Can I get finance if my customers pay on 30–90 day terms (e.g., retailers or pallet networks)?

Short answer

Yes — UK businesses that sell on 30–90 day terms can often secure funding, typically through invoice finance, revolving credit facilities, or asset-based lending. Lenders assess the strength of your invoices and debtor book rather than waiting for your customers to pay. If your buyers are creditworthy and invoices are valid and undisputed, there are viable options to stabilise cash flow and fund growth.

The finance options that fit 30–90 day payment terms

When your cash is tied up while large customers take 30, 60 or 90 days to pay, finance products designed around receivables can bridge the gap. The most common solution is invoice finance, which advances a percentage of your outstanding invoices. Advance rates typically range from 70% to 95% depending on sector, debtor quality, and concentration.

Invoice factoring includes credit control and collections performed by the funder, which can suit smaller teams or high-volume invoicing. Invoice discounting keeps collections in-house, which can suit established finance teams and mid-market businesses that prefer confidentiality. Both work with standard B2B invoices that are delivered, accepted, and not in dispute.

For businesses that do not want a whole-book facility, selective invoice finance or “spot factoring” allows you to fund specific invoices or debtors as needed. This can be useful for seasonal spikes, one-off large orders, or trialling receivables funding without committing to a full ledger arrangement.

Beyond receivables, a revolving credit facility is a flexible working capital line that can top up cash flow alongside your trade cycle. These facilities are often unsecured or lightly secured, with limits based on affordability and business performance. They can be used together with invoice finance to maximise liquidity across longer debtor terms.

If you hold valuable assets, asset-based lending (ABL) can combine receivables, inventory, and plant & machinery into a larger borrowing base. ABL can be particularly effective for manufacturers, distributors, and logistics firms where balance sheets carry value beyond invoices. It creates a scalable structure that grows with your order book and asset pool.

For card-taking businesses selling to consumers as well as B2B, a merchant cash advance may provide a secondary cash source. Repayments flex with card takings, which can smooth trading fluctuations. This is not a substitute for invoice finance on B2B terms, but it can diversify liquidity if you serve mixed customer profiles.

Where does this work best?

Invoice-based solutions work best where you raise B2B invoices on credit terms and can provide proof of delivery or service completion. Sectors such as logistics, transport, manufacturing, wholesale distribution, and services with regular contract billing typically qualify. Facilities are shaped to match your sales ledger profile and your customers’ payment behaviours.

Key takeaway

If you invoice other businesses and those invoices are payable on terms, there is likely a viable finance option that aligns with your cash conversion cycle.

Eligibility — what lenders look for when your customers pay on terms

Lenders primarily assess the quality of your debtor book and the processes behind it. They look for genuine, completed, and undisputed invoices, clear proof of delivery or service, and creditworthy debtors with established payment histories. The stronger these factors, the higher the advance rates and the more competitive the fees.

They typically ask about debtor concentration, which is the percentage of your ledger owed by your largest customers. High concentration with one or two retailers or pallet networks can still be acceptable if those buyers are strong. However, it may reduce the effective availability due to single-debtor limits and prudent risk buffers.

You can expect a review of contracts, terms and conditions, and any set-off or rebate clauses that might affect collectability. For retail supply, elements such as marketing rebates, promotions support, returns policies, and chargebacks are considered. For pallet networks and hauliers, clean POD processes and network terms matter.

Typical documents requested include aged debtor listings, sample invoices, delivery notes or consignment records, and recent management accounts. Lenders may also check your credit control workflow, dispute resolution processes, and ERP or TMS integration. Prepared, accurate documentation tends to speed up decisions.

From a risk perspective, lenders look for consistent trading, modest levels of disputes, and clear visibility over billing. If you are scaling quickly, they will focus on onboarding controls for new customers and credit limits. They want to see that your growth is supported by process and data, not just volume.

If you have existing finance, inter-creditor or release terms may be needed to transition. Most reputable providers will coordinate professionally to avoid disruption. In many cases, a new facility can be shaped to work alongside existing arrangements where appropriate.

Who is likely to be eligible?

• Established UK SMEs and mid-market firms invoicing other businesses on terms.
• Companies with verifiable proof of delivery or service completion.
• Firms supplying recognised retailers, distributors, pallet networks, or commercial clients.

Who may find it harder?

• Start-ups without trading history or without B2B invoices.
• Firms with high disputes or unverifiable deliveries.
• Businesses with primarily consumer invoices or cash sales only.

Retailers, wholesalers and pallet networks — practical considerations

Supplying major retailers on extended terms is common, and many funders actively support this profile. They will assess each buyer’s risk, any rebates or accruals, and how quickly disputes are resolved. Clear EDI processes, strong delivery compliance, and transparent terms all help improve advance rates.

Wholesalers and distributors often face similar pressures when large accounts demand 60–90 day terms. Invoice finance can release capital within 24–72 hours of invoicing, subject to facility rules. This can align cash inflows with supplier payments and seasonal buying cycles.

Logistics, transport, and pallet network operators can also qualify, provided PODs are clean and contract terms are funder-friendly. Some lenders specialise in transport and understand surcharges, demurrage, and network billing. Digital PODs and clear SLAs strengthen eligibility in this sector.

