Satago vs Close Brothers Invoice Finance Comparison 2026
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- Satago focuses on technology driven selective and full ledger invoice finance, while Close Brothers offers more traditional invoice discounting, factoring and asset based lending
- Close Brothers is typically suited to larger, more established firms, whereas Satago often targets small and medium sized businesses that want a digital first facility
- Pricing for both providers varies and depends on turnover, risk and facility structure, so businesses should request tailored quotes and compare total costs
- Choice between these lenders usually comes down to desired flexibility, relationship led support and whether you prefer a bank backed lender or a fintech style platform
Products and terms at a glance
Satago
Satago Limited is a UK based fintech that provides invoice finance via an online platform for small and medium sized businesses according to Satago's introduction article. Its core funding product is invoice finance, delivered as both selective and full ledger structures, with the ability to fund individual invoices or all eligible invoices based on Satago's invoice finance product page. Satago positions its product as a way to automate eligibility checks and drawdowns by integrating with accounting software, as described on its platform overview article. Typical contract terms, minimum facility sizes and notice periods are not fully detailed on public pages, so specific parameters should be treated as varies.
Satago's public support documentation indicates that applications are assessed on a case by case basis and that not all businesses or invoices will qualify, according to Satago's support article on declined applications. The same support area notes that Satago must retain some information for five years after an invoice finance application in line with regulatory requirements based on Satago's customer support page, which reinforces that the business operates within the UK financial regulatory framework.
Close Brothers Invoice Finance
Close Brothers Invoice Finance operates as part of Close Brothers Group and offers a broader suite of working capital solutions, including invoice discounting, factoring and asset based lending, based on Close Brothers Invoice Finance's about us page. Close Brothers also promotes bad debt protection and other ancillary services that can be bolted onto its core funding facilities according to its bad debt protection product page. The firm emphasises relationship led service and regional coverage for different industries, as highlighted on its industry pages for service businesses.
Close Brothers' facilities are typically structured as ongoing revolving agreements secured against accounts receivable and, in some cases, other assets. Specific eligibility criteria and minimum turnover thresholds are not exhaustively detailed on their public site and may vary by product and sector, so exact figures should be treated as varies. The group indicates in its annual report that invoice finance remains a core part of its commercial lending, confirming its ongoing activity in this market according to Close Brothers Group's 2024 annual report.
Facility structures compared
Although both providers sit broadly within asset based finance on receivables, they use different delivery models. Satago concentrates on technology enabled invoice finance that can operate selectively, where businesses choose which invoices to fund, as described on its invoice finance page. Close Brothers focuses more on whole ledger invoice discounting or factoring and wider asset based lending structures for businesses across multiple industries, based on its corporate overview. For a business deciding between them, the choice is often between a digital first platform and a more traditional, relationship managed banking group facility.
Costs and repayments in practice
Neither Satago nor Close Brothers Invoice Finance publishes a full schedule of service fees, discount margins or additional charges for all products as of 2026. Pricing is typically bespoke and based on risk, turnover, sector and facility complexity, so precise rates or APRs should be treated as varies. Where pricing structures are referenced below, they are high level only and any numerical illustrations are clearly marked as assumptions rather than quoted lender terms.
How charges are usually structured
Satago describes its pricing as transparent with the ability to see costs within its platform, but does not publish fixed percentages on its public product page, so detailed figures vary according to Satago's invoice finance page. Close Brothers Invoice Finance is described by third party reviewers as using a combination of service charges and discount margins, but exact percentages are again negotiated and not stated on the official product pages, so these elements also vary, with secondary commentary such as ExpertSure's 2026 review of Close Brothers Invoice Factoring supporting this general structure without providing definitive rates.
In practice, invoice finance facilities in the UK often involve a monthly or annual service fee calculated on turnover or facility limits plus a discount charge calculated on funds drawn. However, because each lender sets its own pricing, businesses should request tailored written quotes and, ideally, compare effective annualised costs using a tool such as an internal business finance calculator rather than relying on headline percentages alone.
