Touch Financial vs Ultimate Finance: UK Invoice Finance Comparison 2026

Ultimate Finance edges this one in our 2026 UK review at 4.3 of 5 against 4.0 for Touch Financial. 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. Touch Financial advances up to 90% (funder dependent) with setup in 3 to 10 working days; Ultimate Finance advances up to 90% with setup in 3 working days. Touch Financial still wins where smes wanting one application sent to several funders 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.
Touch Financial Ultimate Finance
Cluster independentindependent
Product type Invoice finance broker (whole-of-market)Invoice finance (factoring, CID), bridging, asset finance
Min turnover Varies by funder£100k
Advance rate Up to 90% (funder dependent)Up to 90%
Typical fee Funder rates; no broker fee to client1.5% to 3.5% service charge
Contract / commitment Whole-ledger or selectiveWhole-ledger or selective
Confidential available? YesYes
Factoring available? YesYes
Setup speed 3 to 10 working days3 working days
Best for SMEs wanting one application sent to several funders; Businesses unsure which lender fits; Comparison-led buyersSME urgent setup; Multi-product facility seekers; Hybrid IF + bridging needs
Overall rating 4.0 / 54.3 / 5
Last reviewed 2026-05-272026-05-12

When Touch Financial wins

  • Whole-of-market brokering across a panel of UK invoice finance lenders.
  • No fee charged to the client; commission paid by the funder.
  • Single application routed to multiple providers for comparison.
  • Handles factoring, confidential discounting and selective facilities.

Best for

SMEs wanting one application sent to several funders, Businesses unsure which lender fits, Comparison-led buyers.

Watch outs

  • A broker, not a lender, so it does not set rates or underwrite directly.
  • Final terms and speed depend entirely on the chosen funder.
  • Panel may not include every UK provider.

When Ultimate Finance wins

  • Setup in 3 working days, market-leading for full credit underwriting.
  • SME-friendly: £100k turnover floor.
  • Multi-product (IF + bridging + asset) under one decision team.
  • Flexible on industry, including some construction and recruitment.

Best for

SME urgent setup, Multi-product facility seekers, Hybrid IF + bridging needs.

Watch outs

  • Service charge rate higher than Close Brothers or Aldermore.
  • Smaller deal-team than Bibby.
  • Less competitive on £5m+ facilities than mid-market specialists.

FAQ

Touch Financial or Ultimate Finance: which is the better UK invoice finance provider in 2026?

Ultimate Finance scores higher overall in our 2026 review at 4.3 of 5 versus 4.0 for Touch Financial. That headline does not settle the answer though. Touch Financial is the stronger pick for smes wanting one application sent to several funders; Ultimate Finance is the stronger pick for sme urgent setup. If your business fits one of those use cases, ignore the rating and pick the right fit.

What are the headline commercials, Touch Financial vs Ultimate Finance?

Touch Financial advances up to 90% (funder dependent) at funder rates; no broker fee to client. Ultimate Finance advances up to 90% at 1.5% to 3.5% service charge. Minimum turnover is Varies by funder for Touch Financial and £100k for Ultimate Finance. Setup runs 3 to 10 working days for Touch Financial and 3 working days for Ultimate Finance. Bespoke pricing is common above £1m ledger so verify before signing.

Can I get a confidential facility with either Touch Financial or Ultimate Finance?

Touch Financial offers confidential invoice discounting (your customers are not notified). Ultimate 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?

Touch Financial is the wrong fit for businesses wanting a direct lender relationship. Ultimate Finance is the wrong fit for lowest-cost facility seekers. 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 Touch Financial and Ultimate 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).