Offering payment terms to a new customer creates a credit decision. The goal is not to find one number that says “safe” or “unsafe”; it is to verify the right legal entity, assess the available evidence, decide an exposure you can afford and review it as the relationship develops.
Use evidence in layers
Public company records are a strong starting point for identity, status and historical filings. They do not show a live bank balance, real-time payment behaviour or a guarantee of payment. Add references, current information and clear internal controls.
Verify the legal customer first
Get the legal company name and CRO registration number—not only a trading name or logo. Match these to the purchase order, contract, delivery address and authorised contacts. A correct company profile is necessary, but it does not prove that the person placing an order is authorised.
A practical new-customer credit-check process
- Identify the entity. Confirm legal name, CRO number, registered office, VAT details where relevant and trading contacts.
- Check public status. Review current CRO status and any strike-off, liquidation, receivership or examinership entry.
- Read the filing timeline. Look for annual returns, latest accounts and significant recent changes.
- Review available financial context. Consider the accounts date, net assets, borrowing/charges and any relevant disclosures—but remember they are historical.
- Obtain current evidence. Use independently verified trade references, credit application information, payment history or management information where proportionate.
- Set the limit and terms. Choose a conservative opening limit, payment term, deposit or staged-delivery structure.
- Monitor and review. Update limits based on actual payment performance and material changes.
What to check in the Irish company record
| Record | Useful question | Limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Legal identity and CRO number | Am I contracting with the correct entity? | Does not confirm authority or bank ownership |
| Status and notices | Is there a material recorded status change? | Normal is not a credit rating |
| Annual returns and accounts | How current and complete is the historical picture? | Does not show current cash or payment behaviour |
| Charges | Are secured interests recorded? | Does not show current loan balance or priority in full |
| Officers and addresses | Are there material changes to investigate? | Do not prove ownership or trading activity |
Set payment terms that match the risk
A credit check should lead to an operational decision. A small first order may justify pro-forma payment, card payment or a short limit. A larger order might require a deposit, staged supply, shorter terms, a purchase-order requirement or additional security. Do not give a new customer an open-ended limit solely because a company exists on the register.
Document the decision: the proposed limit, why it was approved, the evidence reviewed, who authorised it and the next review date. This makes exceptions visible and helps you respond consistently if circumstances change.
Warning signs that require more evidence
- a customer will not provide its exact legal entity or uses inconsistent invoice, order and delivery details;
- the company record has a material status notice or an unclear filing sequence;
- accounts are old, show pressure or contain disclosures needing professional interpretation;
- the requested credit exceeds the customer’s history with you or normal industry practice;
- the order is urgent, unusual or asks you to bypass normal approval controls;
- references cannot be verified independently.
These are prompts to investigate, not proof that the customer will not pay. Use the right level of diligence for the exposure.
Credit control after the account is opened
The first decision is only the start. Monitor due dates, promised-payment dates, disputed invoices and changes in order size. Review the company record at sensible intervals, especially before increasing a limit. Place the account on hold promptly if it breaches agreed terms, then resolve the facts through an appropriate escalation process.
For help interpreting the public record, see CRO filing history, overdue accounts and audit and going-concern warnings.
Public records are not a complete credit report
Company filings are historical and may be abridged. They cannot show all current liabilities, undisclosed events, current cash or every payment dispute. A credit decision for material exposure should also use your trading experience, independently verified references, current evidence and professional advice where needed.
Start every credit decision with the company record
Search the company free, or order a Businesses.ie report for a structured review of available identity, status, officers, filings, charges and financial information before deciding what current evidence to request.
Sources and review note
This guide was reviewed on 4 August 2026 against CRO guidance on access to CRO data, annual-return filing and financial statements. It is general information, not credit, accounting or legal advice.