We source merchant cash advances for UK business owners

A Merchant Cash Advance (MCA) is a financial product that provides businesses with a lump sum of capital in exchange for a percentage of their card sales.

It's available to customer-facing businesses that get most of their income from credit or debit card sales, such as cafes, restaurants and shops. 

Many find merchant cash advances appealing because the application process is fast and typically less stringent than some other business loans. Merchant cash advance lenders commonly focus more on a business's turnover and less on credit history.

The repayment terms tend to be relatively flexible, making them a popular choice for businesses that experience slow seasons or have peaks and troughs in their sales.

The MCA provider collects a fixed percentage of your business's card sales until the loan is fully repaid. The process is usually automatic, which can benefit business owners who want to remove unnecessary admin from the business loan repayment process. 

It is common for some customer-facing businesses to need an injection of capital during slower seasons. Merchant cash advances automatically shave a percentage from each of your business's card sales, allowing you to repay the loan in line with your sales each month.

This can be suitable if you have a slow month or poor sales and expect things to pick up in the future. 

If your application is successful, you can expect to receive funding in as little as 24 hours, and lenders that offer merchant cash advances are typically flexible about what you want to use the loan for. 

One of the key advantages of merchant cash advances is their flexibility. They can function as a quick and versatile source of working capital for growing businesses. 

Some common uses for an MCA include:

• Stock purchases -  you can use the funds to buy stock in bulk, re-stock popular items, or invest in new products to expand your business offering

• Equipment upgrades - Upgrade outdated equipment or invest in new technology to improve efficiency, productivity, and the quality of your products or services

• Working capital - An MCA can provide operating capital to cover day-to-day expenses, such as rent, utilities, payroll, and supplies, during times of slow sales or seasonal fluctuations

• Marketing and advertising - You can use the funds to boost your marketing efforts with an MCA by launching new advertising campaigns, improving your website, or attending industry events to attract more customers

• Expansion and renovation - Use the funds to expand your business, whether opening a new location, renovating your current space, or adding new services to meet customer demand.

• Debt consolidation - Consolidate expensive high-interest debts or short-term loans into a single MCA, potentially lowering your overall finance costs

• Paying tax bills - You can use funds to cover a VAT or corporation tax bill

• Emergency expenses -  An MCA can provide quick access to funds for unforeseen expenses, such as repairs, legal fees, or other emergencies

The minimum requirements to qualify for a Merchant Cash Advance (MCA) can vary among providers, but there are some standard criteria that most providers will consider when evaluating your application.

These typically include:

• Business age -  MCA providers usually require your business to be operational for a minimum period, often three months to one year or more, to demonstrate financial stability and a consistent revenue stream

• Credit card sales volume - Since an MCA is based on your business's future credit and debit card sales, providers require a minimum level of monthly card sales to ensure you can repay the advance. This amount can vary but generally ranges from £2,500 to £5,000 or more per month

• Industry type - Some MCA providers may have restrictions on the types of industries they serve. They might avoid businesses in sectors with high volatility, high risk, or inconsistent revenue

• No active bankruptcies - Most cash advance providers will not approve an application if the business owner has an active default

• Business bank account - You'll need an active account to receive the advance and facilitate repayments

• Documentation - MCA providers will typically require various documents to assess your business's financial health, such as business bank statements, credit card processing statements, and identification

It's important to note that each MCA provider may have slightly different eligibility criteria, and some may be more flexible than others. 

We are financial experts specialising in sourcing merchant cash advances across the UK.

We can help you:

• Understand what kind of loans you're eligible for and how much you can borrow.

• Feel comfortable with how the process works and explain any costs.

On your behalf, we will:

• Compare rates across the entire market (from private lenders to high-street banks)

• Negotiate the best deal for your circumstances

• Guide you through the application process

• Make sure your application is completed as smoothly and stress-free as possible