Last updated on May 3, 2024

What are the eligibility criteria and requirements for invoice discounting?

Invoice discounting is a way of getting cash flow by selling your unpaid invoices to a third party at a discount. It can be a useful option for businesses that need to access funds quickly and maintain control over their customer relationships. But how do you qualify for invoice discounting and what are the main requirements? Here are some key points to consider before applying for this type of financing.

1 Creditworthiness of your customers

One of the most important factors that lenders look at when offering invoice discounting is the creditworthiness of your customers. They want to make sure that your customers are reliable and pay on time, so they can recover their money. Therefore, you need to have a solid track record of invoicing and collecting payments from your customers, and avoid any disputes or bad debts. You also need to provide proof of your customers' identity, address, and credit history.

Add your perspective

Chidozie Ofoegbu

Senior Sales Executive | Driving Revenue Growth in FinTech | Expert in Strategic Partnerships & Business Strategies
Report contribution
Invoice discounting is a financing method that involves using unpaid invoices as collateral for a loan. To provide financing, financial institutions or financing firms need to evaluate the customer's credit risk rating and cash flow. Moreover, these organizations only offer financing against limited principles, including the issuer of the purchase order for the invoice, confirmation of the invoice being discounted, and agreement to domicile payments with the financing firm or financial institution when they are due.

Like

2 Volume and value of your invoices

Another factor that affects your eligibility for invoice discounting is the volume and value of your invoices. Lenders usually have a minimum threshold for the amount of invoices they are willing to buy, and they may also charge different fees and interest rates depending on the size and frequency of your invoices. Generally, the higher the value and volume of your invoices, the more likely you are to get a favorable deal from the lender. You also need to ensure that your invoices are clear, accurate, and legally enforceable.

Add your perspective

3 Type of invoice discounting

There are two main types of invoice discounting: confidential and disclosed. Confidential invoice discounting means that your customers are not aware that you are selling your invoices to a third party, and you retain the responsibility of managing and chasing payments. Disclosed invoice discounting means that your customers know that you are using a lender, and the lender takes over the collection process. Depending on your preference and your customer relationships, you may opt for one or the other type of invoice discounting, but you need to comply with the terms and conditions of the lender.

Add your perspective

Gareth P.

Experienced Accounting professional studying AAT Level 2
Report contribution
Wow, did not know invoicing gets outsourced! I assume this must be for massive businesses which huge revenues hitting their ledgers everyday? I suppose in wouldn’t matter as long confidential information is secure and private and invoices are sent accurately and in a timely manner.

Like

4 Business structure and industry

The last factor that influences your eligibility for invoice discounting is your business structure and industry. Lenders may have different criteria for different types of businesses, such as sole traders, partnerships, limited companies, or non-profit organizations. They may also prefer certain industries over others, depending on the level of risk and demand. For example, some lenders may specialize in sectors like construction, manufacturing, or wholesale, while others may avoid industries like retail, hospitality, or health care. You need to research the market and find a lender that matches your business profile and needs.

Invoice discounting can be a valuable tool for improving your cash flow and growing your business, but it also comes with some costs and risks. You need to weigh the pros and cons of this type of financing, and make sure you meet the eligibility criteria and requirements of the lender. By doing so, you can maximize the benefits and minimize the drawbacks of invoice discounting.

Add your perspective

Mary Brady

Administrative Assistant Sunbeam Gardens Inc.
Report contribution
I tried this years ago. Wasn't practical or worth it for us. I have a lot of collection background so already know how to deal with difficult customers and those that are just a little slow. Working with your customers billing depts and companies Presidents or Credit Managers is one the most important connections. Talking to them and understanding their business and cash flow allows you to understand and work with them to get paid quicker, stay as a preferred supplier.

Like

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

Mary Brady

Administrative Assistant Sunbeam Gardens Inc.
Report contribution
Most of this article are directed to larger businesses. Most of of small to mid sized businesses do inhouse collections and credit analysis themselves. When considering credit terms with customers make sure that you trust them and they align with your business terms and conditions. Do make sure you invoice them monthly. Do call or text them if they are late in paying more then 60 days. Don't be afraid to put them on a cash basis. Credit like trust is earned.

Like

What are the eligibility criteria and requirements for invoice discounting?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Creditworthiness of your customers

2 Volume and value of your invoices

3 Type of invoice discounting

4 Business structure and industry

5 Here’s what else to consider

Invoicing

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Invoicing

More relevant reading