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Financing for Account Receivable: Types, Benefits, Apply Online


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Sep 18, 2024
Account Receivable Financing

Financing for account receivable is a novel financial strategy that allows organizations to generate cash from overdue invoices. This type of business loan funding has gained momentum among companies, particularly small to medium-sized organizations (SMEs) that face issues with cash flows due to delayed client payments. Businesses are able to meet their immediate monetary requirements, manage operating expenditures, and engage in growth prospects without waiting for payments with financing for account receivable. Let us explore what is financing for account receivable, different types of accounts receivable, their benefits, how to apply for it online and more.

What is financing for account receivable?

Financing for account receivable, is a kind of loan for business funding opportunity where organisations can utilise outstanding invoices as collateral to secure quick working capital loans for their business operations. Instead of waiting 30, 60, or 90 days for customers to pay their invoices, organisations can sell their receivables to a financing company, known as a ‘factor’, for a discount. The finance provider advances a part of the invoice value upfront, often between 70% to 90%, and the remainder (minus costs) is reimbursed to the company account once the customer settles the invoice.

This type of quick business loan is cost-efficient for organisations with extended payment cycles or in sectors where late payments are widespread. By leveraging financing for account receivable, organisations can enhance their working capital, boost liquidity, and focus on growth rather than cash flow management.

What are the Different Types of Accounts Receivable?

There are multiple financing for account receivable types, each with its own set of features and benefits. Understanding the types can help organisations to apply for their required small business loan:

  1. Factoring
    Factoring is one of the most prevalent types of accounts receivable. In the factoring method, a company sells its accounts receivable to a factoring company at a discount. The factoring company then takes on the obligation of collecting payments from consumers and advances a percentage of the invoice value to the organisation. It has two types:
  • Recourse Factoring: This type of factoring in financing for account receivable requires the organisation to refund the lender if the client fails to pay the invoice.
  • Non-Recourse Factoring: In this types of accounts receivable, the factoring company bears the risk of non-payment. If the customer fails to pay the invoice, the factoring the business suffers the loss.
  1. Invoice Discounting
    Invoice discounting is a type of accounts receivable where the organisation maintains control of its sales ledger while continuing to manage client relationships. In this arrangement, the organisation borrows money against its outstanding bills but is still liable for collecting payments from consumers. The lender makes an advance depending on the amount of the invoices, and the company repays the acquired business loan whenever the consumer pays.

    Invoice discounting is kept discreet, so customers remain unaware of the cashflow arrangement. This type of loan for business is ideal for organisations exercising control over their client relationships while maintaining eligibility for business loans to receive quick funding.
  2. Asset-Based Lending
    Asset-Based Lending (ABL) is a broader capital option where a company secures a business loan with its financing for account receivable and other assets like inventory, equipment, or real estate, as collateral. ABL offers a revolving line of credit that organisation can draw on as needed, making it a versatile solution for cash flow management. The loan amount is usually decided by the value of the pledged assets offered.

    Business loan eligibility for ABL requires organisations with larger financing for account receivable and other assets that require continued access to working capital. It offers bigger loans amounts than other types of accounts receivable but might offer stricter lending standards and more comprehensive reporting requirements.
  3. Selective Receivables Financing (Spot Financing)
    Selective Receivables Financing, also known as spot factoring, facilitates funding over specific invoices rather than the full accounts receivable portfolio. This type of accounts receivable provides flexibility to organisations to choose which invoices to secure funding for based on their cash flow requirements.

    It is ideal for organisations that want to avoid a long-term factoring arrangement or have changing funding requirements. Selective receivables finance is quite effective in handling seasonal cash flow shortages or unanticipated costs.
MSME Loan

Different Types of Accounts Receivable

Feature Factoring Invoice Discounting Asset-Based Lending (ABL) Selective Receivables Financing (Spot Factoring)
Definition Selling invoices to a factor at a discount for immediate cash. Borrowing against outstanding invoices while retaining control of collections. Securing a loan using accounts receivables and other assets as collateral. Financing specific invoices of choice rather than the entire receivables portfolio.
Control over Collections Factor handles collections. Organisation retains control. Organisation retains control. Organisation can choose which invoices to finance; control varies.
Confidentiality Customers are aware of factoring. Usually confidential; customers are unaware. Customers may be unaware depending on the lender’s policies. Customers may be aware if collections are outsourced.
Risk of Non-Payment Recourse: Organisation retains risk. Non-Recourse: Factor assumes risk. Organisation retains risk. Organisation retains risk unless specified otherwise. Varies based on agreement; generally, organisation retains risk.
Advance Percentage Typically 70% – 90% of invoice value. Typically 80% – 90% of invoice value. Depends on the value of collateral, usually up to 85% of receivables. Typically 70% – 90% of selected invoice value.
Fees and Costs Higher fees due to factoring service and potential risk assumption. Lower fees compared to factoring but interest is charged. Varies based on the lender and assets used; may include maintenance fees. Varies-generally higher than traditional factoring due to the selective nature.
Speed of Funding Quick access, typically within days. Quick access, typically within days. Generally slower due to asset evaluation and approval process. Quick access, typically within days for selected invoices.
Ideal for Organisation needing immediate cash and willing to outsource collections. Organisation needing cash but wanting to maintain customer relationships. Organisation with substantial assets requiring ongoing access to capital. Organisation with fluctuating cash flow needing selective financing.

