The Better Business Bureau rates businesses whether or not they pay, and accredits the ones that apply, qualify and pay dues. BBB says accredited businesses pay annual dues. BBB says accreditation fees depend on several factors, including the size of the business. It does not publish one national price.
- Accredited businesses pay annual dues; the amount depends on factors such as business size.
- You must have been selling for at least six months and meet licensing requirements.
- Accredited businesses must keep at least a B rating.
- You agree to answer disputes BBB forwards quickly and in good faith.
- It is a trust signal, not a source of leads by itself.
What it costs
BBB says accreditation fees depend on several factors, including the size of the business. It does not publish one national price. Your local BBB quotes the dues. Ask for the amount and the renewal terms in writing.
Who qualifies and what you agree to
To qualify, a business must have been selling for at least six months, meet licensing requirements and keep at least a B rating. Accredited businesses agree to answer disputes BBB forwards quickly and in good faith.
BBB's eight standards are: build trust, advertise honestly, tell the truth, be transparent, honor promises, be responsive, safeguard privacy and embody integrity. BBB says its seal is used by more than 400,000 businesses across the US and Canada.
Is it worth it for a contractor?
It depends on your customers. Some homeowners, often older ones and buyers of large jobs, check BBB before they hire. Most check Google reviews first. If your buyers ask about BBB, accreditation can help close; if nobody has mentioned it in a year, your money and time may do more on reviews.
The trust signal homeowners see first
Accreditation is one trust signal. Reviews on Google are the one most homeowners see first. Koira asks every paying customer for a Google review an hour after the invoice is paid and drafts the reply, which builds the same kind of trust without annual dues (reviews).
Sources
- BBB: Get accredited, checked October 9, 2026
- BBB Accreditation Standards, checked October 9, 2026
Last checked October 9, 2026. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change and differ by state and city, so confirm with the agency named before you act.