What a merchant cash advance is
A merchant cash advance (MCA) — also called a business cash advance — is one of the fastest ways to get business cash: a lump sum of working capital that you repay as a fixed percentage of your daily or weekly revenue. Because repayment flexes with your sales, it suits businesses with steady card or deposit volume that want fast, predictable access to capital.
Fast, credit-flexible funding
If you’re looking for express business funding or merchant loans, this is usually the quickest route: approvals and funding often land within 24–48 hours, and because the decision is based on your cash flow rather than just your credit score, it’s accessible to many businesses that banks turn away.
How repayment works
Instead of a fixed monthly instalment, an agreed slice of each day’s (or week’s) revenue goes toward the advance until it is repaid. Slower weeks cost less; stronger weeks repay faster.
When it’s a good fit
- You need capital quickly and value speed over the lowest possible rate.
- Your revenue is consistent enough to support daily/weekly repayment.
- You want funding that scales down automatically in a quiet period.
What a merchant cash advance costs
MCAs are usually priced with a factor rate (for example 1.1–1.5) rather than an APR. On a $50,000 advance at a 1.25 factor you’d repay $62,500 in total. Because repayment is a share of sales, the effective cost is higher than a bank term loan — you’re paying for speed, flexibility, and access. Always compare the total repayment amount and the holdback percentage, not just the headline number.
Pros and cons
- Pros: fast funding (often 24–48 hours); no fixed collateral; approvable with thin or lower credit; repayment flexes down when sales slow.
- Cons: more expensive than bank financing; daily or weekly remittances affect cash flow; best suited to steady card/deposit volume, not one-off needs.
How to apply — what you’ll need
A short application plus recent business bank statements (typically 3–6 months). Approvals can come within a day. Have your monthly revenue, time in business, and intended use of funds ready.
The criteria above are general education, not an eligibility decision. The lender you’re introduced to makes all funding and qualification decisions.
Common questions
How fast can I get funded?
A merchant cash advance is one of the fastest funding options — many businesses are approved and funded within 24–48 hours once a short application and a few months of bank statements are in. That speed is why it's often searched for as "fast business cash" or "express business funding."
Can I qualify with less-than-perfect credit?
Often yes. Approval is driven more by your cash flow and sales consistency than by your credit score, so businesses with thin or lower credit files can still qualify. The lending partner makes the final decision.
How much can I get?
Amounts commonly range from about $15K to $500K, sized to your monthly revenue. Repayment is a fixed share of daily or weekly sales, so it flexes with how business is going.