Illustrative comparison table
The table below uses indicative labels only, not actual quoted terms. All entries marked varies represent the fact that the real pricing and terms depend on individual assessment and are not fully disclosed publicly.
| Feature | Satago | Close Brothers Invoice Finance |
|---|---|---|
| Facility type | Technology driven selective and full ledger invoice finance based on Satago's product page | Invoice discounting, factoring and wider asset based lending according to Close Brothers' about us page |
| Typical facility size | Varies, specific ranges not disclosed publicly | Varies, tailored to business size and asset base |
| Advance rate against invoices | Varies, not stated publicly | Varies, not stated publicly |
| Core service fees | Varies, described as clear and transparent within the platform on Satago's page | Varies, often structured as service fee plus discount margin according to ExpertSure's 2026 review |
| Contract length | Varies, not fully specified on public documentation | Varies, contracts may include minimum terms and notice periods as suggested by product contract wording |
| Bad debt protection | Varies, references to risk tools and credit control within Satago's platform according to its overview article | Dedicated bad debt protection product available, based on Close Brothers' bad debt protection page |
| Integration with accounting software | Yes, integrates with major accounting packages as described across Satago's introduction article and its invoice finance content hub | Not emphasised in the same way on public marketing pages, focus is more on relationship management, so availability of integrations varies |
| Sector focus | Broad SME focus with emphasis on businesses using cloud accounting software according to Satago's overview | Wide sector coverage including service industries and others, highlighted on Close Brothers' industry pages |
Worked example 1, illustrative Satago style facility
The following example is illustrative only and does not reflect actual Satago pricing.
- Assume a business raises £100,000 of eligible invoices per month
- Assume an advance rate of 85 percent against eligible invoices, which is a typical market assumption for UK invoice finance but not a confirmed Satago or Close Brothers figure
- Assume an effective annual service fee equivalent to 1.5 percent of annual turnover and a discount charge equivalent to 8.0 percent per annum on funds drawn, both labelled as varies in reality
On this basis, the business might draw £85,000 each month. If the funds are, on average, outstanding for 45 days, the approximate monthly discount cost could be calculated as follows, using the assumed rate:
- Annual discount rate, 8.0 percent (assumed)
- Daily rate, 8.0 percent / 365 ≈ 0.0219 percent
- 45 days cost on £85,000 ≈ £85,000 × 0.0219 percent × 45 ≈ £836 (illustrative)
The annual service fee, based on assumed 1.5 percent of annual turnover of £1.2 million (12 × £100,000), would be approximately £18,000, or about £1,500 per month on average. Combining the illustrative discount and service components, the total indicative monthly cost would be around £2,336 under these assumptions. Actual Satago charges will vary and should be confirmed in a formal quotation and facility letter based on Satago's representation that pricing is agreed transparently per facility.
Worked example 2, illustrative Close Brothers style facility
This example uses the same business profile for comparability and remains illustrative only, not an exact reflection of Close Brothers' pricing.
- Monthly eligible invoices, £500,000
- Assumed advance rate, 85 percent, giving £425,000 available funding (not a published Close Brothers figure)
- Assumed service fee, 1.0 percent of annual turnover
- Assumed discount rate, 6.5 percent per annum on drawn funds
If the firm draws the full £425,000 for an average of 30 days, the discount cost would be:
- Annual discount rate, 6.5 percent (assumed)
- Daily rate, 6.5 percent / 365 ≈ 0.0178 percent
- 30 days cost on £425,000 ≈ £425,000 × 0.0178 percent × 30 ≈ £2,271 (illustrative)
The annual service fee at an assumed 1.0 percent of £6 million annual turnover (12 × £500,000) would be £60,000, or £5,000 per month on average. Total indicative monthly cost would therefore be around £7,271. This broad structure aligns with the notion of a service charge plus discount margin referenced in ExpertSure's review of Close Brothers Invoice Factoring, but the exact numbers used here remain hypothetical and actual Close Brothers terms will vary.
