Apex Capital vs RTS Financial: Freight Factoring Comparison 2026

Apex Capital has been around since 1995. They were one of the first dedicated freight factoring companies, and that experience counts for something. RTS Financial launched later but built a modern platform from the ground up. Both serve owner-operators and small fleets, but they approach the business differently.

Apex Capital carries a 3.7/5 rating on FFUSA. RTS Financial leads our rankings at 4.9/5. The gap tells part of the story, but the details explain why it exists.

For individual deep dives, check our Apex Capital review and RTS Financial review.

Quick Comparison Table: Apex Capital vs RTS Financial

Feature	Apex Capital	RTS Financial
FFUSA Rating	3.7 / 5	4.9 / 5
Factoring Rates	1.5 – 5%	1.5 – 5%
Advance Rate	Up to 95%	Up to 97%
Contract Length	12+ months	12 – 24 months
Non-Recourse	Available	Available (add-on)
Fuel Card	Yes (Apex TCS card)	Yes ($0.25/gal savings)
Broker Credit Data	Basic credit checks	Largest database in the industry
Mobile App	Yes	Yes
Best For	Carriers who value brand reputation and longevity	Carriers who want best overall value and data tools

Factoring Rates: Same Starting Point, Different Floors

Both Apex Capital and RTS Financial advertise rates starting at 1.5%. On paper, they look identical. In practice, the rates you actually get depend on volume, broker creditworthiness, and how hard you negotiate.

Where RTS pulls ahead is in what you get for your rate. At the same percentage, RTS includes access to the industry’s largest broker credit database, a fuel card saving $0.25 per gallon, and consistently higher-rated customer service. Apex gives you a solid factoring platform, but fewer value-adds at the same price point.

Use our freight factoring calculator to see the actual dollar difference based on your invoice volume.

Contract Terms: Both Require Commitment

Neither company offers month-to-month factoring. Apex requires 12 months or more. RTS requires 12 to 24 months. If you want the freedom to leave at any time, neither of these is your match : check OTR Solutions or read our eCapital vs OTR comparison for flexible options.

Since both lock you in, the real question becomes which contract gives you more value during the commitment period. RTS’s fuel savings, broker data, and lower effective cost make their contract easier to justify over 12+ months.

Fuel Cards: Both Offer Them, RTS Saves More

Apex Capital provides the Apex TCS fuel card, accepted at most major truck stops. It offers modest discounts, though the savings per gallon aren’t as aggressive as some competitors.

RTS Financial’s fuel card saves up to $0.25 per gallon. For a truck burning 1,500 gallons per month, that’s roughly $375 in monthly savings, or $4,500 per year. That’s real money that effectively reduces your net factoring cost.

Both cards work at major stops including Pilot, Flying J, Love’s, and TA. The difference is purely in the per-gallon savings, and RTS wins this one by a clear margin.

Technology: Apex Was Early, RTS Is Better

Apex Capital was one of the first factoring companies to offer a mobile app and online portal. They deserve credit for that. Their platform handles invoice submission, payment tracking, and basic account management without issues.

But RTS Financial built something more useful. Beyond the standard factoring functions, RTS gives you access to the largest broker credit database in the freight factoring industry. Before you accept a load, you can look up the broker’s payment history, credit score, and reliability data. That’s not just a convenience feature : it prevents bad loads before they happen.

Apex offers basic credit checks on brokers, but their database isn’t in the same league. If making smarter load decisions matters to you (and it should), RTS has the better toolset.

If you’re still getting up to speed on how factoring works in the first place, our freight factoring explainer covers the basics.

Customer Service

RTS Financial’s 4.9/5 rating reflects consistently strong service. Carriers praise their dedicated account reps, fast funding, and willingness to work through problems. When you call RTS, the person on the other end understands trucking and treats your account like it matters.

Apex Capital at 3.7/5 is solid but not exceptional. The positive reviews highlight their stability and experience. The complaints tend to center on contract rigidity, fee transparency, and occasional communication gaps when things go sideways. Apex isn’t bad by any means : they’ve been doing this for 30 years for a reason. But the consistency gap between 3.7 and 4.9 adds up over hundreds of interactions during a 12-month contract.

Our Verdict: Apex Capital vs RTS Financial

Pick RTS Financial if: You want the best overall value in freight factoring. Lower effective costs (when you factor in fuel savings), the industry’s top broker credit database, and customer service that earns a 4.9 rating. RTS takes everything Apex does and does it a step better across every metric that matters day to day.

Pick Apex Capital if: You value a company’s track record above all else. Apex has been factoring freight since 1995 and they’ve survived market cycles that eliminated other companies. If you have an existing relationship with an Apex rep who takes care of you, or if your fleet already uses the Apex TCS fuel card ecosystem extensively, staying put might make sense. But for a new carrier choosing between the two, RTS is the stronger pick.

For a broader view of your options, see our complete factoring company comparison or our owner-operator factoring guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Apex Capital cheaper than RTS Financial?

Both advertise rates starting at 1.5%, so headline rates are similar. However, RTS Financial’s fuel card saves up to $0.25 per gallon, which effectively reduces your total cost. For a truck using 1,500 gallons per month, that’s $4,500 per year in fuel savings that Apex can’t match. When you factor in all costs, RTS typically comes out cheaper.

Which company has better technology for truckers?

RTS Financial. Both have functional mobile apps for invoice submission and payment tracking. But RTS also gives you access to the largest broker credit database in freight factoring, letting you check broker payment history before accepting loads. Apex offers basic credit checks but doesn’t have a comparable database.

Can I switch from Apex Capital to RTS Financial?

Yes, but check your Apex contract first. Most Apex contracts have a notice period and may include early termination fees. You’ll also need to update UCC filings and notify your brokers of the payment change. Our switching guide walks through the process step by step.

Does Apex Capital offer non-recourse factoring?

Yes. Apex Capital offers non-recourse factoring as part of their standard service. RTS Financial also offers non-recourse but typically as an add-on that increases your rate. If free non-recourse is a priority, Apex has a slight edge here : though RTS’s broker credit database helps you avoid bad brokers in the first place, reducing the need for non-recourse protection.

Which company is better for a brand new carrier?

RTS Financial is the better choice for new carriers. Their broker credit database is especially valuable when you’re still learning which brokers are reliable. The fuel card savings also matter more when margins are tight in your first year.