Best factoring companies in November 2024

Factoring companies provide advance funds for your business by purchasing outstanding invoices. Qualifying for invoice factoring is generally easier than traditional business financing.

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Written by
Tara Mastroeni
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Written by
Jill A. Chafin
Updated November 19, 2024
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altLINE: Best factoring company for startups

Up to $5,000,000

Up to 90%

0.75% to 3.50%

Typically $350 to $500

Within 24 hours

Pros
  • Funds established businesses and startups
  • Supported by an established banking institution
  • Factor rates start as low as 0.75%
Cons
  • Charges an origination fee
  • Runs a background and credit check on all applicants

Why we picked it

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altLINE works with all business types, including startups and companies with poor or limited credit. While altLINE runs a background and credit check for all applicants, it doesn’t have a minimum credit score requirement. Instead, altLINE focuses on your invoices and payment due dates as part of the approval process.

If you don’t qualify for altLINE’s invoice factoring services, it will help you find a startup factoring company that meets your needs.

Learn more about altLINE.

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FundThrough: Best factoring company for software integration

Unlimited

100%

2.75% to 8.25%

None

Next business day

Pros
  • Automatically syncs with QuickBooks or OpenInvoice
  • Offers next-day funding
  • Covers 100% of invoice value
Cons
  • Factoring fees go up to 8.25%
  • No construction or real estate invoices
  • Minimum of $100,000 in outstanding invoice(s) to qualify

Why we picked it

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FundThrough integrates with accounting software like QuickBooks and OpenInvoice to sync invoices and create funding offers. While the factoring fee is fairly high, you can get up to 100% advance rates on unpaid invoices with FundThrough. There are no long-term contracts required to use FundThrough’s invoice factoring services.

Learn more about FundThrough.

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Riviera Finance: Best factoring company for in-person factoring

Up to $2,000,000

95%

2.00% to 5.00%

None

24 hours

Pros
  • Multiple offices throughout the U.S. and Canada
  • Only requires a UCC filing on accounts receivable
  • Guarantees a 24-hour funding timeline (after approval)
Cons
  • Website lacks details about factoring fees
  • Standard term of 6 months
  • May not accept invoices with terms exceeding 60 days.

Why we picked it

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For business owners who prefer in-person support, Riviera Finance offers more than 25 invoice factoring offices throughout the U.S. and Canada, in addition to online factoring services for all 50 states.

With Riviera’s Online Account Management system, you can quickly check the status of your accounts online, day or night. If you need funds fast, Riviera Finance guarantees payment within 24 hours of verifying and approving your unpaid invoices.

Learn more about Riviera Finance.

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RTS Financial: Best factoring company for trucking businesses

None

97%

Not disclosed

None

Within 24 hours

Pros
  • Fuel discounts available
  • No ACH or invoice-uploading fees
  • Discounts for U.S. veterans
Cons
  • Only serves trucking companies
  • Must apply via contact form and phone call
  • Lack of transparency about factoring fees

Why we picked it

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Factoring with RTS Financial can help your trucking business cover expenses like fuel and maintenance when you can’t afford to wait for customer payments.

With RTS Financial, you can receive up to 97% of your unpaid invoices with same-day funding. In addition, RTS Financial offers competitive pricing and fuel savings at over 3,000 locations throughout the U.S.

Learn more about RTS Financial.

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eCapital: Best factoring company for fast funding

Up to $30,000,000

Up to 90%

1.00% to 5.00%

Not disclosed

Same day

Pros
  • Offers same-day funding
  • Non-recourse invoice factoring
  • High funding limits
Cons
  • Must apply via contact form or phone call
  • Slightly higher fees with non-recourse factoring
  • Website doesn’t list the criteria needed to qualify

Why we picked it

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If you need fast funding, eCapital aims to verify and pay your unpaid invoices within the same day, as long as you submit before 10 a.m. eCapital is devoted to helping businesses grow and thrive, providing flexible finance options to suit your needs.

Additionally, eCapital offers non-recourse invoice factoring, meaning you can still get paid even if your customer never pays. However, this option comes with slightly higher fees.

Learn more about eCapital.

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Universal Funding Corporation: Best factoring company for large invoices

Up to $20,000,000

Up to 95%

0.55% to 2.00% (first 30 days)

None

24 hours

Pros
  • High invoice credit limits
  • Quick application process
  • A+ rating on Better Business Bureau
Cons
  • Doesn’t list specific eligibility criteria
  • Doesn’t list factor rates beyond 30 days
  • You have to buy back or swap invoices if the customer fails to repay

Why we picked it

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Universal Funding Corporation provides up to $20,000,000 a month toward your unpaid invoices, allowing you to cover payroll, vendors and other critical expenses. With no hidden fees, fast funding times and positive online reviews, you can rest assured that you’re getting high-quality service with Universal Funding Corporation.

At the same time, though, the company is not very open about its eligibility criteria, which can make it hard to tell if you qualify. Plus, it requires you to buy back your old invoices if they remain unpaid past 90 days.

Learn more about Universal Funding Corporation.

