Aug 09, 2023
Financing is a crucial aspect of any business that requires capital to operate and grow. One of the commonly used methods to secure funding is through pledging receivables. But what does it mean?
In simple terms, pledging of receivables is using your outstanding customer invoices as collateral to obtain financing. This type of financing allows businesses to get access to cash quickly without having to wait for their customers to make payments.
In this blog, we explore everything about pledging receivables and how it can benefit your business. We also explain the difference between factoring and pledging receivables, whether it is similar to borrowing, and how invoice financing works in businesses.
What is pledging of receivables?
Pledging of receivables means using outstanding invoices to secure a loan or credit line. The lender will provide funds based on a portion of the total invoice value. This option can be beneficial for businesses needing quick cash flow, but it's crucial to review all terms and conditions before agreeing to the agreement.
Definition of collateral in financing
Using accounts receivable as collateral for financing is referred to as pledging of receivables or accounts receivable financing, or finally, accounts receivable factoring.
Financial institutions calculate the value of unpaid invoices and advance funds accordingly, resulting in lower interest rates for borrowers while reducing risk for lenders. It's important to carefully consider the terms and conditions of any pledging agreement before signing up. Pledging receivables is an effective way of ensuring working capital is available to streamline daily operations and customer credit accounts. Companies must disclose details of such arrangements on their balance sheets and financial statements according to accounting standards.
Example of receivables in financing
Using accounts receivable as collateral for financing can provide quick access to cash flow without giving up equity or taking on debt. By pledging receivables, you are using them as security for a loan or line of credit from a financial institution. The lender will advance funds based on a percentage of the total value of your pledged receivables.
Receivable pledging is often used by businesses with long payment cycles or seasonal fluctuations in cash flow. It can reduce the risk for lenders and may result in lower interest rates for borrowers. Moreover, it can help streamline your order-to-cash operations and daily operations in accordance with your subsidiaries or customers’ credit accounts.
Learn more: Improving Cash Flow by Selling Receivables
How to pledge receivables for financing?
To finance your receivables, reach out to a lender specialized in this type of financing. Submit proofs of your receivables, like invoices and payment terms. Sign an agreement detailing repayment terms and interest rates. The lender will then provide funds based on the value of those pledged receivables. Resolve is a highly-rated an end-to-end platform for B2B payments and credit management helping businesses manage and improve their net terms cash flow.
Advantages of pledging receivables
Pledging of receivables is a great way for businesses to gain quick access to capital without having to sell assets or take on additional debt. By reducing accounts receivable balances and providing collateral for financing options, pledging helps streamline daily operations and improves balance sheets.
Borrowing against specific invoices offers greater flexibility than traditional bank loans and may come with lower interest rates through reputable lenders. Business owners need not worry about losing control over their customers' credit accounts when choosing this method of financing because they retain full recourse over overdue accounts.
With sound financial statements and disclosures in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), companies can obtain a line of credit backed by pledged receivables from financial institutions.
What is the difference between pledging and factoring receivables?
Pledging receivables means using them as collateral for a loan while retaining ownership, whereas factoring involves selling them at a discount to a third party. Pledging allows businesses to maintain control over their accounts receivable, while factoring transfers control. Both methods offer quick access to cash flow, but with different trade-offs.
A factoring company can be a good solution if you are looking for a one-time business financing fix but, be sure to do your due diligence before you make a decision.
Is pledging of receivables similar to borrowing?
Pledging of receivables is a financing option that allows businesses to access cash without traditional borrowing. It involves securing the financing loan against future payments, which can have different terms and conditions. A careful evaluation of the business's financial situation and needs should be made before deciding to pledge receivables.
Read about: The A-Z on Conducting a Company Credit Check
Understanding invoice financing in business
When businesses need quick access to cash, they often turn to invoice financing or pledging of receivables. Invoice financing allows companies to obtain immediate cash flow by selling their invoices or trade receivables, while pledging requires businesses to use their accounts receivable as collateral for a line of credit or loan.
By working with a reputable financial institution and carefully reviewing the terms and fees associated with these financing options, business owners can make informed decisions that align with their goals and strategies for working capital management. Additionally, understanding journal entries, disclosures, and financial statements related to receivable pledging agreements can help businesses avoid recourse from lenders.
Discover More: The Top 8 Alternatives to Invoice Financing
Benefits of using pledging of receivables for financing
Pledging receivables as collateral for financing offers several benefits to businesses. By leveraging their accounts receivable balance in accordance with a pledging agreement with a financial institution or lender, businesses can gain quick access to cash and overcome working capital issues.
This financing option can help manage daily operations while improving cash flow by reducing delays in receiving payments from customers. Pledging receivables involves lower interest rates than other types of borrowing, too, such as factoring. It also doesn’t have an impact on your credit score since it is not classified as a loan.
Determine what kind of financing is right for you
Pledging of receivables is a financial tool that can be used by businesses to raise funds. It involves using accounts receivable as collateral for a loan. This not only provides immediate liquidity but also helps in reducing the risk associated with lending, making it easier for small and medium businesses to access credit.
Pledging of receivables is different from factoring, which involves selling off receivables at a discount. It is also not similar to borrowing, as the loan is secured against receivables instead of assets. If you don’t think pledging of receivables is right for you, learn more about Resolve as a solution to offer credit terms to your customers without having to alter your working capital needs.
There is no template strategy for managing your cash flow needs. To help, be sure to get in touch with our payment specialists today to learn more about Resolve a long-term solution.
