Merchant Cash Advance (MCA) — Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Merchant Cash Advance (MCA)?
An MCA is a purchase of a portion of your future receivables in exchange for an upfront lump sum. Instead of a traditional interest rate, pricing uses a factor rate (e.g., 1.30), and repayment is made via daily or weekly debits or a percentage “holdback” of card/ACH sales until the purchased amount is fully collected.
Is an MCA a loan?
No. It’s structured as a sale of future receivables, not a loan. That’s why you’ll see terms like “purchase price,” “specified amount,” and “remittances” instead of principal/interest/amortization.
How is MCA pricing calculated (factor rate vs APR)?
MCAs use a factor rate (e.g., 1.20–1.50+) multiplied by the advance amount to determine the total to be remitted. While not quoted as APR, you can approximate an APR by comparing the total cost to average outstanding balance over the estimated duration. Because terms are short and remittances are frequent, the implied APR can be high relative to bank products.
What’s the difference between a fixed debit and a percentage holdback?
- Fixed debit: A set daily or weekly amount is withdrawn from your operating account regardless of that day’s sales.
- Percentage holdback: A fixed % of card/ACH sales is taken—remittance flexes with revenue.
Holdbacks can be gentler in slow periods, while fixed debits are predictable but may strain cash on low-revenue days.
How much can I qualify for and how long are terms?
Eligibility is driven by average monthly revenue, sales mix (card vs ACH), bank activity, NSFs, and debt obligations. Typical terms range from ~3 to 18 months, with total purchased amounts commonly equal to 0.5×–1.5× average monthly revenues (program-dependent).
What documentation is usually required?
- Simple application (owner info, business details, use of funds)
- Recent business bank statements (usually 3–6 months)
- Processing statements if card-heavy (last 3 months)
- Voided check & basic corporate docs (EIN, entity status)
- Sometimes: AR report, lease, payoff letters on existing advances
How fast can I receive funds?
Application-to-funding can be as fast as 24–72 hours for straightforward files. Complex profiles, multiple payoffs, or reconciliations may add time.
What are common fees?
Programs may include origination/underwriting fees, UCC filing fees, and wire fees. Always request a clear, itemized funding sheet showing advance amount, factor rate, total payback, debit structure, and all fees.
Will a UCC filing or personal guarantee be required?
Many funders file a UCC-1 to perfect an interest in receivables. Some programs are “non-recourse” in theory but may include personal guarantees or “performance guarantees.” Read the agreement carefully to understand your obligations.
What is a confession of judgment (COJ), and will I have one?
A COJ allows a funder to accelerate legal judgment if you default. They are restricted in some states and less common than they once were, but some contracts still include aggressive legal remedies. Ask directly if a COJ or similar clause exists.
Can I pay off early? Are there discounts?
Some funders offer early payoff discounts if you remit the outstanding balance before maturity; others do not, since payback is a fixed “specified amount.” Request the early-pay policy in writing before you fund.
What is “reconciliation” or “true-up”?
If remittances are based on a percentage of sales, a reconciliation lets you adjust debits to match actual receipts over a period. If you have a fixed debit program, ask whether hardship or adjustment reviews are available when sales drop.
What’s “stacking,” and why is it risky?
Stacking is taking multiple advances at the same time. Multiple daily/weekly debits can choke cash flow, trigger defaults, and block future bank/SBA options. A healthier approach is to plan an exit to lower-cost capital rather than layering more short-term obligations.
Should I use MCA “debt consolidation” or “reverse MCA” products?
Be cautious. Many “consolidations” simply add a new advance to cover old ones—total cost grows and relief is temporary. Explore asset-based lines, AR factoring, or term refinancing as potential exit paths. If considering a consolidation, get a full DSCR analysis and compare total cost to a true refinance.
Will an MCA affect my credit or ability to get bank/SBA financing?
Funders often rely on business performance and bank activity rather than reporting to consumer bureaus. However, heavy MCA usage can hurt DSCR and cash balances, making it tougher to qualify for bank or SBA loans. Sequencing matters: plan how this advance helps you reach lower-cost funding.
What happens if sales drop or I miss a payment?
Communicate early. Ask for a temporary reduction, extension, or interest-only/reconciliation adjustment (if applicable). Stopping debits without engagement can trigger defaults, account sweeps, and legal escalation.
When does an MCA make sense—and when doesn’t it?
- Makes sense: short-term, high-ROI uses (inventory turns, urgent repairs, season prep) with a documented exit plan.
- Doesn’t make sense: long-horizon projects, persistent working-capital gaps, or when it would crowd out payroll/taxes/critical vendors.
What are better-priced alternatives I can graduate to?
Bank/SBA term loans and lines of credit, asset-based lines (ABL), AR factoring, equipment financing/leasebacks, and purchase order finance. A clean payment history and stabilized balances improve your upgrade path.
How do renewals work?
Some funders offer additional capital after you’ve remitted a percentage of the purchased amount (e.g., 50–70%). Renewals can help if sales are growing, but frequent renewals may keep you in perpetual high-cost debt. Compare a renewal’s total cost and remaining obligation to a refinance.
What red flags should I look for in an MCA agreement?
- Ambiguous reconciliation or no hardship process
- Heavy fees not shown on the final funding sheet
- COJ or aggressive default triggers
- Prohibitions on any additional financing without realistic paths to refinance
- Personal guarantees buried in “performance” clauses
Always request a plain-language summary and compare offers side-by-side.
How can I use an MCA responsibly?
- Fund only what you can repay from near-term cash flows.
- Match remittances to your sales cadence (holdback or adjustable debits).
- Avoid stacking; map an exit to lower-cost capital on day one.
- Keep bank accounts clean (low NSFs, steady balances).
- Track ROI: if the use of funds won’t return quickly, consider alternatives.
