Allianz Trade vs Close Brothers Invoice Finance: UK Invoice Finance Comparison 2026

Close Brothers Invoice Finance edges this one in our 2026 UK review at 4.5 of 5 against 4.2 for Allianz Trade. Both are UK independent invoice finance providers, freer than banks on covenants and faster on decisioning. The difference is sector specialism, headline rate and minimum turnover floor. Allianz Trade advances n/a (insurance, not advance against ledger) with setup in policy underwriting, typically 1 to 3 weeks; Close Brothers Invoice Finance advances up to 90% with setup in 5 working days. Allianz Trade still wins where protecting against customer non-payment matters more than the headline score. Read the side-by-side, then check the "when X wins" sections for the buyer-fit logic.

Side-by-side

As of 2026-05-27. Headline rates and advance percentages reflect each provider's published or commonly-offered position; bespoke pricing applies above ~£1m ledger so verify before signing.
Allianz Trade Close Brothers Invoice Finance
Cluster independentindependent
Product type Trade credit insurance and bad debt protectionInvoice finance (CID, factoring, ABL)
Min turnover Varies by policy£500k
Advance rate N/A (insurance, not advance against ledger)Up to 90%
Typical fee Premium as a percentage of insured turnoverFrom 0.5% service charge
Contract / commitment Confidential discountingWhole-ledger or selective
Confidential available? YesYes
Factoring available? NoYes
Setup speed Policy underwriting, typically 1 to 3 weeks5 working days
Best for Protecting against customer non-payment; Insuring an existing IF ledger; Exporters managing debtor risk£500k+ turnover Ltd companies; Confidential discounting use cases; Cost-sensitive established trading businesses
Overall rating 4.2 / 54.5 / 5
Last reviewed 2026-05-272026-05-12

When Allianz Trade wins

  • Global leader in trade credit insurance and debtor risk data.
  • Protects against customer insolvency and protracted default.
  • Can be added alongside an existing invoice finance facility.
  • Strengthens funding terms when a ledger is insured.

Best for

Protecting against customer non-payment, Insuring an existing IF ledger, Exporters managing debtor risk.

Watch outs

  • Not invoice finance: it insures debt, it does not advance cash.
  • Provides no working capital on its own.
  • Premiums and underwriting add cost and lead time.

When Close Brothers Invoice Finance wins

  • 0.5% headline service charge, market-leading.
  • Merchant banking heritage; FCA regulated under Close Brothers Group plc.
  • Strong on confidential invoice discounting (no customer notification).
  • Published criteria, low headline-to-offered rate gap.

Best for

£500k+ turnover Ltd companies, Confidential discounting use cases, Cost-sensitive established trading businesses.

Watch outs

  • £500k+ minimum turnover excludes earlier-stage businesses.
  • Setup 5 days, fine but no faster than mid-tier competitors.
  • Less aggressive on construction-stage payments than Bibby or Ultimate.

FAQ

Allianz Trade or Close Brothers Invoice Finance: which is the better UK invoice finance provider in 2026?

Close Brothers Invoice Finance scores higher overall in our 2026 review at 4.5 of 5 versus 4.2 for Allianz Trade. That headline does not settle the answer though. Allianz Trade is the stronger pick for protecting against customer non-payment; Close Brothers Invoice Finance is the stronger pick for £500k+ turnover ltd companies. If your business fits one of those use cases, ignore the rating and pick the right fit.

What are the headline commercials, Allianz Trade vs Close Brothers Invoice Finance?

Allianz Trade advances n/a (insurance, not advance against ledger) at premium as a percentage of insured turnover. Close Brothers Invoice Finance advances up to 90% at from 0.5% service charge. Minimum turnover is Varies by policy for Allianz Trade and £500k for Close Brothers Invoice Finance. Setup runs policy underwriting, typically 1 to 3 weeks for Allianz Trade and 5 working days for Close Brothers Invoice Finance. Bespoke pricing is common above £1m ledger so verify before signing.

Can I get a confidential facility with either Allianz Trade or Close Brothers Invoice Finance?

Allianz Trade offers confidential invoice discounting (your customers are not notified). Close Brothers Invoice Finance offers confidential invoice discounting. If your customer relationships make disclosure a non-starter, that determines the answer regardless of headline rate.

Where does each one struggle?

Allianz Trade is the wrong fit for businesses that need cash now. Close Brothers Invoice Finance is the wrong fit for sub-£500k turnover. If either describes your business, browse the side-by-side or get matched against the wider UK panel via our quote form.

Can Market Invoice help me choose between Allianz Trade and Close Brothers Invoice Finance?

Yes. We are an independent UK invoice finance comparison operated by Best Business Loans Ltd (16833937). We are not tied to either provider. Tell us monthly turnover, sector, debtor profile and whether you need the facility confidential. We match you against the UK invoice finance providers most likely to approve at a competitive rate, then stay your editorial reference for life.

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Reviewed by Oliver Mackman, Director. Last reviewed: 2026-05-27. Editorial by Best Business Loans Ltd (16833937).