Commercial Finance

Invoice Finance vs Factoring: What's the Difference?

2024-10-30 5 min read

Both invoice finance and factoring allow you to unlock cash tied up in unpaid invoices. But they work differently and suit different types of business. This guide explains the key differences to help you choose.

Invoice Discounting

Invoice discounting is confidential. Your customers don't know you're using it. You retain control of your sales ledger and collect payments as normal. The finance provider advances typically 80–90% of invoice values upfront.

Factoring

With factoring, the factor takes over your credit control function. They chase payments from your customers directly. This is useful if you don't have the resources for in-house credit control, but it means your customers will know you're using a factor.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Will my customers know I'm using invoice finance?
With invoice discounting, no. It's confidential. With factoring, yes, the factor collects payment from your customers directly.

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