Allianz Trade vs Time Finance: UK Invoice Finance Comparison 2026

Allianz Trade edges this one in our 2026 UK review at 4.2 of 5 against 4.1 for Time Finance. Both are UK independent invoice finance providers, freer than banks on covenants and faster on decisioning. The difference is sector specialism, headline rate and minimum turnover floor. Allianz Trade advances n/a (insurance, not advance against ledger) with setup in policy underwriting, typically 1 to 3 weeks; Time Finance advances up to 90% with setup in 7 working days. Time Finance still wins where sme service businesses matters more than the headline score. Read the side-by-side, then check the "when X wins" sections for the buyer-fit logic.

Side-by-side

As of 2026-05-27. Headline rates and advance percentages reflect each provider's published or commonly-offered position; bespoke pricing applies above ~£1m ledger so verify before signing.
Allianz Trade Time Finance
Cluster independentindependent
Product type Trade credit insurance and bad debt protectionInvoice finance, asset finance, vehicle finance
Min turnover Varies by policy£250k
Advance rate N/A (insurance, not advance against ledger)Up to 90%
Typical fee Premium as a percentage of insured turnover1.5% to 3% service charge
Contract / commitment Confidential discountingWhole-ledger or selective
Confidential available? YesYes
Factoring available? NoYes
Setup speed Policy underwriting, typically 1 to 3 weeks7 working days
Best for Protecting against customer non-payment; Insuring an existing IF ledger; Exporters managing debtor riskSME service businesses; Multi-product facility seekers; £250k-£5m turnover
Overall rating 4.2 / 54.1 / 5
Last reviewed 2026-05-272026-05-12

When Allianz Trade wins

  • Global leader in trade credit insurance and debtor risk data.
  • Protects against customer insolvency and protracted default.
  • Can be added alongside an existing invoice finance facility.
  • Strengthens funding terms when a ledger is insured.

Best for

Protecting against customer non-payment, Insuring an existing IF ledger, Exporters managing debtor risk.

Watch outs

  • Not invoice finance: it insures debt, it does not advance cash.
  • Provides no working capital on its own.
  • Premiums and underwriting add cost and lead time.

When Time Finance wins

  • AIM-listed independent, financial transparency.
  • Multi-product cross-sell capability.
  • SME-friendly underwriting culture.
  • £150m annual funding scale.

Best for

SME service businesses, Multi-product facility seekers, £250k-£5m turnover.

Watch outs

  • Not the lowest-cost mainstream choice.
  • Less brand presence than Bibby or Close Brothers.
  • Smaller team than mid-market banks.

FAQ

Allianz Trade or Time Finance: which is the better UK invoice finance provider in 2026?

Allianz Trade scores higher overall in our 2026 review at 4.2 of 5 versus 4.1 for Time Finance. That headline does not settle the answer though. Allianz Trade is the stronger pick for protecting against customer non-payment; Time Finance is the stronger pick for sme service businesses. If your business fits one of those use cases, ignore the rating and pick the right fit.

What are the headline commercials, Allianz Trade vs Time Finance?

Allianz Trade advances n/a (insurance, not advance against ledger) at premium as a percentage of insured turnover. Time Finance advances up to 90% at 1.5% to 3% service charge. Minimum turnover is Varies by policy for Allianz Trade and £250k for Time Finance. Setup runs policy underwriting, typically 1 to 3 weeks for Allianz Trade and 7 working days for Time Finance. Bespoke pricing is common above £1m ledger so verify before signing.

Can I get a confidential facility with either Allianz Trade or Time Finance?

Allianz Trade offers confidential invoice discounting (your customers are not notified). Time Finance offers confidential invoice discounting. If your customer relationships make disclosure a non-starter, that determines the answer regardless of headline rate.

Where does each one struggle?

Allianz Trade is the wrong fit for businesses that need cash now. Time Finance is the wrong fit for sub-£250k turnover. If either describes your business, browse the side-by-side or get matched against the wider UK panel via our quote form.

Can Market Invoice help me choose between Allianz Trade and Time Finance?

Yes. We are an independent UK invoice finance comparison operated by Best Business Loans Ltd (16833937). We are not tied to either provider. Tell us monthly turnover, sector, debtor profile and whether you need the facility confidential. We match you against the UK invoice finance providers most likely to approve at a competitive rate, then stay your editorial reference for life.

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Reviewed by Oliver Mackman, Director. Last reviewed: 2026-05-27. Editorial by Best Business Loans Ltd (16833937).