Revenue-based funding is priced with a factor rate, not an interest rate.

A factor rate tells you the total payback upfront.

An interest rate tells you the cost of borrowing over time, so the final cost depends on the term, fees, repayment schedule, and the outstanding balance

That means a 1.25 factor rate and a 25% interest rate are not the same thing, even though both use the word “rate.”

Infographic explaining how a 1.25 factor rate turns $100,000 in funding into $125,000 total payback.

Factor Rate vs. Interest Rate

Factor rates are simple multipliers. They set the total purchased amount upfront.

Interest rates are tied to time. The cost of a loan changes based on the rate, the term, fees, repayment schedule, and how long the balance remains unpaid.

Infographic showing a $100,000 loan at 12% APR over 12 months with estimated payment and total payback.


Same APR, Different Terms

A 12% APR over 12 months does not create the same total payback as a 12% APR over 24 months.

That is the main difference: interest cost depends on time. Factor rate payback is set upfront.


Infographic showing a $100,000 loan at 12% APR over 24 months with estimated payment and total payback.

Why Factor Rates Vary

Factor rate is only one part of the offer. Referral partners should also review payment terms, payment adjustments, total payback, existing obligations, and expected cash-flow impact.

Infographic showing how business risk affects revenue-based funding factor rate ranges.

Final Note

A factor rate should not be judged in isolation. The right question is not only “what is the rate?”, it’s:

What is the total payback, how are payments collected, can the business handle the cash-flow impact, and does the use of funds justify the cost?