Comparing total cost and cash flow impact
For many businesses, the key question is whether the cash flow benefit from faster access to working capital outweighs the combined cost of fees and discount charges. Technology driven providers such as Satago, which integrate with accounting platforms and automate eligibility according to its overview article, may provide more granular visibility over the real time cost of funding each invoice. More traditional lenders such as Close Brothers, which emphasise relationship managers and tailored structures based on its corporate profile, may add value through bespoke structuring and guidance, but businesses should still use effective cost comparisons when reviewing competing offers.
Speed and service
Onboarding and funding speed
Satago describes access to funds as fast and easy once invoices are approved and eligibility is confirmed, according to its invoice finance page. Its help centre further explains that funded invoices move through the system based on the status of the debtor and that queries, including disputes, are handled via its support team, as discussed in Satago's FAQ on financed invoice disputes. However, the provider does not publish specific onboarding timelines in days or hours, so exact approval and funding times vary.
Close Brothers Invoice Finance does not specify a standard approval timeframe on its public materials either. Its focus on in person or relationship managed onboarding, as inferred from its about us page which highlights experienced local teams, suggests that setting up a facility may involve more meetings and documentation than some purely digital platforms. That said, once an invoice discounting or factoring facility is in place, many bank backed lenders process drawdowns relatively quickly, but precise timings for Close Brothers vary.
Customer support and ongoing management
Satago maintains an online support centre covering eligibility, product usage and problem resolution, as seen on Satago's support landing page. Specific articles outline what happens when applications are declined, which channels to use for complaints and what documentation is retained, for example in Satago's complaints procedure. This setup indicates a primarily digital engagement model with phone and email escalation where necessary.
Close Brothers Invoice Finance positions itself as relationship led, assigning local specialist teams by sector and region according to its industry support pages. While it does not have a consumer style help centre, contact details for regional offices and account management are provided on various product and sector pages, for example the Brighton office listed on the service industries page. For complaints, Close Brothers Group as a whole provides a group wide complaints process, and businesses can refer disputes to the Financial Ombudsman Service where eligible; the group approach is detailed in Close Brothers Group's complaints information.
Transparency and documentation
Satago's documentation focuses heavily on how its platform works, with articles explaining eligibility, data access and accounting integrations across its blog and help pages such as Satago's integration support article. Formal terms and conditions are provided separately on its website, as referenced in the footer links to software terms and website terms listed on its invoice finance category page. Close Brothers provides formal contracts and legal documentation directly to clients and summarises key standards through its membership of the UK Finance Invoice Finance and Asset Based Lending Standards Framework, according to UK Finance's standards framework page, which lists Close Brothers Invoice Finance as a participant.
Who each lender suits
Satago, potential fit
Based on its product design and marketing, Satago may be more suitable for businesses that:
- Use cloud accounting platforms and want to connect invoicing, debtor management and funding in one place, consistent with the integration focus described on Satago's introduction article
- Prefer a selective invoice finance model where they can choose which invoices to fund as promoted on its invoice finance page
- Operate at small to mid market turnover levels and value digital self service with support available online and via phone as set out on Satago's support page
- Want to retain direct control over customer relationships by using confidential invoice finance, which Satago describes as a feature on its product overview
Close Brothers Invoice Finance, potential fit
Close Brothers Invoice Finance may be more suitable for businesses that:
- Have higher annual turnover and more complex funding needs, where an asset based lending structure could be helpful, as referenced on its corporate profile
- Prefer a full ledger invoice discounting or factoring facility with hands on support from a dedicated relationship manager, stressed throughout its industry pages
- Operate in sectors such as manufacturing, services or distribution where traditional bank backed invoice finance is common, indicated by the sector examples on its sector overview
- Value the comfort of dealing with an established UK banking group listed on the London Stock Exchange, as described in Close Brothers Invoice Finance's about us page
Ultimately, the suitability of either lender will depend on individual circumstances, including turnover, debtor quality, growth plans and appetite for covenant and reporting obligations.
