Close Brothers Invoice Finance vs eCapital: UK Invoice Finance Comparison 2026

Close Brothers Invoice Finance edges this one in our 2026 UK review at 4.5 of 5 against 4.0 for eCapital. 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. Close Brothers Invoice Finance advances up to 90% with setup in 5 working days; eCapital advances up to 90% with setup in 5 to 10 working days. eCapital still wins where recruitment and transport ledgers 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.
Close Brothers Invoice Finance eCapital
Cluster independentindependent
Product type Invoice finance (CID, factoring, ABL)Invoice finance (factoring, CID, ABL)
Min turnover £500k£100k
Advance rate Up to 90%Up to 90%
Typical fee From 0.5% service chargeNegotiated service charge plus discount margin
Contract / commitment Whole-ledger or selectiveWhole-ledger or selective
Confidential available? YesYes
Factoring available? YesYes
Setup speed 5 working days5 to 10 working days
Best for £500k+ turnover Ltd companies; Confidential discounting use cases; Cost-sensitive established trading businessesRecruitment and transport ledgers; SMEs wanting factoring plus ABL; Businesses declined by banks
Overall rating 4.5 / 54.0 / 5
Last reviewed 2026-05-122026-05-27

When Close Brothers Invoice Finance wins

  • 0.5% headline service charge, market-leading.
  • Merchant banking heritage; FCA regulated under Close Brothers Group plc.
  • Strong on confidential invoice discounting (no customer notification).
  • Published criteria, low headline-to-offered rate gap.

Best for

£500k+ turnover Ltd companies, Confidential discounting use cases, Cost-sensitive established trading businesses.

Watch outs

  • £500k+ minimum turnover excludes earlier-stage businesses.
  • Setup 5 days, fine but no faster than mid-tier competitors.
  • Less aggressive on construction-stage payments than Bibby or Ultimate.

When eCapital wins

  • Full range: factoring, confidential discounting and ABL under one roof.
  • International group backing with UK underwriting.
  • Experience across recruitment, transport and wholesale ledgers.
  • Will consider businesses banks decline.

Best for

Recruitment and transport ledgers, SMEs wanting factoring plus ABL, Businesses declined by banks.

Watch outs

  • Headline rates negotiated rather than published.
  • Setup can run longer than fintech competitors.
  • Brand familiarity lower than the high street and large independents.

FAQ

Close Brothers Invoice Finance or eCapital: which is the better UK invoice finance provider in 2026?

Close Brothers Invoice Finance scores higher overall in our 2026 review at 4.5 of 5 versus 4.0 for eCapital. That headline does not settle the answer though. Close Brothers Invoice Finance is the stronger pick for £500k+ turnover ltd companies; eCapital is the stronger pick for recruitment and transport ledgers. If your business fits one of those use cases, ignore the rating and pick the right fit.

What are the headline commercials, Close Brothers Invoice Finance vs eCapital?

Close Brothers Invoice Finance advances up to 90% at from 0.5% service charge. eCapital advances up to 90% at negotiated service charge plus discount margin. Minimum turnover is £500k for Close Brothers Invoice Finance and £100k for eCapital. Setup runs 5 working days for Close Brothers Invoice Finance and 5 to 10 working days for eCapital. Bespoke pricing is common above £1m ledger so verify before signing.

Can I get a confidential facility with either Close Brothers Invoice Finance or eCapital?

Close Brothers Invoice Finance offers confidential invoice discounting (your customers are not notified). eCapital 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?

Close Brothers Invoice Finance is the wrong fit for sub-£500k turnover. eCapital is the wrong fit for buyers wanting published headline pricing. 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 Close Brothers Invoice Finance and eCapital?

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).