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A commercial certification is a formal document that validates your business track record in the U.S. It's crucial when opening bank accounts, applying for credit, or participating in public tenders. In this guide, you will learn:
With this guide, you’ll be able to create a legally valid certification and use it with confidence in business operations.
A commercial certification is a formal statement, usually written and signed by a company, attesting to the existence of an active, solid, and trustworthy commercial relationship with another business entity. In the U.S., this document is used as proof of creditworthiness, compliance, and business reliability in front of banks, financial institutions, suppliers, government agencies, and state authorities.
Although they are often confused, these three documents have different purposes:
Commercial certifications are more formal than business references and, while they don’t carry the same legal weight as a letter of good standing, they offer valuable context and trust in business transactions.
There’s no federal format for this document in the U.S., and its validity can vary depending on state and context:
Most U.S. banks request a commercial certification during their Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures. It helps verify a company’s business history before approving an account.
Suppliers and lenders use commercial certifications to assess reliability, on-time payments, and legitimate partnerships. It’s a vital tool to establish business credit in the U.S. without a prior personal or business credit score.
Public and private institutions, especially those using state funds, often require support documentation during bidding processes. A commercial certification boosts your credibility and strengthens proposals.
Include the following:
Make clear who is certifying the business relationship and who the subject is. Include:
Core section of the document should say:
"We hereby certify that [Company X] has maintained a commercial relationship with our organization since [YEAR], fully meeting their contractual and financial obligations."
Include:
Below is a reference image of a commercial certification format validated by Prodezk’s legal team. This model includes all essential fields accepted by banks, suppliers, and state agencies.
Adapt the Prodezk template to fit your business. Ensure proper grammar and legal terminology.
This may be mandatory depending on the state or intended use. Consult Prodezk for guidance.
Save both physical and PDF copies. Submit as required to banks, vendors, or bid proposals.
Major banks like Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo often require documents that prove your company is actively conducting business. A commercial certification can be crucial to demonstrate your company’s activity and support your compliance with Know Your Customer (KYC) policies.
Prodezk Example: A Latin American entrepreneur incorporating an LLC in Florida can use a commercial certification issued by a U.S. supplier to open a business account—without a prior credit history.
U.S. wholesalers or distributors assess new clients based on their business track records. By submitting a commercial certification from a U.S.-based partner, your company can qualify for net-30, net-60, or net-90 payment terms, reducing the need for upfront capital.
Prodezk Example: A Hispanic e-commerce store presents its commercial certification to obtain inventory on consignment from a distributor in New York.
In states like California or Texas, public procurement forms often request proof of experience and contract fulfillment. A certification from a past commercial partner can satisfy this requirement.
Prodezk Example: A Texas-based construction company submits a commercial certification to support its bid for a local infrastructure project.
A Letter of Good Standing is issued by the state where a company is registered, confirming it has met all tax and filing requirements. It does not validate commercial relationships.
Each state sets different expectations for commercial documents. General trends:
1. Where can I see a model of a commercial certification?
A visual reference is included in this article. You can use it as a step-by-step guide to craft your own.
2. Is notarization required?
Not always. Some banks and agencies do require it. It's best to consult based on your state and business objective.
3. Can it be signed digitally?
Yes. In the U.S., electronic signatures are accepted if issued through platforms like DocuSign or Adobe Sign.
4. Is it valid outside the U.S.?
Generally, no. This document is designed for domestic use. For international acceptance, it may require translation or apostille.
5. How long is it valid?
Usually between 90 to 180 days, depending on the entity requesting it.
6. Do I need a lawyer to create one?
It’s not mandatory, but highly recommended if you plan to present it to formal institutions or for cross-state use.
Understanding how to correctly prepare a commercial certification can unlock major business opportunities in the U.S.—from accessing capital to winning state contracts. However, every state has different rules, and even small wording errors can lead to rejection or delays.
At Prodezk, we offer personalized support in English and Spanish to help you issue legally valid and strategic commercial certifications. Our business and legal experts guide you through each step, from drafting to notarization or apostille.
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