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Last audited 03 Jun 2026·● live
▶ The question

best invoice financing for small business

Invoice financing (factoring) lets B2B companies unlock cash tied up in unpaid invoices — typically within 1–5 days. We compared advance rates, funding speed, and fee structures across top providers. Our pick for overall best is FundThrough (100% advance rate, fast funding), with Riviera Finance for startups and RTS for trucking as strong alternatives. We also cover integrated tools like Square Invoices and lower-cost alternatives like SBA loans.

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▲ How this page was builtangle_scoutauditedproduct_mining3 picks · 3 sourcespage_writergemma-4-31baudit_scorefreshrewrite_countv1
§ 01The picks

The picks

Best integrated invoicing & payment tool — speeds up customer payments, reducing the need for factoring.
S
Square Invoices
/go/2a0d7f4d-d572-4260-8990-6ff586b04231Check ↗
Best low-cost alternative for established businesses — lower APR but slow approval.
S
SBA 504 Loan
/go/7addab2b-78a7-4b31-8663-a6bc4f7d6f29Check ↗
Integrated payment tools for managing cash flow gaps.
P
PayPal
/go/2ca5687a-f47b-4da3-89db-66c03ed23e85Check ↗
§ 02Why this list

Why
this list

If you run a B2B business, you know the pain: you send a $50,000 invoice, and then you wait 30, 60, even 90 days to get paid. Meanwhile, payroll, rent, and supplies don't wait.

Invoice financing (also called factoring) is a tool that turns those unpaid invoices into cash fast. A factoring company advances you most of the invoice value (typically 90100%), then collects payment from your customer directly. It's not a loan, so approval depends on your customers' credit, not yours.1

The trade-off? Speed and accessibility come at a cost. Factoring fees are higher than traditional loans, and you're sharing a slice of your receivables. But for businesses that need cash flow now, it's often the best option available.

Here are the best invoice financing options for small businesses in 2025.

how we picked

We evaluated providers on four criteria that matter most for small businesses:

  • Advance rate How much of the invoice value you get upfront (90100% is standard).
  • Funding speed How fast cash hits your account (24 hours to 7 days).
  • Fee structure Monthly percentage vs. APR, and whether there are hidden costs.
  • Industry fit Some providers specialize in trucking, startups, or specific niches.

the best invoice financing options

1. FundThrough best overall

FundThrough stands out for its combination of a 100% advance rate and fast funding (15 days).1 Most factoring companies hold back 1020% as a reserve; FundThrough advances the full amount, which is rare. Their fee structure is transparent, and they specialize in small to mid-sized B2B businesses.

Best for: B2B companies that need maximum cash upfront and fast turnaround.

Trade-off: You pay for that 100% advance fees are competitive but not the lowest on the market.

2. Riviera Finance best for startups

Riviera Finance has been in the factoring space for decades and is known for working with younger businesses that might not qualify elsewhere. They offer advance rates up to 90% and funding within 2448 hours for many clients.1 Their experience with early-stage companies means they understand the volatility that comes with growth.

Best for: Startups and newer businesses that need fast cash but don't have years of receivables history.

Trade-off: Lower advance rate (90%) means you leave some cash on the table until the invoice is paid.

3. RTS Financial best for trucking & logistics

RTS Financial specializes in freight factoring, a niche where invoice financing is practically essential. Trucking companies often wait 3060 days for brokers to pay; RTS advances up to 100% within 24 hours.1 They integrate with load boards and offer fuel advances, making them a full-service partner for owner-operators and fleets.

Best for: Trucking companies, freight brokers, and logistics businesses.

Trade-off: Specialized focus means they're not the right fit for general B2B service businesses.

4. Square Invoices best integrated tool

Square Invoices isn't a factoring company it's an invoicing and payment platform that helps you get paid faster, which can reduce the need for factoring altogether. You create and send invoices, and customers can pay instantly by card or bank transfer. Funds typically settle in 12 business days.1

Best for: Small businesses that want to streamline billing and reduce payment delays without taking on factoring fees.

Trade-off: You're relying on customers paying promptly no advance on unpaid invoices.

5. SBA 504 Loan best low-cost alternative

For businesses that qualify, an SBA 504 loan offers lower interest rates and longer terms than factoring.3 These government-backed loans are designed for major asset purchases (real estate, equipment) and can free up working capital indirectly. They're not a direct replacement for factoring, but if your cash flow crunch is tied to expansion, this is worth exploring.

Best for: Established businesses that need long-term financing for growth, not short-term invoice gaps.

Trade-off: Lengthy application process, strict eligibility requirements, and funds can't be used for working capital directly.

comparison table

FeatureFundThroughRiviera FinanceRTS FinancialSquare InvoicesSBA 504 Loan
Advance rate100%Up to 90%Up to 100%N/A (payment)N/A (loan)
Funding speed15 days2448 hours24 hours12 days3090 days
Fee structureTransparent %Monthly %Weekly %Per-transactionLow APR

what to watch out for

Invoice financing is expensive compared to traditional loans. Factoring fees typically range from 15% of the invoice value per month, which can translate to an APR of 2060% or more depending on how long your customers take to pay.2

Before signing up, ask:

  • Is it recourse or non-recourse? (Who's on the hook if the customer doesn't pay?)
  • Are there minimum volume requirements or long-term contracts?
  • What's the notification policy? (Will the factor contact your customers directly?)

bottom line

Invoice financing is a tool, not a trap. For B2B businesses with reliable customers and slow-paying invoices, it can be the difference between making payroll and missing it. FundThrough is our top pick for its 100% advance rate and straightforward terms. But if you're a startup, a trucking company, or just want better invoicing software, one of the alternatives above will serve you better.

Disclosure: We may earn a commission if you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you. Our recommendations are based on independent research and analysis.

§ 03Who should skip what

Who should skip what

Skip Square Invoices if…
you need something Square Invoices isn't built for — pricing, scale, or platform mismatch.
→ consider SBA 504 Loan
Skip SBA 504 Loan if…
you need something SBA 504 Loan isn't built for — pricing, scale, or platform mismatch.
→ consider PayPal
Skip PayPal if…
you need something PayPal isn't built for — pricing, scale, or platform mismatch.
→ consider Square Invoices
§ 05keep going

Got a follow-up?

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§ 04Sources · 3

Sources
· 3

1
7 Best Invoice Factoring Companies - Fit Small Business
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2
Best Invoice Factoring Companies for Small Businesses - State Financial
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3
Best Small Business Loans - NerdWallet
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best invoice financing for small business (2025)