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Scale Funding: Best factoring company for month-to-month contracts

Up to $30,000,000

Up to 90%

Not disclosed

Not disclosed

24 hours

Pros
  • Offers month-to-month financing and longer-term contr
  • Same-day funding available
  • Provides support from dedicated specialists
Cons
  • Doesn’t disclose qualification requirements or fee amounts
  • Fee structure may be confusing
  • $50,000 funding minimum

Why we picked it

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If your invoice amounts and funding needs fluctuate often, consider Scale Funding. They offer the option to choose month-to-month financing, as well as longer-term contracts. In addition, same-day funding is available, allowing you to access fast funding when you need it most.

While the company isn’t very forthcoming about its rates and fees on its website, you can work with a dedicated specialist to create a custom quote that suits your needs.

Learn more about Scale Funding.

What is a factoring company?

Invoice factoring helps businesses convert unpaid invoices into cash. You sell outstanding business invoices to a factoring company and get a percentage of the invoice’s value upfront.

The factoring company is responsible for collecting the invoice payment on your behalf, allowing you to focus on your immediate business needs.

You will receive the rest of the money once your client pays their invoice directly to the factoring company, minus the factoring fee (also known as the discount rate).

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How invoice factoring works

Invoice factoring works by selling your business’s outstanding accounts receivables (typically unpaid invoices) to a factoring company. You must first find a factoring finance company to work with, meet their eligibility requirements and then submit any unpaid invoices for review.

Once the invoices have been accepted, the factoring company pays you an initial percentage of the invoices’ total value, known as an “advance rate.” The advance rate typically falls somewhere between 80% to 95% of the invoice’s face value.

After paying out the advance rate, the factoring company will then work to collect payments on your invoices directly from your customers. Once an invoice has been paid, you’ll receive the remaining balance minus the factoring company’s service fee. This fee is commonly called a “factor rate,” but it can also be called a “discount rate.”

Invoice factoring vs. invoice financing

Invoice factoring and invoice financing sound alike, but they leverage your accounts receivable in different ways.

With invoice factoring, you sell your outstanding invoices to a third-party company for a portion of the face value. The company then handles collecting customer payments on your behalf. Since the factoring company deals directly with your customers, you typically don’t need a good credit score to qualify.

In contrast, invoice financing (also called accounts receivable financing) is when a lender uses your invoices as collateral for a secured business loan. You still need to collect payment for your outstanding invoices, using the funds to repay the business loan. Like other types of small business loans, you must meet the lender’s credit score, time in business and annual revenue requirements.

How to work with a factoring company

1. Evaluate your needs

Determine how much you need to cover your immediate business expenses. Remember, when using an invoice factoring company, you lose a small portion of each invoice’s value.

For example, let’s say you sell $15,000 worth of invoices to a factoring company with a 90% advance rate and a 2% factoring rate. You will receive $13,500 upfront and $1,200 after the invoice is paid, but this service will cost you $300 in total.

Before considering factoring, you might find more affordable financing solutions with a more traditional small business loan or a working capital loan.

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2. Review funding qualifications

Qualifying for invoice factoring is typically easier than other types of small business loans. Here are the main factors invoice factoring companies consider when reviewing your application:

  • Invoice history: You could be a good candidate for invoice financing if some of your customers consistently pay their invoices on time.
  • Credit score: While invoice factoring companies might look at your credit score, they are more interested in your customer’s creditworthiness since that is how they will get paid.
  • Monthly revenue: Some factoring companies might require a minimum volume of invoices each month. For example, Elevation Capital requires at least $5,000 in monthly invoices to continue working with them.
  • Time in business: Being in business for a more extended period can show factoring companies that you have a sustainable business model, reassuring them that income (and invoices) will continue coming in.

3. Research factoring companies

Read the fine print before signing a contract with an invoice factoring company. Many companies lure you in with the promise of incredibly low rates, only to add extra fees afterward. Understanding the breakdown of advance rates and factors, plus reading business lender reviews can help you find a reputable financing company that fits your needs.

3. Gather documents

Factoring companies will have their own list of business loan requirements, such as personal and business tax returns, bank statements, copies of current invoices, articles of organization/incorporation and aging reports. Some factoring companies may require a detailed business plan, although this is more common with regular business loans.

4. Submit and review offers

Factoring companies have their own process for getting a business loan, so contact a representative to inquire about next steps. You can typically receive funds within a day or two after the factoring company verifies and approves your invoices. Overall, this is a quicker process than traditional business financing.

How to choose a factoring company

When selecting the best invoice factoring for your small business, you’ll want to compare the following details.

 Funding qualifications: Make sure you meet the company’s basic funding requirements, such as invoice minimums, time in business, credit history and location.

 Funding process: Ask the company about their overall process in collecting funds from your customers. You want to ensure they don’t harass clients into paying past debts. Also, what is their process if clients fail to pay their invoices?

 Advance rates: A higher advance rate allows you to cover more immediate expenses, helping you get your business back on track. Advance rates generally range from 80% to 95%, although some companies offer up to 100%.

