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Better Business Bureau
What it is
Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a web service that helps people find businesses and provides tools for evaluating and managing business relationships. Its directory connects 140 million users a year with businesses, which can create profiles. Consumers can view reviews, submit complaints, and receive alerts when risks emerge. Businesses can request customer reviews and sign in to respond to reviews and complaints. BBB also provides dispute-resolution options: free conciliation, low-cost mediation, and binding arbitration. BBB Learning, powered by MindEdge, offers hundreds of on-demand courses on business topics. Businesses can create a free listing; eligible firms may apply for accreditation, which can include a BBB Seal, an enhanced profile, and access to Get a Quote. Quote requests are sent by email or text, and may be forwarded to nearby Accredited Businesses if the business does not reply within 24 hours and the consumer chose multiple quotes. Accreditation requires at least six months in operation and continued compliance with BBB standards. Local BBBs administer profiles, complaints, reviews, and accreditation, so programs and support can vary by area.
For and against
For
- Directory connects 140 million users a year with businesses
- Profiles support customer reviews and complaint responses
- Offers conciliation, mediation, and binding arbitration
- BBB Learning provides hundreds of on-demand courses
- Accreditation can include a Seal and Get a Quote
Against
- Free listings do not include the BBB Seal
- Accreditation requires six months of operation
- Accreditation dues vary, and no price is listed
- Local programs and benefits can vary
The verdict
BBB combines business profiles and consumer feedback with dispute-resolution services and business education. Its free listing is distinct from accreditation, which has eligibility requirements and an unlisted, variable annual fee.
Who it suits
BBB suits consumers comparing local businesses and businesses that want a directory profile, customer feedback tools, or dispute-resolution options. Accreditation is for eligible businesses that meet its operating and standards requirements.
Plans and prices
BBB Accreditation information
Eligibility: 6+ months · learn about accreditation benefits
Read 4 Oct 2026 · bbb.org
Free business listing
Eligibility: less than 6 months · BBB.org exposure · no BBB Seal · no Accredited-only search listing
Read 4 Oct 2026 · bbb.org
BBB Accreditation
Eligibility: 6+ months and meets standards · BBB.org exposure · BBB Seal · Accredited-only search listing
Read 4 Oct 2026 · bbb.org
On the record
- Accreditation features
- Accreditation benefits include the BBB Seal, an enhanced profile, and the Get a Quote program for consumer quote requests.bbb.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Business directory
- BBB's online directory connects 140 million users a year with businesses, and businesses can create a Business Profile.bbb.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Business education
- BBB Learning is powered by MindEdge and offers hundreds of on-demand courses on business topics.bbb.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Consumer services
- BBB provides business profiles, customer reviews, complaint resolution, and alerts when risks emerge to help consumers choose with confidence.bbb.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Dispute resolution
- BBB offers free conciliation, low-cost mediation, and binding arbitration to help businesses and customers resolve disputes.bbb.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Eligibility
- BBB accreditation requires businesses to have operated for at least six months and continually meet BBB's standards; not all businesses qualify.bbb.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Get a Quote limit
- If a business does not respond within 24 hours and the consumer opted to receive multiple quotes, the request may be forwarded to nearby Accredited Businesses in the same industry.bbb.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Get a Quote notifications
- Quote requests are sent to the business by email or text, according to its preference.bbb.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Local administration
- Independent local BBBs handle business profiles, complaints, reviews, and accreditation in their areas.bbb.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Privacy standard
- BBB's accreditation standards require businesses to protect collected data against unauthorized disclosure and fraud and to collect personal information only as needed.bbb.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- BBB helps people find businesses they can trust and sets standards for honest advertising and ethical business practices.bbb.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Rating distinction
- BBB says accreditation dues do not buy a rating or remove a complaint.bbb.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Reviews and complaints
- Businesses can ask customers to leave reviews and log in to respond to reviews and complaints.bbb.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Support
- BBB directs businesses to their local BBB for accreditation details and support, and local programs and benefits can vary.bbb.org · read 4 Oct 2026
