If trust matters to your customers, it should matter to your business. BBB Accreditation gives you the credibility and tools to stand out online and in the moments that influence buying decisions.
IS BBB ACCREDITATION RIGHT FOR YOU?
The BBB Seal is a visible sign that your business lives up to high standards. It shows customers, partners, lenders, and your community that you operate with honesty and integrity. Only businesses that meet BBB’s Standards of Trust are invited to become BBB Accredited.
How BBB Accreditation helps Jacob build trust
In my industry, there is a lot of distrust. It makes people feel more comfortable when they're doing business with a company that's Accredited.
- Jacob, Owner of a BBB Accredited Business
HOW TO BECOME BBB ACCREDITED
Applying is simple. Our team will guide you through the process, and every application is reviewed by a real person. If your business meets the standards, you’ll be approved.
- Is my business ready for BBB Accreditation?
- How to apply for BBB Accreditation
- What does BBB's vetting process involve?
To qualify, you'll need to:
- Operate for at least 6 months
- Hold a BBB.org rating of B or higher
- Meet all licensing requirements for your industry
- Have no unresolved BBB complaints
- Align with BBB's 8 Standards of Trust
You can start your application online anytime at BBB.org/apply, or connect with a BBB team member at 888-860-2227 ext. 757 if you’d like someone to walk you through it.
We take the time to understand your business because trust isn’t one-size-fits-all. Every application is reviewed by a real person so we can make sure your business meets our Standards of Trust.
Here’s what we look at:
- Business licenses for each state where you operate
- Background check for business leadership
- Confirmation of a physical business location within our service area
- Any required professional licenses for your industry
- Website accuracy and honesty in your advertising
This process could take additional time if your industry requires licensing.
WHAT YOU GET WITH BBB ACCREDITATION
This is more than a seal. It’s a complete toolkit to strengthen your reputation, attract new customers, and set your business up for lasting success.
How Scott leverages his BBB benefits
We use BBB's Google retargeting ads, which is a really affordable way for smaller businesses to get into that field. Normally, it takes a pretty large budget to have effective Google ads... When [customers] are on BBB.org, they see our ad pop up that highlights the things that set us apart.
- Scott, VP of Marketing at a BBB Accredited Business
WHY BUSINESSES CHOOSE BBB
BBB | Other platforms | |
Trust and credibility | Verified standards, vetted reviews, and complaint resolution | Public reviews only, no vetting or business conduct oversight |
Lead generation | Qualified traffic from people actively seeking trusted businesses | High visibility, but traffic isn’t always from people ready to choose |
Advertising options | Affordable, fully managed campaigns through BBB Marketing Solutions | Do-it-yourself ads with limited support |
Cost | Free profiles; fees for long-term credibility and trust ROI through BBB Accreditation | Free profiles; paid ads optional |
BBB advantage | Combines authority, credibility, and client-protective features — ideal for reputation-driven service providers. | Lacks formal trust standards, business ethics enforcement, or accountability beyond review moderation. |
TRUST THAT PAYS OFF
BBB Accreditation helps you build trust and grow with confidence over the long haul.
Establish long-term consumer confidence and resolve conflicts smoothly
87% of BBB Accredited Businesses say it boosts credibility
High-ranking BBB profiles and verified reviews
BBB Accredited Businesses are 16x more likely to earn a positive review on BBB.org than non-accredited businesses
Encourages loyalty, referrals, and repeat business
BBB delivers more than 5,000 quote requests to Accredited Businesses every month
Accreditation acts as a trust badge in crowded or skeptical markets
87% of buying decisions begin with online research — and BBB is one of the top destinations consumers use to validate trust