How Our Invoice Finance Matching Works

Fast Business Loans does not provide finance. We collect a few details about your company and funding needs, then introduce you to lenders and brokers who can help. The enquiry is quick, it’s not an application, and it won’t affect your credit score.

Our 4-step matching process

1. Complete a short enquiry (2 minutes): Basic company details, typical invoice values and the funding amount you need (from £10K upwards).
2. We match you: We select lenders and brokers from our panel who specialise in your sector and size of debtor book.
3. Receive contact: Providers will contact you directly to discuss terms, turnaround and next steps.
4. Compare and decide: Review quotes, ask questions, then accept the offer that suits you. There’s no obligation to proceed.

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What is Invoice Finance?

Invoice finance releases cash tied up in unpaid invoices so you can access working capital without waiting for customer payments. Providers typically advance a percentage of the invoice value immediately and collect the remainder (minus fees) once your customer pays.

Invoice finance is a flexible working capital tool used to smooth cashflow, pay suppliers and take on new orders. It differs from a bank overdraft or term loan because funding is linked to your sales ledger rather than a fixed repayment schedule.

Why Businesses Use Invoice Finance

Businesses turn to invoice finance when cash is tied up in receivables and they need reliable liquidity. Common reasons include:

• Bridge gaps caused by late-paying customers.
• Fund growth — take on larger contracts without waiting for invoices to be paid.
• Meet payroll and supplier costs during busy seasons.
• Improve bargaining power with suppliers by paying earlier.

Example: A manufacturer wins a large order but needs to buy materials immediately. Invoice finance can release funds against issued invoices so production can start without delay.

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Types of Invoice Finance Explained

Invoice Factoring

Factoring means the provider manages collections and advances cash (commonly 70–90% of invoice value). This is suitable if you want a hands-off approach to debtor management. Pros: speeds up cashflow and offloads collections. Cons: customers will often be aware of the arrangement.

Confidential Invoice Discounting

Discounting keeps the arrangement confidential. Your business retains control of collections while the lender advances funds against invoices. Pros: customers are unaware; good for established teams that manage credit control well. Cons: usually requires stronger financial controls and may be pricier.

Selective / Spot Finance

Finance only the invoices you choose, ideal for seasonal spikes or one-off needs. Pros: flexible and cost-effective for intermittent funding requirements. Cons: not always suitable for replacing long-term facilities.

Industry-specific Options

Some providers offer solutions tailored to construction retentions, logistics, or export invoices. If your sector is specialised, we’ll prioritise partners with the right experience.

Need to learn more about invoice options? See our detailed guide to invoice finance here: invoice finance.

Eligibility & Documents Checklist

Typical eligibility criteria for invoice finance providers include:

• Company trading history (many lenders prefer established businesses, but options exist for newer SMEs).
• Turnover and size of debtor book (facilities usually work best where invoice values and volumes are steady).
• Customer creditworthiness — the quality of your debtors matters more than your director credit score in many cases.

Common documents you’ll be asked for:

• Aged debtor list or recent ledger exports.
• Signed customer contracts or purchase orders.
• Recent management accounts, VAT returns and bank statements.
• ID and proof of address for directors (standard KYC).

Submitting an enquiry to Fast Business Loans is a soft search only and won’t affect your credit file. Check Eligibility in 2 Minutes.

Costs, Fees & Key Questions to Ask Providers

Invoice finance costs vary by product, sector and risk profile. Typical fee components include:

• Advance rate: the % of invoice value advanced (e.g. 70–90%).
• Discount/interest: charged on the advanced amount for the period the invoice is outstanding.
• Service fee: monthly or a percentage of turnover for administration and credit control services.
• Set‑up and exit fees: one-off charges to open or close the facility.

Questions to ask when comparing offers:

1. What is the advance rate and maximum facility size?
2. Are there minimum invoice values or excluded customers?
3. Who handles customer contact and collections?
4. Are there any hidden charges (reporting, audits, early repayment)?
5. What turnaround time can I expect from approval to first advance?

Compare multiple offers quickly: Compare Invoice Finance Quotes — Free

Industries We Commonly Help with Invoice Finance

Invoice-heavy sectors often benefit most. Our panel regularly supports:

• Manufacturing & engineering
• Logistics & distribution
• Wholesale & supply chains
• Construction (including progress invoices and retention finance)
• Professional services and agencies (B2B clients with reliable payment records)

Fast Business Loans vs Going Direct

Why use an introducer?

• Save time: one short enquiry connects you to multiple, relevant partners.
• Sector expertise: we match you with lenders who know your industry-specific risks.
• Confidential and no obligation: you decide whether to proceed after receiving offers.
• Secure and GDPR-compliant: your data is shared only with potential providers who can help.

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How to Prepare for a Successful Application

Small steps can speed approval:

• Tidy your aged debtor report and flag disputed invoices separately.
• Identify any customer concentration risk (one customer representing a large % of turnover).
• Prepare management accounts and recent bank statements.
• Be ready to explain your sales terms and collection process.

When you submit an enquiry, tell us the typical invoice size and payment terms — this helps us match you faster. Get Quote Now

Success Snapshot

A mid-sized supplier to retail outlets faced a 60-day payment cycle that constrained growth. After a quick enquiry, Fast Business Loans matched the business with a specialist funder offering a confidential discounting facility. Result: £250,000 released against invoices within 48 hours of approval, allowing the company to fulfil larger orders and hire two extra production staff.

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FAQs

How quickly can funds be released?

Many providers can advance funds within 24–72 hours after approval. Speed depends on the quality of documentation and the provider’s onboarding process.

Will my customers know I’m using invoice finance?

It depends. Factoring usually involves notifying customers; confidential discounting keeps the arrangement hidden. Tell us your preference and we’ll match accordingly.

What’s the minimum facility size?

Most providers focus on facilities from around £10,000 and up. If you need less than that, speak to our panel about selective or spot finance options.

Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?

No. Completing our enquiry is a soft, initial step and does not affect your business credit file. Lenders may perform checks later with your consent.

Can I use invoice finance alongside existing loans?

Often yes — but you must disclose existing borrowing as it may affect priority over debtor book assets. Your matched broker will explain interaction with current facilities.

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Compliance & Transparency

Important: Fast Business Loans is an introducer — we do not lend or provide financial advice. We help you find lenders and brokers who may offer suitable invoice finance solutions. Exact terms, eligibility and pricing are set by the lender or broker you deal with. All finance is subject to approval and terms vary by provider.

Your information is handled securely and only shared with relevant finance partners who can help with your request. Completing the enquiry form is not an application and does not guarantee funding.

Ready to free up cash from unpaid invoices? Start Your Free Eligibility Check