Why is a Bank Factoring Company Better?

Last Updated on March 22, 2023

If you’ve already determined that invoice factoring is a good fit for your business, the next step is to identify the best factoring company for you. There are tons of different providers to choose from – so how do you know which is best? This article helps describe the differences between an independent factor and a bank factor, and why one may offer more advantages for your business than the other.

What is a Bank Factoring Company?

Factoring is a transaction between a business and a third-party (the factor) which provides quick cash flow in exchange for accounts receivable and/or other assets. A business can use its invoices (accounts receivable) as leverage or sell off accounts receivable to the factor to obtain cash. Depending on the arrangement, the cash is either discounted or reduced by fees charged by the factor. A bank factoring company uses the same steps as a traditional factor but requires the factor to be a regulated bank. There are many nuances and differences between traditional financing companies and banks that offer factoring. Each provider has its own way of defining the types of factoring available.

At altLINE, we break out our receivable-based products into three structures:

1. The first is asset-based lending which is a loan secured by business assets. The collateral is either the inventory, accounts receivable or balance sheet assets. Since asset lending is similar to a revolving line of credit, the business can borrow from assets on a continual basis to cover expenses as needed.
2. In accounts receivable financing, a business sells the value of its invoices to a third-party factor (ie. independent factoring company or a factoring bank) at a discount. The third-party processes the invoices and the business receives funds based on the expected money due from their client (the debtor). This structure operates similarly to a line of line of credit.
3. Invoice factoring is the third method, in which a business sells invoices to the third-party (the factor). The factor gives the business a percentage of the total value of invoices and collects invoice payments from the business’ client. After the client pays the invoice, the factor pays the business the remainder of the money collected and keeps back a transaction fee.

As a bank factoring company, altLINE offers various accounts receivable financing structures to fit the varying needs of a business.

Benefits of Factoring

Factoring is not a loan thereby no liability is reflected on the balance sheet. It establishes steady cash flow and eliminates the 30, 60, 90-day waiting period for the accounts receivable of a business. The factor manages invoices and implements credit reviews of the clients for the business. The factor advances funds against invoices and collects money owed by the business clients. Time management is optimized and the business can direct its energy towards sales, market expansion, and other endeavors.

Read more about the advantages and disadvantages of invoice factoring.

Why Factor Your Invoices?

1. Funds are advanced to the business before clients pay the invoice for goods received.
2. Factors provide credit control – the collection of funds is managed by the factoring entity.
3. Factoring provides capital while the business has open invoices.
4. Factoring is not a loan since the invoices/accounts are purchased by the factoring entity. They do not show on the books as a liability so this reduces balance sheet debt.
5. Businesses which experience seasonal fluctuations in their business have periods of insolvency; factoring is a means of acquiring cash flow based on money owed by clients.
6. Quick access to funds with invoice factoring – funds available within 48 hours after an invoice is generated.
7. Relief from debt collection.
8. No debt to repay.

Read more about whether or not factoring is a fit for you.

Factoring Providers – Many Choices

Since there are limited barriers to entry anyone can start a factoring company. As you would expect, some factoring companies are better than others. Take the time to research and get comfortable with your factoring partner. The two types of factoring companies compared here: independent factors, and bank factors (also known as a factoring bank). Check out this infographic for more information:

Independent vs. Bank Factoring

While the overall goal of invoice factoring is the same, choosing the right provider is critical. Let’s summarize the differences.

Independent Factoring Company:

Independent factoring companies work with businesses who need to accelerate cash flow and may have been turned down by a bank. A business with creditworthy customers may be eligible to factor even if it can’t qualify for a loan. However, an independent factor must borrow from a third party in order to fund your invoices. That can increase risk and costs for your business, and can reduce efficiency.

Bank Factoring Company:

A bank factor provides the same flexibility and benefits as an independent factor, but also offers additional advantages.

Easier Transition to Bank Loan

A bank factor works with many businesses who are considered outside of the traditional credit box. Many of these businesses have been told “no” by a bank for a commercial loan, but they are still very strong candidates for working with a bank that offers factoring, or accounts receivable financing. Businesses that work with a bank owned factoring company may also have an easier time transitioning to a commercial loan at a later date.

Greater Security

Banks are more secure and provide a sense of financial stability for the business. A business’s clients are very valuable relationships, and a bank offers a level of comfort not found in independent alternative financing companies. Clients feel better about interacting with a bank than an unfamiliar or unknown business entity.

Competitive Rates

In addition, since the bank has its own funds, it can offer the business very competitive rates. Unlike many independent factoring companies who work with multiple funding sources, a bank acts as a direct source of funds and eliminates the middleman.

Factoring is a common solution to cash flow and is best used during growth periods or when the account receivables are large. The business benefits since the time between delivery of goods and funds realized is short. The business is relieved of the burden of chasing debt and can focus on other pertinent issues.

Why Do Small Businesses Choose to Factor with a Bank?

Kelley Burnett, altLINE Vice President of Operations, highlighted these advantages.

“An independent factoring shop is usually borrowing the funds they provide to clients from another institution, typically a bank,” Burnett said. “They must then charge their clients a high enough rate to cover their financing costs. A bank/direct lender is supplying its own money to its client base, giving it the ability to be much more flexible on fee structures, and provide greater value for the client base.”

“Banks are also regulated at the state/federal level,” Burnett added. “With a large number of rules, regulations, and laws to comply with, a bank factoring provider offers a more secure, trustworthy, reliable, and transparent client experience.”

Contact us today to see how factoring with a bank can help your business grow.