Where delivery is multi-stage or involves subcontractors, funders look closely at evidence chains. The goal is to ensure each funded invoice is enforceable and not subject to downstream disputes. Good systems and records reduce friction and improve pricing.

If you operate in logistics or distribution and want to explore options, see our guide to logistics business loans. It covers asset finance for vehicles, invoice funding for receivables, and broader working capital tools. Combining tools can create a resilient funding stack during peak demand.

Some retailers operate self-billing or accruals for promotions and returns. Funders can still work with these frameworks if the reconciliation processes are reliable. Mapping how net invoice values are calculated will be essential during onboarding.

What if terms are very long?

Some buyers push beyond 90 days, occasionally in specific categories. Funding can still be possible if debtor strength is high and contractual billing is clear. The facility structure and pricing will reflect the extended cash cycle and associated risk.

Practical tip

Share your top customer list, standard terms, and sample contracts early. This speeds assessors’ understanding and helps shape a facility that matches your ledger.

Costs, limits and how products compare

Pricing for invoice finance is commonly split into a service fee and a discount rate. The service fee relates to managing the facility and, in factoring, collections support. The discount rate is the interest charged on the funds you draw against invoices until they are paid.

Advance rates vary by sector and buyer quality, often between 70% and 95% of invoice value. Concentration limits can cap the amount available against any single debtor. Overall facility limits grow with your sales ledger, which makes these products scalable as you win larger contracts.

Revolving credit facilities price on a margin over a reference rate, with limits based on affordability and risk. These can be useful when you want funding not directly linked to specific invoices. Some firms combine invoice finance with a small revolving line for operational flexibility.

Costs are influenced by transaction volume, average invoice size, dispute levels, and administration complexity. Clean processes and strong buyer quality tend to attract sharper pricing. Transparent comparisons should consider both headline rates and practical value, including credit control support and technology integration.

Quick comparison

Product	Speed to cash	Typical advance	Collections handled by	Works with long terms?
Invoice factoring	24–72 hours	80–95%	Funder	Yes, commonly
Invoice discounting	24–72 hours	80–95%	Your team	Yes, subject to debtor quality
Selective invoice finance	24–72 hours	70–90%	Funder or your team	Yes, on chosen invoices
Revolving credit facility	As drawn	N/A	N/A	Yes, not invoice-linked

Important

All funding is subject to status, affordability, and provider criteria. Rates, fees, and advance percentages vary by business, sector, and risk. There is no guarantee of approval or specific terms until a provider assesses your application.

How Best Business Loans helps — steps, safeguards and FAQs

Best Business Loans is an independent introducer that helps UK businesses find suitable finance providers. We do not lend; we connect you with trusted lenders or brokers aligned to your sector and needs. Our process is quick, secure, and free to submit.

How it works

1. Complete a short Quick Quote with your funding need and sector.
2. Our system analyses your profile against available options.
3. We introduce you to relevant providers who may be able to help.
4. You review offers, compare terms, and choose your route.

What to prepare for a faster decision

• Latest aged debtors report and sample invoices with PODs.
• Customer list with credit terms and any rebate or set-off clauses.
• Recent management accounts and an overview of your credit control process.

Fair, clear and not misleading

Information on this page is for general guidance and does not constitute financial advice. Finance is provided by third-party, regulated firms where applicable and is subject to their terms and regulatory status. We aim to ensure all information is fair, clear and not misleading in line with UK advertising expectations.

Eligibility FAQs

Can I get finance if my customers pay in 60–90 days? Yes, especially via invoice finance if invoices are valid, undisputed, and your buyers are creditworthy. Facility structure and pricing will reflect the longer cycle.

Will my customer know? With factoring, funders usually manage collections and your customers are aware. With discounting, you typically retain collections and confidentiality is often possible.

How much can I release? Many providers advance 80–95% of eligible invoices, with a balance less fees released on payment. Exact percentages depend on sector, debtor quality, and concentration.

Do pallet network PODs count? Yes, provided PODs are clear and accepted under your contracts. Specialist lenders understand network billing and can tailor eligibility rules.

What if a customer does not pay? Non-recourse options may be available, transferring some credit risk for an added fee. Recourse facilities remain common and may require you to buy back unpaid invoices after a set period.

Updated: October 2025

Get your free Quick Quote to check eligibility for receivables funding, revolving credit, or asset-based lending. It takes minutes, and there is no obligation to proceed. Smarter matching helps you focus on running your business while we point you to relevant providers.

Key takeaways

• Yes — you can often get finance even if customers pay in 30–90 days, especially via invoice finance.
• Retail and pallet network invoices can be funded if PODs are clean and terms are clear.
• Advance rates of 80–95% are common on eligible invoices, with funds in 24–72 hours.
• Facility choice depends on your collections preference, concentration, and sector specifics.
• Submit a Quick Quote to be matched with relevant UK providers — fast and no obligation.

Important: Best Business Loans is an independent introducer and does not provide loans or credit decisions. Any funding is subject to the provider’s assessment, terms, and regulatory permissions where applicable. Always consider affordability and seek professional advice if you are unsure.