follow all advertising laws BBB best practices
Your website has a privacy policy and is secure
You have all required licensing and bonding
You have no governmental ethical violations
You follow through on all contracts and promises
You maintain a B rating or better with BBB
Step 2: Prepare
Gather your documents
The six-month requirement gives your business time to establish a track record. Before you apply, get these ready — and make sure your business is listed on BBB.org.
01
Business license
For every state you operate in.
02
Financials
Showing at least six months of operation
03
Business plan
Your plan as it stands today.
04
Professional licenses
Any required for your industry
05
Tax identification numbers
Specific to your business's service area.
06
BBB listing
Confirm your business is registered and listed.
Privacy is a top priority for BBB. Any business information you provide is safeguarded and protected.
Step 3: Apply
The application process
Use the "Contact Your Local BBB" option under the interest form, or the "My BBB" link at the top of BBB.org. This is where your relationship with your local BBB begins — verify they've received your application, and bring any questions about verification, timing, or payment.
Every Accredited Business certifies that it meets these standards and commits to maintaining them. Review them below and ask how your business delivers on that first "B" in BBB.
after you apply
What happens next
BBB reviews your application — anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on your region. BBB stays neutral throughout, and accreditation status is never predetermined. One of three things happens:
APPROVED
You're in
You're invited to join BBB's community of Accredited Businesses. Congratulations!
ON HOLD
More info needed
Additional information or questions need addressing. Provide what's requested and the application moves forward.
DENIED
Not the end of the road
You'll get details on what fell short — and in many cases, a chance to address it before a final decision.
THE FOUNDATION
BBB's eight Standards for Trust
A set of best practices for how businesses should treat the public in a trustworthy marketplace.
1. Build trust
Establish and maintain a positive track record in the marketplace.
2. Advertise honestly
Adhere to established standards of advertising and selling.
3. Tell the truth
Honestly represent products and services, with clear disclosure of all material terms.
4. Be transparent
Openly identify the nature, location, and ownership of the business.
5. Honor promises
Abide by all written agreements and verbal representations.
6. Be responsive
Address marketplace disputes quickly, professionally, and in good faith.
7. Safeguard privacy
Protect collected data and respect customers' preferences on its use.
8. Embody integrity
Approach all dealings and commitments with integrity.
AFTER APPROVAL
Staying Accredited
Your status stays active as long as you keep current with your dues and uphold the Standards for Trust. In practice, that looks like:
Advertise honestly
Follow BBB's Code of Advertising. Don't overpromise, and back up your marketing claims.
Be responsive to customers
Answer questions, requests, and complaints quickly — treat each as a chance to connect.
Address complaints and reviews
Monitor and respond to reviews, positive and negative, to build your reputation.
Honor your promises
Hold up your end of every contract. Honest business is what trust is built on.
Ready to be BBB Accredited?
If your business runs on honesty, integrity, and trust, you're in good company. Let's get started.