Invoice factoring, or the form of financing that enables businesses to extract value from unpaid invoices through a third-party firm, known as an invoice factoring company, offers an option for businesses that is distinct from traditional loans. Invoice factoring companies give businesses, particularly small and medium businesses, a cash infusion against outstanding invoices. Invoice factoring companies often do not require a credit check for eligibility, making it an appealing financing option for a business that may not have established or good credit.
Invoice Factoring Interest Rates
While invoice factoring is a good option for businesses wanting to avoid the credit check on more traditional loans, interest rates, and fees are something to be mindful of as you seek short-term cash to cover a business expense.
The interest rates on invoice factoring loans can be higher than more traditional loans, generally ranging anywhere from 0.5% to 5%, and tend to fall somewhere in the middle, with an average of 2.5% of invoice factoring interest rates charged monthly.
Invoice factoring interest rates are generally determined based on several factors, including the terms of the invoices you sell, whether 30, 60, or 90 days net. You’ll pay less for shorter-term invoices because the invoice factoring company will get their money more quickly than a 60 or 90-day repayment period. Other factors determining your invoice factoring interest rate include the size of the invoices, with larger balances sometimes commanding lower rates. Invoice factoring companies will also look at who your customers are. Are they known and well-established entities with a strong track record of paying balances due on time, or are they relative unknowns or new businesses? How much trust the invoice factoring company has in your customers to repay on time and in full can determine how high your interest rates are. The higher the risk, the higher the rates.
Fixed and Variable Interest rates
There are fixed and variable interest rate options with your invoice factoring loan. There are pros and cons to both, depending on your circumstances.
- Fixed Invoice Factoring Interest Rate
- Variable Invoice Factoring Interest Rate
- Won’t go up if the customer pays late
- Lower when the customer pays on time
- Rates can be higher than variable
- It goes up when the customer pays late
How to Get the Best Rate?
Getting the best invoice factoring rate will depend on several factors, some within your control and others based on current documentation.
The best way to get a good invoice factoring interest rate for your business financing is to do research and price comparison shop. Leverage tools like BusinessLoans.com to compare and contrast and look for invoice factoring financing with lower rate ranges.
Other factors for obtaining the best possible interest rate on your invoice factoring loan is to consider the variables that determine lower rates, including shorter net due payment deadlines (30 days vs. 90), bundling and selling multiple invoices so that the total balance is higher, submitting higher balance individual invoices, and choosing a variable interest rate if your customers have a history of paying on time and in full.
While you don’t necessarily need to do a credit check for your business to qualify for an invoice factoring loan, the invoice factoring company may inquire about your customers’ credit. These entities are paying the invoice factoring company. If your customers have good credit, that could positively impact your terms and fees and command a lower interest rate for your brand.
Conclusion
Invoice factoring can be a worthwhile consideration for your business if you need cash advances and have a healthy flow of accounts receivable, including unpaid invoices. Interest rates are important when weighing your options for invoice factoring versus more traditional capital loans, as they can be higher. The interest rate, though, will be determined at the time of application and can vary based on several factors, including the lender, your business profile, and revenues, as well as the number and size of outstanding invoices that the factor might be able to advance your cash against. Other fees, including a percentage of the invoices supplied, can also be an added variable as you consider whether invoice factoring is right for you and your business. Check your options now!Frequently Asked Questions
What are typical factoring rates?0.5% to 5%. The range can vary, and the average invoice factoring interest rate is 2.5%.
How is the factoring fee calculated?Invoice factoring fee is based on repayment terms, invoice balances, customer history and credit, and other factors.
Do factoring companies charge interest?Yes. Invoice factoring companies charge interest as low as .5% and as high as 5% or more.
How much percent does a factoring company take?1% to 5%, on average, though the invoice factoring company could take more.