How Quickly Can I Get Invoice Finance?
Typical setup: 3-10 working days. Fast-track: 48 hours with some providers. Once live, invoices are typically funded within 24 hours of submission.
The Setup Timeline
Application
Submit your details - turnover, industry, customer list, bank statements. Most providers have short online application forms. Or use our quote tool and providers come to you.
Due diligence
The provider runs credit checks on your top customers (not you - your customers). They review your aged debtor report and bank statements. They may ask follow-up questions about specific invoices or customers.
Offer and legal
You receive a formal offer with rates, advance rates, and terms. Legal documents are prepared. For straightforward cases, this can be same-day. Complex multi-debtor or high-value facilities take longer.
Go live
Sign the agreement. The provider sets up your online portal. You connect your accounting software (if applicable). Submit your first invoices and receive your first advance - usually the same day.
24-hour funding
Once live, submit an invoice in the morning and have the advance in your bank by end of day. Some providers charge a fee for same-day CHAPS transfers, so check the tariff.
Speed by Provider
| Provider | Typical Setup | Fast Track? |
|---|---|---|
| Ultimate Finance | Within 1 week | Not published |
| Close Brothers | 5 days | Case by case |
| Bibby | 5 days | Case by case |
| IGF | 10 working days | Not published |
| Skipton | 5 working days | Not published |
| High street banks | 10-15 days | No |
What Slows Things Down
- Complex debtor book: 50+ customers across multiple industries takes longer to underwrite than 5 blue-chip customers.
- International invoices: Export factoring requires overseas credit checks and correspondent factor arrangements.
- Poor documentation: If you can't quickly provide bank statements, aged debtor reports, and sample invoices, expect delays.
- Existing facilities to discharge: If you're switching from another provider, there's a debenture transfer process that can add days or weeks.
Founder & Managing Director, Muswell Rose, founder and PSC of Best Business Loans Ltd
Adam is the founder and managing director of Muswell Rose and a founder of Best Business Loans Ltd, the company behind Market Invoice. He spent over three years as managing director of Penny, a UK invoice finance business, and his career runs through insurance, mortgages, commercial finance and fintech lending. He writes the Market Invoice library.
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