How to apply
Applying to Satago
Satago provides an online journey for businesses to enquire and apply for invoice finance. Its website describes the process of connecting accounting software, reviewing eligible invoices and generating an application through its platform according to Satago's product page. The help centre clarifies that applications are assessed on a case by case basis and that, where applications are declined, businesses may receive guidance or a timeline for when to reapply, as discussed in Satago's declined applications article. Standard documentation typically includes financial statements, bank details and debtor information, although Satago does not publish an exhaustive document list so exact requirements vary.
Once a facility is approved, Satago indicates that eligible invoices can be funded automatically or on demand within the platform, funded to the business bank account, based on its invoice finance description. The provider's complaints process and support contacts, set out on its complaints procedure page, show where businesses can escalate issues arising during or after the application process.
Applying to Close Brothers Invoice Finance
Close Brothers Invoice Finance typically uses a more traditional, contact led application route. Prospective clients are encouraged to contact the lender via phone or online forms for specific industries, as seen on its service industries page. From there, businesses will usually discuss their requirements with a regional sales manager or relationship director who can outline the most suitable mix of invoice discounting, factoring or asset based lending facilities based on Close Brothers' summary of its bespoke approach.
While detailed checklists are not provided on the public site, bank backed lenders such as Close Brothers generally request recent management accounts, annual accounts, aged debtor and creditor reports and details of existing finance arrangements. The group emphasises responsible lending and regulatory compliance in its 2024 annual report, so businesses can expect thorough credit and compliance checks before facilities are approved. Complaints or concerns can be raised through the group complaints process as set out in Close Brothers' complaints information.
Final verdict
Both Satago and Close Brothers Invoice Finance enable UK businesses to convert unpaid invoices into working capital but they take different approaches. Satago is a fintech platform combining invoice finance with debtor and credit management tools, geared towards SMEs that value integration and selective funding according to its product materials. Close Brothers Invoice Finance operates within a long established banking group providing invoice discounting, factoring and asset based lending with relationship managers and tailored structures, as evidenced by its corporate overview and its participation in the UK Finance standards framework.
Choosing between them involves more than headline fees. Businesses should consider desired flexibility, integration needs, appetite for on site due diligence and reporting and whether they value technology led self service or in person relationship support. Because specific pricing for both lenders varies, requesting like for like written quotations and comparing the effective annual cost of funds, alongside covenant and operational obligations, is essential before committing.
Choose Satago if:
- You want a technology driven platform with direct integration into your accounting software to manage invoicing, credit control and funding together, based on Satago's description of its platform
- You prefer flexibility through selective invoice finance or a mix of selective and full ledger funding, as promoted on its invoice finance page
- Your business operates in the small to medium enterprise space and values online onboarding and self service, with digital support channels as highlighted on Satago's support page
Choose Close Brothers Invoice Finance if:
- You have larger funding needs or more complex structures that may benefit from asset based lending across receivables and other assets, as outlined on Close Brothers' about us page
- You prefer a full ledger invoice discounting or factoring facility managed through a dedicated relationship manager, a focus evident from its industry pages
- You value dealing with a long established UK banking group that adheres to the UK Finance Invoice Finance and Asset Based Lending Standards Framework, according to UK Finance
Sources
- Satago, Invoice Finance product page
- Satago, Introduction to Satago
- Satago, Support centre
- Satago, Complaints procedure
- Satago, What can I do if I have been declined for Invoice Finance
- Satago, What happens if a financed invoice goes into dispute
- Satago, Customer support and integrations
- Satago, Invoice Finance articles and legal links
- Close Brothers Invoice Finance, About us
- Close Brothers Invoice Finance, Service industries page
- Close Brothers Invoice Finance, Bad Debt Protection product page
- Close Brothers Group plc, Annual Report 2024
- Close Brothers Group, Complaints information
- UK Finance, Invoice Finance and Asset Based Lending Standards Framework
- ExpertSure, Close Brothers Invoice Factoring Review UK 2026
- Funding Agent, Asset finance overview
- Funding Agent, Asset finance calculator
