Ultimate Finance vs IGF
Ultimate Finance and IGF are both small-to-mid independent invoice finance providers targeting businesses that banks won't touch - startups, bad credit, CCJs, turnaround situations. Ultimate Finance wins on speed (3-day setup) and advance rate (95%). IGF wins on personal service (you talk to the owner) and flexibility on truly difficult cases. Both accept businesses from £50,000 turnover.
Ultimate Finance wins on speed (3-day setup) and advance rate (95% - highest in the UK). IGF wins on personal service (direct access to the owner) and flexibility on genuinely difficult cases including CCJs and bad credit. More detail + scope
Summary
Both are independent providers targeting businesses that banks decline - startups, bad credit, CCJs, and turnaround situations. Ultimate Finance offers the UK's highest advance rate at 95% with 3-day setup from 0.8%. IGF offers more personal decision-making from 1.0% and is more likely to waive personal guarantees. Both accept businesses from £50,000 turnover.
This page covers
Head-to-head comparison of Ultimate Finance and IGF for businesses with challenging credit profiles
Not covered here
Individual provider reviews (see /providers/ultimate-finance/ and /providers/igf/), no personal guarantee options (see /best/no-personal-guarantee/)
| Feature | Ultimate Finance | IGF |
|---|---|---|
| Advance rate | Up to 95% | Up to 85% |
| Service charge from | 0.8% | 1.0% |
| Setup speed | 3 days | 5 days |
| Accepts bad credit? | Yes | Yes |
| Accepts startups? | Day one | Yes |
| Personal guarantee | Usually yes (capped) | Not always |
| Export capability | Limited | Limited |
| Decision-maker access | Good | Direct (owner) |
| Our rating | 4.5/5 | 4.3/5 |
The Bottom Line
If you need maximum cash from each invoice and the fastest possible setup, choose Ultimate Finance. If your situation is genuinely complex and you need someone to listen and find a way to make it work, choose IGF. If in doubt, get quotes from both - the one that offers the better deal wins.
Founder & Managing Director, Muswell Rose, founder and PSC of Best Business Loans Ltd
Adam is the founder and managing director of Muswell Rose and a founder of Best Business Loans Ltd, the company behind Market Invoice. He spent over three years as managing director of Penny, a UK invoice finance business, and his career runs through insurance, mortgages, commercial finance and fintech lending. He writes the Market Invoice library.
Last reviewed: 13 April 2026