Benefits of Financing for Account Receivable

Here’s how financing for account receivable benefits organisations of all sizes:

  1. Improved Cash Flow: A key advantage of financing for account receivable is enhancement in cash flow. Organisations that convert invoices to cash can satisfy their short-term commitments, such as paying suppliers, staff, and overhead expenditures, without having to wait for consumer payments.
  2. No Burden of Debt: financing for account receivable, unlike typical term loans, does not increase debt on the company’s balance sheet. By selling or borrowing against existing assets (invoices), it generates liquidity without raising obligations. This makes it an attractive choice for organisations that wish to avoid incurring debt.
  3. Quick Access to Funds: Financing for account receivable as a business loan option is usually faster than acquiring a regular bank loan. The application procedure is streamlined and funds are released within days, making it an excellent choice for organisations in need for quick business loan. With availability online, it facilitates swift online business loan solution to meet urgent cash flow needs.
  4. Flexible Financing: Financing for account receivable is extremely flexible, allowing organisations to obtain business loans based on sales and revenue generated. This flexibility allows businesses to better manage their cash flow and scale borrowing up or down as required.
  5. No Collateral Required: Account receivable finance is a collateral free business loan solution. Many types of accounts receivables, including factoring and invoice discounting, use invoices as collateral. This implies that companies do not have to pledge other assets, such as property or equipment, to obtain funding. This is incredibly beneficial for organisations looking out for small business loans with limited assets to fund their working capital.
  6. Outsourced Collection (Factoring): In the factoring arrangement of types of accounts receivable, the lending company is responsible for collecting payments from consumers. This enables organisations to shift focus on core operations and development without the distraction of chasing late payments.

Apply for Financing for Account Receivable Online

Follow the below tips to effectively secure the desired loan for business under Financing for account receivable:

1. Research and Compare Lenders: Research multiple finance organisations and compare their terms, costs, hidden charges and services. Look for a credible lender with industry knowledge and a proven track record of helping businesses improve their cash flow under types of accounts receivable.

2. Check Eligibility Requirements: Every lender can have their eligibility conditions, such as minimum invoice quantities, business vintage, or credit score restrictions. Examine these criteria to ensure that your organisation qualifies eligibility for business loan.

3. Documentation: To apply for business loan under financing for account receivable, you will need to furnish the following documents to speed up the application process:

  • Latest financial statements (balance sheet, profit and loss statement)
  • Details about outstanding bills
  • Customer information
  • Business registration paperwork
  • Business PAN
  • Personal identification (for solo owners and small firms)

4. Submit the Online Application: Most financers provide for an online business loan application facility, streamlining the whole process. Fill out the application form with complete details about your company, invoices, and financial status for financing for account receivable. Upload the necessary papers as part of the application.

5. Receive the Offer and Negotiate Terms: Once your application for financing for account receivable has been processed, the lender will provide an offer that includes the advance rate, fees, and payback conditions. Review the offer carefully and, if required, negotiate the conditions. It’s critical to comprehend all charges and make sure the financing arrangement meets your organisation’s demands.

6. Sign the Agreement and Receive Funds: If you accept the terms of the obtained financing for account receivable, sign the agreement. The lender will subsequently transfer the agreed-upon proportion of invoice value to your organisationi’s bank account within 2-3 days. Depending on the type of financing, the lender may also assume responsibility for collecting payments from your consumers.

Secure Convenient Business Loan Financing with FlexiLoans

If you are looking for quick and affordable business loans, MSME loans, machinery loans or small business loan for immediate financial requirements, FlexiLoans is your trusted partner to secure funding with flexible repayment options and limited credit history. This fintech organisation is your one-stop destination to address all your business financial concerns and facilitates quick approval and disbursement in a streamlined digital process with limited documentation.

Conclusion

Financing for account receivable is a powerful tool for organisations aspiring to increase cash flow and preserve financial stability. Businesses can access quick working capital loan by leveraging outstanding invoices. It is a type of business loan without collateral that doesn’t incur additional debt or requires pledging assets. Organisations can choose from multiple types of accounts receivables that best suit their needs. Lenders facilitate an online application procedure which is quick and simple, making it easier than ever for businesses to obtain the cash-on-hand for their business operations.

FAQs

  1. Which type of organisations can profit from financing for account receivable?
    financing for account receivable benefits organisations in a number of industries, notably those with extended payment cycles or substantial accounts receivable volumes, such as manufacturing, wholesale, and service-based enterprises.
  2. What’s the difference between factoring and invoice discounting types of accounts receivable?
    Factoring is selling bills to a finance business, which subsequently collects payment from clients. Invoice discounting allows firms to borrow against their invoices while maintaining control over collections.
  3. How fast can I obtain cash from financing for account receivable?
    Funds are typically disbursed within a few days of the approval, making it a fast financing option.
  4. Is there a risk connected with financing for account receivable?
    While financing for account receivable has several advantages, companies should be mindful of the risks, which include increased expenses for non-recourse factoring and the negatively impacts customer relationships if collections are outsourced.
  5. Can I select which bills to finance under financing for account receivable?
    Yes, selective receivables financing (spot factoring) allows firms to finance individual invoices based on their cash flow requirements.
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