For BusinessFor BrokersFor LendersFor Partners

Invoice Finance

Free up your cashflow - release funds tied in unpaid invoices.

We compare over 250 lenders to get you the best deal.

Invoice Finance

What is invoice finance?

Invoice finance, also known as debtor finance or factoring, helps businesses unlock cash tied up in unpaid invoices by providing an upfront advance of up to 95% of the invoice value. The remaining balance, minus fees, is paid once the customer settles the invoice.
Types of invoice finance facilities include:

  • Confidential Invoice Discounting (CID): Business borrows against invoices, with the process kept confidential from customers.
  • Invoice Discounting: Business borrows against unpaid invoices, with customers aware of the lender's involvement.
  • Client Handles Own Credit Control Services (CHOCCs): Business manages credit control while receiving funding against invoices.
  • Spot Factoring: Business sells specific invoices for immediate cash, ideal for one-off situations.
  • Selective Invoice Finance: Flexible financing where a business selects which invoices to finance.

Costs typically include:

  • Service fee: A percentage of the invoice value or fixed monthly fee for administration.
  • Discount fee: Typically between 1-5%, similar to an interest rate for the facility.
  • Arrangement fee: Varies by lender, covering the cost of setting up the facility.

Am I Eligible for an Unsecured Business Loan?

To qualify for an unsecured business loan, lenders typically look at your business’s credit history, annual revenue, trading duration (usually 6+ months), and your ability to repay. Unlike secured loans, you don’t need to offer collateral, making it ideal for fast-growing or asset-light businesses.

How Much Can I Borrow?

Unsecured business loans usually range from £5,000 to £500,000. The amount you're eligible for depends on your revenue, creditworthiness, and lender criteria. We work with lenders who offer flexible borrowing limits tailored to your needs.

How Fast Can I Get Funded?

Some of our lending partners offer decisions within 24 hours, and funding can be released as quickly as the same day. The process is online, streamlined, and hassle-free, so you can focus on growing your business.

What Can I Use the Loan For?

Unsecured loans can be used for almost any business purpose, including cash flow management, stock purchases, equipment upgrades, marketing campaigns, or hiring new staff. It’s up to you how to invest in your growth.

What Are the Interest Rates & Terms?

Interest rates for unsecured business loans typically range from 6% to 25% APR, depending on the lender, loan amount, and your credit profile. Repayment terms vary between 6 months and 5 years. We’ll match you with the best rates available for your situation.

Apply Now

Apply Now
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Journey

Submit your enquiry

Complete our quick online form with a few details about your business and what you need funding for. No commitment, no jargon.

Speak to a specialist

A dedicated finance expert will get in touch to understand your needs and tailor options that work for your business.

Get matched with a lender

We’ll match you with trusted lenders from our panel, offering competitive rates and flexible terms suited to your sector.

Choose your finance offer

Review your finance offers with full transparency. We’ll guide you through the details so you can make a confident decision.

Receive your funds

Once approved, your funds are released quickly — often within 24–48 hours — so you can get back to growing your business.

Loan Calculator

Monthly Payment
£0.00
Total Repayment
£0.00

Industries

Healthcare & Life Sciences

Technology & Telecommunications

Manufacturing & Industry

Transportation & Logistics

Services

Apply now

FAQs

What percentage of the invoice value can I access upfront?

With invoice finance, you can typically access between 80% and 95% of the invoice value upfront, depending on the lender, the type of facility, and your business profile. For example, some providers may offer a higher advance rate if you have reliable clients, strong trading history, or a lower-risk industry profile.

The remaining balance, usually 5–20%, is paid to you once your customer settles the invoice, minus the lender’s fees. This structure enables your business to unlock working capital tied up in unpaid invoices, improving cash flow and liquidity without waiting for customers to pay.

Both invoice factoring and invoice discounting allow you to convert sales invoices into immediate cash, making it easier to cover operational costs, invest in growth, or manage seasonal fluctuations.

How quickly can I access funds though Invoice Finance?

One of the main advantages of invoice finance is the speed at which you can access your money. Once an invoice has been verified and approved by the provider, funds can be released within 24 to 48 hours.

For existing clients with an established facility, the process can be almost instant, with same-day funding in many cases. The exact timeframe will depend on how quickly the lender can validate your invoices and confirm your customers’ creditworthiness.

This makes invoice financing an ideal solution for businesses that need fast access to working capital to manage payroll, purchase stock, or take advantage of new opportunities, without waiting for long payment terms to clear.

How long does it take to arrange an Invoice Finance facility?

Setting up a new invoice finance facility generally takes between one and three weeks, though the timeline can vary depending on your business structure and the provider’s processes.

The setup involves an initial consultation to assess your funding needs, submission of key business documents (such as financial accounts, invoices, and customer details), and credit checks on both your company and your clients.

Some lenders offer express setup services for straightforward applications, meaning businesses with simple invoicing arrangements could access funding in just a few days.

Once your facility is active, drawing funds against invoices becomes a smooth and repeatable process, providing a reliable source of ongoing cash flow.

Will my clients know I'm using Invoice Finance?

Whether or not your clients know about your invoice finance facility depends on the type of service you choose:

Invoice Discounting is confidential, meaning your customers remain unaware that a third party is involved. You retain full control of your credit management and collections process.

Invoice Factoring, on the other hand, is a disclosed arrangement where the finance provider manages collections directly, contacting clients to verify invoices and chase payments.

Both options have benefits, confidential discounting offers discretion and control, while factoring provides convenience and outsourced credit management. Your choice will depend on your business size, resources, and customer relationships.

Are there long term commitments with Invoice Finance?

Commitments for invoice finance facilities vary between lenders. Some providers offer flexible, rolling agreements that allow you to use the facility as needed, while others may have minimum term contracts, often ranging from 6 to 12 months.

Even when a term is set, most agreements allow businesses to exit early with advance notice, although a small termination fee may apply. It’s also quite common for businesses to switch from one invoice finance provider to another for better rates, improved service, or more suitable terms.

Both your current provider and your new lender will usually assist with a smooth transition, ensuring that your cash flow remains uninterrupted throughout the process.

Jamie Davies

Head of Lending

"Invoice finance transforms unpaid invoices into working capital, giving businesses a flexible and often cost-effective funding solution. While it’s sometimes misunderstood, modern invoice finance can adapt to diverse needs, helping businesses improve cash flow without waiting for client payments."
Disclaimer: Spark Finance Ltd (Registered office - 18 John Stow House, London, England, EC3A 7JB, Registered Number 10128297) helps UK firms access business finance. Spark is a credit broker, not a lender. Any quotes provided are for information purposes only and subject to status and separate lender terms and conditions. Applicants must be aged 18 and over.  Guarantees and Indemnities may be required.  Spark Finance may receive commission from lenders  which may vary depending on the lender, product, or other permissible factors. The nature of any commission model will be confirmed to you before you proceed.

Spark Finance Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK (FRN 958123).