The basis of the Bisnode certificate is Bisnode's rating system, which has been used for rating companies in view of their reliability since 1908. Issued with AAA, AA, and A ratings, Bisnode certificates indicate the stability of companies, and that companies in possession of such ratings – i.e. Bisnode certificates – have steady financial standing. The AAA  company rating was introduced in 1989 and firms have had the opportunity to demonstrate their business reliability in the form of certificates as well since 1996. The certificate provides means for the eligible companies to show to others that their companies are recognized, reliable and creditworthy undertakings. The Bisnode certificate is used in several countries across Europe while in the Nordic countries it is considered to be a standard of trading.