 Factor and other fees: Make sure you understand all associated costs before agreeing to the terms of your financing contract. The lower the factor fee, the more money you will save in the long run.

 Time to funding: Ask the company how long it takes from the time you apply to when funds can hit your business bank account so you can plan accordingly.

  Collateral requirements: Some factoring companies require collateral. Most often, this comes in the form of a UCC filing, or blanket lien, which is a first-position lien against all of your business’s assets. Accepting this filing won’t cost anything upfront, but it can make it difficult to qualify for additional financing in the future. Some companies also file a UCC lien against just your accounts receivable, which is less likely to affect future financing.

 Industry expertise: Some factoring companies specialize in specific industries. For example, RTS Financial only offers trucking factoring. Make sure that the factoring company is a good fit for your business model.

Recourse vs. non-recourse factoring

Your invoice factoring may be considered recourse or nonrecourse factoring. This determines what happens if your customers don’t pay their invoices.

  • Recourse factoring: If an invoice is left unpaid, you will have to swap it for another invoice of equal or more value or buy back the invoice. Recourse factoring is more common since it protects the lenders if they can’t collect money on your behalf. However, repaying your advance could be challenging if your business has limited funds.
  • Non-recourse factoring: With this type of factoring, the factoring company assumes full risk of nonpayment. So if your customers fail to pay the invoice, you can still keep the advance you have already received. Because of this, non-recourse factoring tends to have higher fees or be reserved for low-risk industries.

Pros and cons of working with a factoring company

ProsCons

 Access cash for your business within a few days

 Qualifications are typically less stringent than traditional business loans

 Guaranteed funds with non-recourse factoring

 High factor rates mean lower profit margins

 Doesn’t help build business credit like traditional financing

 Lack of stability with recourse factoring

Alternatives to factoring companies

While invoice factoring can help you access quick cash for your business, it’s not a perfect solution for all companies. Here are some other business financing options to consider.

  • Short-term business loan: Term loans provide a lump sum of cash, which you pay off over a few months to several years. You typically need a good credit score, reliable revenue and at least six months to two years in business to qualify.
  • Startup business loan: Many lenders offer small business financing for startups or those with a limited credit history. You may need to provide collateral or a down payment to help secure the loan.
  • Business line of credit: You can access capital as needed with a revolving line of credit, only paying interest on what you use. Many online lenders and traditional banks provide lines of credit for a range of business types.
  • Equipment loan: Banks and online lenders provide equipment financing to help you purchase or upgrade new and used equipment for your company. Since the equipment acts as collateral, startups and low-credit borrowers might have a better chance of approval than traditional financing. You can also consider equipment loans for bad credit.
  • Merchant cash advance (MCA): Similar to invoice factoring, an MCA company allows you to borrow funds against future credit and debit card sales. Retail businesses can find relief from seasonal fluctuations with this financing option, although the rates tend to be expensive.
  • Microloans: Microloans typically provide up to $50,000 to small business owners who can’t qualify for traditional business financing. However, if you need access to cash fast, note that SBA microloans can take up to three months to fund.
  • Business credit cards: You can use business credit cards for everyday business expenses, often earning valuable perks and travel rewards. However, paying off your balance each month is best since credit card interest rates tend to run high.
  • Small business grants: Small business grants can come from federal and state government agencies, as well as corporations and foundations. Grants are free money to help startups, women entrepreneurs, minority business owners and other industries grow and expand their companies. While such grants can be competitive, applying for them could help unlock free funds for your business.

How we chose the best factoring companies

We reviewed the leading factoring companies to determine the overall best six factoring companies. To make our list, factoring companies must meet the following criteria:

  • Flexibility eligibility requirements: Qualifications based on the whole picture, not a minimum credit score or specific time in business.
  • Rates and terms: We prioritize factoring companies with advance rates of 90% or higher, competitive factor rates, limited fees and greater options for repayment terms.
  • Time to funding: We know businesses often need fast access to capital, so we prioritize factoring companies that can deliver within one to three business days.
  • Repayment experience: We consider each lender’s reputation and business practices. We also favor lenders that offer reliable customer service and provide unique perks to customers, like loyalty rewards.

Best factoring companies summary

Frequently asked questions

Invoice factoring services are typically used by business-to-business (B2B) companies with a significant amount of unpaid invoices. Some common industries using invoice factoring include trucking and freight companies, wholesalers, government suppliers, courier and delivery services, commercial food service and more.

Yes, there are factoring companies that specialize in working with startups. For example, altLINE provides factoring funds for startup staffing agencies, offshoot startups, new distributors and wholesalers and nonprofit startups. To qualify for startup factoring, you will likely need to provide a list of your existing and potential customers so the factoring company can review their credit profiles.

Factoring companies usually charge a factor rate, also called the discount rate, which is slightly different from standard business loan interest rates. The factoring company withholds the factoring fee from the invoice total to cover their service. Factor rates can range from 0.55% to 8.25% or higher. In addition, some factoring companies charge an origination fee and other hidden fees on top of the factor rate.