Get fast access to cash from a single unpaid invoice with single invoice finance (also known as spot factoring).
If you have one large customer invoice sitting unpaid and need the money now, without committing to a full invoice finance facility, single invoice finance is designed for exactly that situation.
Rather than financing your entire sales ledger on an ongoing basis through traditional invoice factoring or invoice discounting, you can release a high percentage of one specific invoice on a one off basis.
As independent commercial finance brokers and proud NACFB members, we compare specialist lenders across the UK to find the most suitable single invoice finance and spot factoring facilities for your circumstances, with free, no obligation quotes and zero broker fees.
Written by Marcus Wright, owner and founder of Bolton Business Finance Ltd, in financial services since 2008 and a commercial finance broker since 2019. Last reviewed September 2026.
Single invoice finance lets you raise cash against one unpaid invoice rather than committing your whole sales ledger. The funder advances most of the invoice value within a day or two and takes its fee when your customer settles. It is also called spot factoring.
It suits a one off cash gap rather than an ongoing shortfall. If you need funding against invoices month after month, a selective or full facility will normally cost less per invoice than repeat single deals.
| Item | Typical position |
|---|---|
| What is funded | One invoice that you choose |
| Advance | Most of the invoice value up front, the balance less fees when your customer pays |
| Speed, first deal | Usually 24 to 48 hours once the facility is approved |
| Speed, later deals | Often same day |
| Contract | One off, no minimum term and no minimum volume |
| Who the funder assesses | Your customer more than you, because they are the one paying |
| Invoice type | Business to business, on credit terms, for work already delivered and signed off |
| Disclosed or confidential | Usually disclosed, so your customer knows the invoice has been funded |
| Recourse | Usually recourse, so you buy the debt back if your customer does not pay. Non recourse cover exists and costs more |
How it compares to the other invoice finance options
The four options differ on three things: how much of your ledger is committed, who chases your customers for payment, and whether you are tied into a contract.
| Option | What is funded | Who chases payment | Contract | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single invoice finance, or spot factoring | One invoice you choose | The funder | One off, no tie in | A one off cash gap |
| Selective invoice finance | Invoices you pick, on an ongoing basis | Usually the funder | Rolling, without committing the whole ledger | Lumpy or seasonal cashflow |
| Invoice factoring | The whole sales ledger | The funder, and your customers are told | Ongoing facility with a minimum term | Growing businesses with no credit control function of their own |
| Invoice discounting | The whole sales ledger | You, and it is usually confidential | Ongoing facility with a minimum term | Established businesses running their own credit control |
What is Single Invoice Finance (Spot Factoring)?
Single invoice finance and spot factoring are two names for the same product.
You choose one, or a small number of, unpaid B2B invoices and sell them to a finance provider in return for an immediate cash advance, typically 70% to 95% of the invoice value. Once your customer pays the invoice, the balance less fees is released to you and the arrangement ends.
There is usually no long term contract, no minimum monthly volume and no requirement to finance every invoice going forward. This makes it ideal when you only need funding occasionally, for a particularly large order, or while you wait for a full facility to be put in place.
A note on terminology. The terms are used loosely across the market and some funders treat them as interchangeable. In practice there is a useful distinction worth knowing: single invoice finance and spot factoring are one off transactions, whereas selective invoice finance is an ongoing facility with a standing credit limit that you draw against whenever you choose. If you expect to need funding more than once, selective usually works out better because the underwriting happens once rather than every time.
How Single Invoice Finance Works
The process is straightforward:
- You raise the invoice to your customer in the normal way, usually on 30 to 90 day terms.
- You submit the invoice details to us. We approach specialist single invoice and spot factoring lenders.
- The lender assesses your customer. They check the creditworthiness of the debtor and verify the invoice.
- You receive the advance. Often within 24 hours, at a high percentage of the invoice value.
- Your customer pays. Either to the lender, or to you under a confidential arrangement. The remaining balance is paid to you after deduction of the agreed fee.
Funding is available from as little as £1,000 up to £1 million and above on a single invoice, depending on the strength of the debtor.
Key Benefits of Single Invoice Finance & Spot Factoring
One off single invoice financing and spot factoring can give you quick access to cash tied up in unpaid B2B customer invoices.
It may be that you have a one off large order or just do not want to commit to a contract or ongoing revolving credit facility.
Why businesses choose it
- No long term contract, use it only when you need it
- No minimum turnover or trading history required by many lenders
- Fast funding, money in your account in as little as 24 hours
- Flexible, finance one invoice or selected invoices on an ad hoc basis
- Bad credit and CCJs considered, decisions based on the quality of invoices and debtor
- Wide funding range, £1,000 to £1 million and above
- Choice of disclosed or confidential options
- Zero broker fees, we are paid by the lender
- UK wide cover, England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Who is Single Invoice Finance Suitable For?
Single invoice finance works particularly well for:
- New start ups and recently incorporated businesses
- Fast growing companies with occasional large orders
- Project based or seasonal businesses
- Companies that only need funding for one or two large invoices
- Businesses that have been declined for traditional invoice finance
- Firms with imperfect credit history but strong commercial invoices
- Anyone who wants to test invoice finance without a long term commitment
If your business trades B2B and issues credit terms, single invoice finance can release cash that would otherwise be locked up for weeks or months.
Eligibility, Can My Business Qualify?
Most UK limited companies, partnerships, LLPs and sole traders that:
- Trade B2B
- Issue invoices on credit terms
- Have invoices from creditworthy customers
can be considered. There is often no minimum turnover or length of trading requirement. Decisions are driven primarily by the quality of the invoice and the debtor.
