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Does Invoice Finance Cover Export Finance?

  • Writer: Danielle Davis
    Danielle Davis
  • Mar 31
  • 3 min read

If your business exports goods or services and invoices clients overseas, you may have asked the question: “Can I use Invoice Finance for international customers?”

The answer? Yes - sometimes. Some lenders are more than happy to support export finance, while others prefer to keep things strictly UK-based. It all depends on the lender’s policies, your client profile, and the countries you're trading with.


Here’s what you need to know.


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First Things First — What is Export Finance?

Export Finance is a type of funding that helps businesses trade internationally by bridging the cashflow gap between sending goods abroad and receiving payment. It’s especially useful when your overseas customers are on long payment terms (30, 90, or even 120 days), or when shipping and customs delays cause payment lags.


Invoice Finance, such as Invoice Factoring or Invoice Discounting, is one way to access Export Finance - but not all lenders will support international invoices.


 

Can Invoice Finance Be Used for Exporting?

In many cases, yes. Some Invoice Finance providers offer facilities that cover international invoices, as long as your overseas customers meet certain criteria. These lenders will typically advance a percentage of the invoice (up to 90%), just like they would with domestic invoices - giving you the working capital you need while you wait for payment from abroad.


However, not all lenders are comfortable funding exports. Why? Because overseas debt carries additional risk - including currency fluctuations, legal differences, political instability, and difficulties in enforcing payment if things go wrong.


That’s why it’s crucial to work with a lender who understands international trade and is comfortable with export finance.


 

What Determines Whether Export Invoices Are Eligible?

Lenders that offer Export Invoice Finance will usually look at:


  • Which countries you’re exporting to – Some regions are considered higher risk than others.

  • The creditworthiness of your international customers – Reliable, established buyers are key.

  • Your trading history – A proven record of successful export relationships can make a big difference.

  • Currency and payment terms – Transactions in major currencies (GBP, USD, EUR) tend to be easier to fund.


If your business ticks the right boxes, some lenders will happily fund your export invoices - just as they would with domestic ones.


 

How 12s Finance Helps

Not every lender will be the right fit for a business dealing with overseas customers — and that’s exactly why we exist.


At 12s Finance, we get to know your business through our detailed funding questionnaire. If you’re dealing with export invoices, we’ll make sure to match you with a lender that specifically supports Export Invoice Finance - not just one that does generic UK-based lending.


We only work with trusted, specialist lenders who understand the ins and outs of international trade, and we’ll find the one that fits your industry, your market, and your goals.


 

Final Thought

If your customers are based overseas and you’re waiting weeks or months to get paid, Invoice Finance could absolutely help - but only if you’re working with the right lender.

Some are fully equipped to support Export Finance. Others are not.


At 12s Finance, we’ll make sure you’re connected with a lender that’s the right fit for your business model - export or domestic.


Make one enquiry today - and we’ll handle the rest.

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