Metro Bank SME Finance Review

Metro Bank offers invoice finance with a genuinely startup-friendly approach, funding invoices within 12 hours and requiring just 28 days notice to cancel. Their simplified package for facilities up to £100,000 removes much of the complexity that puts smaller businesses off invoice finance, and they do not require a full year of filed accounts.

Metro Bank offers a startup-friendly invoice finance package, funding invoices within 12 hours with 28 days notice to cancel and a simplified product for facilities up to £100,000. More detail + scope

Summary

Metro Bank offers a startup-friendly invoice finance approach, funding invoices within 12 hours and requiring just 28 days notice to cancel. Its simplified package for facilities up to £100,000 removes much of the complexity that puts smaller businesses off invoice finance, and it does not require a full year of filed accounts, making it accessible to newer businesses.

This page covers

Metro Bank invoice finance funding speed, notice period, simplified facility limit and startup acceptance

Not covered here

Larger mid-market facilities (see /providers/), general invoice finance education (see /guides/), sector pages (see /industries/)

Key Facts

Funding speed12 hours
Notice to cancel28 days
Simplified up to£100,000
Startups acceptedYes
TypeChallenger bank

Pros and Cons

Strengths

  • Accepts startups without first-year accounts
  • Fast funding within 12 hours
  • Easy exit with just 28 days notice
  • Simplified package removes complexity for smaller facilities

Limitations

  • Smaller bank with fewer branches than high street rivals
  • Newer to invoice finance than established specialists
  • Limited track record compared to Close Brothers or Aldermore

Our Verdict

Metro Bank is an excellent option for startups and younger businesses that struggle to meet the turnover thresholds and trading history requirements of larger banks. The 12-hour funding and 28-day exit terms are genuinely market-leading among bank-backed providers. More established businesses may find better rates elsewhere, but for accessibility and flexibility, Metro Bank stands out.

OM

Oliver Mackman

Director, Market Invoice

Oliver leads Market Invoice's editorial and comparison research. With a background in UK commercial finance, he oversees provider analysis, rate verification, and industry reporting across all verticals.

Last reviewed: 7 April 2026

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Metro Bank Invoice Finance FAQ

Does Metro Bank accept startups for invoice finance?

Yes. Metro Bank is one of the few banks that will consider startup businesses for invoice finance without requiring a full year of filed accounts. They assess applications based on the quality of your debtors and forward order book.

How quickly does Metro Bank fund invoices?

Metro Bank can fund approved invoices within 12 hours of submission. This is significantly faster than most high street bank competitors, though some fintechs offer same-day or even instant funding.

What is Metro Bank's cancellation policy for invoice finance?

Metro Bank requires just 28 days notice to cancel your invoice finance facility. This is one of the most flexible exit terms in the market, compared to the 3-12 month notice periods typical of larger banks.