Types of Single Invoice Finance Available
There are a number of different single invoice finance products and providers on the market, with some different features. One or more may be available depending on your business circumstances and sector.
Spot Factoring / Single Invoice Factoring
You sell one or more specific invoices. The arrangement is usually disclosed to your customer and the lender may assist with collections. Fees are typically charged as a percentage of the invoice value or a fixed fee.
Single Invoice Discounting
A confidential option. Your customer is not notified and you continue to manage your own credit control and collections. Suitable for more established businesses that prefer to keep the arrangement private.
Selective / Ad Hoc Facilities
Some lenders allow you to set up a light touch facility so you can submit further invoices in the future without a new application each time, while still avoiding the commitments of a full revolving facility. See selective invoice finance for how those work.
We will explain the differences and match you with the most appropriate product for your needs.
One Off Invoice Factoring UK
Finance a single invoice on a one off basis for a fixed fee.
How Much Does Single Invoice Finance Cost?
Fees for single invoice finance and spot factoring are generally higher than those for whole ledger invoice finance facilities because of the flexibility and the one off nature of the transactions.
Charges are usually expressed as:
- A percentage of the invoice value, or
- A fixed fee, or
- A daily or monthly rate for the period the funds are outstanding
The exact cost depends on the invoice value, the credit strength of your customer, the payment terms, your industry and the lender. As independent brokers we obtain multiple quotes so you can compare true costs side by side.
There are no broker fees payable by you for arranging single invoice finance. For how whole ledger pricing is built up by comparison, see the costs of factoring.
Why Use Bolton Business Finance?
We are independent commercial finance brokers specialising in invoice finance solutions, including single invoice finance and spot factoring.
- Access to a wide panel of specialist single invoice and spot factoring lenders
- Free, no obligation quotations
- Zero broker fees on invoice finance
- Fast turnaround and personal service
- NACFB member, we follow a strict Code of Practice
- Cover for businesses throughout England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
- Experience helping companies of all sizes, including those with imperfect credit
We work for you, not the lender. Our role is to find the most competitive and suitable facility and guide you through the process.
If One Invoice Is Not Enough
Single invoice finance is the right tool for a one off cash flow gap. If the gap keeps recurring, a full facility usually works out cheaper per pound funded, because you are not paying a set up cost every time.
Ongoing facilities
- Selective invoice finance, pick and choose which invoices to fund
- Invoice factoring, whole ledger with credit control included
- Invoice discounting, whole ledger, confidential, you keep collections
- Factoring vs discounting compared
Before you commit
Sector specific
Single Invoice Finance FAQ
What is single invoice finance?
Single invoice finance, also called spot factoring, allows you to release cash from one specific unpaid B2B invoice without entering a long term facility or financing your entire sales ledger.
Is single invoice finance the same as spot factoring?
Yes, those two terms mean the same thing. Selective invoice finance is slightly different. It is an ongoing facility with a credit limit you draw against repeatedly, rather than a one off transaction, though some funders use the terms loosely.
How quickly can I receive the funds?
In many cases funds can be in your account within 24 hours of the lender approving the invoice.
Do I have to sign a long term contract?
No. Most single invoice and spot factoring arrangements are one off with no ongoing commitment.
Will my customer know I am using invoice finance?
It depends on the product. Factoring facilities are usually disclosed, discounting facilities can often be kept confidential.
Can I use single invoice finance if I have bad credit or CCJs?
Yes. Many lenders focus on the strength of the invoice and the creditworthiness of your customer rather than your own credit history.
What is the minimum invoice value?
Facilities commonly start from around £1,000, although this varies by lender.
Is single invoice finance available across the whole of the UK?
Yes. We arrange facilities for businesses in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
How do the fees work?
Fees are typically a percentage of the invoice value or a fixed charge. Because the product is flexible, rates are usually higher than traditional whole ledger invoice finance. We obtain multiple quotes so you can compare costs.
Why should I use a broker instead of going direct?
As independent brokers we have access to multiple specialist lenders, can negotiate on your behalf, and charge you no broker fees. You benefit from choice and competitive pricing without extra cost.
Apply For Single Invoice Factoring UK
Complete the short form below and one of our experienced brokers will contact you promptly to discuss your requirements and arrange free, no obligation quotations from specialist lenders.
Your business must be based in the UK. We cover England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Tell us about the invoice
The value, who the customer is and their payment terms. That is enough for us to tell you what is achievable and roughly what it will cost. We do not charge broker fees on invoice finance.
About the author
Marcus Wright is the owner and founder of Bolton Business Finance Ltd. He has worked in financial services since 2008, beginning his career at Santander, and spent time on the lender side at an independent invoice finance provider before becoming a commercial finance broker in March 2019.
He founded Bolton Business Finance in 2020 to give businesses access to the whole lending market rather than one bank’s own product range. The firm is a member of the National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers and works with a panel of 135+ lenders.
Call 0161 546 9128.
Bolton Business Finance Ltd is an independent commercial finance brokerage, not a lender. We are not authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority and can only complete non-regulated introductions. All lending is for business purposes only. Figures on this page are illustrative, describe general market practice as at September 2026 and are not a quote. Advance rates, fees and eligibility vary between lenders and every application is assessed on its own merits. Registered address: Westgate House, 1 Westgate Avenue, Bolton, Greater Manchester, BL1 4RF. Company number 12495909.