Summary — Quick answer

Intro: why invoice cash can be fast

You’ve raised invoices but your customers haven’t paid — you need working capital now. Invoice finance converts unpaid invoices into cash quickly so you can pay suppliers, meet payroll or take on new work without waiting 30, 60 or 90 days.

This page explains realistic funding timelines, the fastest routes to cash, what causes delays and practical steps you can take to accelerate funding when you use UK Business Loans to find the right provider.

What is invoice finance?

Invoice finance covers several products that unlock money tied up in your sales ledger:

• Invoice factoring — the funder buys your invoices and advances a high percentage (commonly 70–90%), then collects from your customers.
• Invoice discounting — you keep control of collections while borrowing against outstanding invoices.
• Spot / selective finance — fund individual invoices as needed for one-off cash needs.
• Invoice lines / facilities — an ongoing credit line against your receivables for repeated access to cash.

We can match you with providers that specialise in these products so you get the fastest route for your situation. For more background on types of invoice funding see our guide to invoice finance.

Realistic timelines: how fast in practice

Below is a practical timeline that reflects typical invoice finance deals when you use a matching service like UK Business Loans.

1. Match & initial response — 0 to 6 hours

After you submit the short enquiry, we route your details to lenders and brokers who specialise in your sector and invoice size. Many partners respond the same day — often within a few hours — with initial feedback or to request a sample ledger.

2. Indicative terms — same day to 48 hours

Once the funder reviews basic info (sample invoices, buyer names, business size) they often provide indicative pricing and advance rates within 24–48 hours.

3. Full underwriting — 24 to 72 hours typical

Underwriting includes company verification, KYC checks, customer credit checks and invoice validation. If documents are complete and the buyers are creditworthy, underwriters can turn around approvals in 1–3 days.

4. Funding — same day to 7+ days

• Fast path: Spot factoring or pre‑approved facilities can result in same-day or next-day funding after sign-off.
• Normal path: New facilities often release funds 24–72 hours after contracts are signed and conditions satisfied.
• Slower path: Large portfolios, international invoices or disputed debts may take a week or more.

Fastest invoice finance options explained

Which options give you the quickest cash?

• Spot factoring / invoice-by-invoice finance — ideal for a single urgent invoice; many funders can pay the same day once the invoice is validated.
• Online pre-approved discounting lines — lenders that integrate with Xero/QuickBooks can automate checks and speed underwriting.
• Specialist same-day funders — some funders prioritise speed for invoices due from very large, creditworthy buyers.

If speed is your primary need, tell us in your enquiry and we’ll prioritise partners who specialise in rapid funding. Ready to check? Get Quote Now for a Free Eligibility Check.

What slows funding — common delays

Even fast routes can be delayed. The common causes are:

• Poor paperwork: incomplete invoices, missing delivery notes or unsigned contracts.
• Buyer risk: invoices owed by small or high‑risk customers need longer credit checks.
• KYC & compliance: anti‑money‑laundering checks require verified IDs and company documents.
• Disputes: any query or dispute over an invoice must be resolved before funding.
• Complex portfolios: many invoices or cross-border sales need extra review.

How UK Business Loans speeds up access to cash

We don’t lend — we match you quickly to lenders and brokers who can. Here’s how we help:

• Targeted matching: your enquiry is sent to providers who specialise in your industry and invoice size, avoiding irrelevant approaches and speeding responses.
• Single submission: enter details once; we securely share them with several compatible partners.
• Fast-response partners: we prioritise relationships with finance providers able to respond quickly.
• Practical guidance: we tell you exactly what documents and information speed underwriting.

Start a no‑obligation enquiry for a Free Eligibility Check — Get Quote Now.

Prepare to move faster — documents & checklist

Have these ready to cut days off the process:

• Company registration and director ID
• Recent business bank statements (3 months)
• Latest accounts and management accounts
• Copies of the invoices you want to finance
• Purchase orders, delivery notes or contracts (if available)
• Debtor details: company name, address, email, invoice due date

Tip: connect your accounting software (Xero or QuickBooks) if supported — it speeds automated checks and underwriting.

Typical costs and what to expect

Faster funding often costs a bit more. Typical pricing ranges:

• Advance rate: usually 70–90% of invoice value.
• Fees / discount: 0.5%–3%+ per invoice, depending on buyer risk and product type.
• Facility fees: set-up or admin charges may apply for ongoing lines.

Always request a written quote and a clear cost breakdown from any lender or broker. We match you with partners who provide clear, comparable quotes.

Real examples

Example A — Subcontractor: A construction subcontractor submitted an enquiry for a £25,000 invoice owed by a PLC client. Documents were complete and the buyer was creditworthy. Matched to a spot factorer; funds paid within 24 hours.

Example B — Seasonal retailer: A retailer took a 6‑month invoice discounting line. Onboarding took 10 days due to large portfolio checks; once signed, funding was available within 48 hours of each drawdown.

FAQ — quick answers

Can I get same‑day funding for any invoice?

No — qualifying invoices (creditworthy buyer, complete paperwork) can often be funded same day; others require more checks.

Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?

No. Your enquiry through UK Business Loans does not affect your business credit score. Lenders may run checks later if you progress to an application with them.

What minimum loan or facility size do you support?

We focus on funding from around £10,000 and upwards. If your funding need is under that threshold we can still advise but most invoice finance partners specialise in larger values.

How to get started — step by step

1. Click the enquiry link and complete the short form (takes ~2 minutes).
2. We match you with lenders and brokers best suited to your sector and invoice profile.
3. Receive one or more calls or emails — often within hours — with indicative terms.
4. Provide required documents, accept an offer and sign documents.
5. Receive funds as per the agreed timetable (same day to a few days).

Ready for a Free Eligibility Check? Get Quote Now — it’s quick, free and not an application.

Important disclosure & trust

UK Business Loans is an introducer — we do not lend money or provide regulated financial advice. Our service connects you with lenders and brokers who may be able to help. Completing the enquiry lets suitable providers contact you with their quotes; you are under no obligation to proceed.

We arrange matches for businesses seeking funding from approximately £10,000 upwards. The enquiry form is for matching and eligibility assessment only — it is not a loan application.

For more about other funding types and how we work, visit our homepage, browse types of business finance, check our FAQs or contact us.

Need cash from invoices fast?

Complete our short form for a Free Eligibility Check — we’ll match you to the best lenders and brokers who can often respond within hours. The enquiry takes about two minutes and won’t affect your credit score.

Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check