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Merchant cash advances made easy
Unlock funds based on your card sales with flexible repayments that move with your turnover.
What is a merchant cash advance?
Sometimes you need funds before the cash arrives in your account.
A merchant cash advance (MCA) gives you access to money today based on your future card takings. Repayments are automatically collected as a small agreed share of your daily card sales, so you pay more in busy periods and less when things are quieter.
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There is no fixed monthly instalment. Instead you agree a funding amount, a holdback percentage of card receipts, and a total amount to repay.
This makes cash flow simple to manage for card driven businesses such as retail, hospitality, ecommerce, and services that take card payments. Our team explains each step in clear terms so you can choose with confidence.
Types of merchant cash advances
Every business processes card payments in a slightly different way. Here is a quick guide to the most common advance styles and when they can help.
Standard card takings advance
Integrated with your card acquirer. A small percentage of each card sale is forwarded until the agreed balance is cleared.
Ecommerce sales advance
Designed for online sellers who take a high volume of card payments. Works alongside major payment gateways and shopping platforms.
Blended receipts advance
Suitable when sales come from a mix of in store and online channels. Collections can be set across more than one stream to keep repayments steady.
Top up advance
Additional funds while your existing advance is still being repaid, subject to performance and provider rules.
Common uses of merchant cash advances
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Buying stock ahead of busy seasons
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Refitting or refreshing a store, bar, cafe, or salon
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Marketing pushes that need an upfront budget
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Repairing or replacing essential equipment
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Bridging short cash gaps while card sales continue to grow
Alternatives to merchant cash advances
A merchant cash advance is great when card sales are strong and you want repayments that flex with turnover. If you prefer a different structure, these options can also work well.
Revolving credit facility or overdraft
Draw, repay, and draw again. You pay interest only on funds in use. Great for short term working capital and unpredictable timing.
Asset finance
Fund equipment or vehicles with the asset itself as security. Helps preserve cash flow and spreads cost over the useful life of the asset.
Invoice finance
Release cash tied up in unpaid invoices. Works well when you invoice other businesses and want funding that grows with sales.
Business loan
A set amount with a clear term and regular monthly repayments. Useful when you want predictable costs.
Key merchant cash advance info
How pricing works
Merchant cash advances use a factor rate and a holdback percentage rather than an APR. You agree a total amount to repay at the outset and a small share of each card sale is collected until that balance is cleared. We show the total cost and expected duration based on your sales pattern.
Typical terms
There is no fixed term as repayments follow sales. Many advances clear within a number of months depending on your card volumes and the agreed holdback.
Speed
Straightforward cases can receive an offer quickly. Once approved and documents are signed, funds can be released soon after.
Choice of providers
Access to a range of established UK providers that specialise in card revenue funding. We match your profile to the providers that fit your sector and processing setup.
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Process
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Quick fact find
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Share recent card statements and bank statements
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Receive tailored options and pricing
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Provider approval and e signing
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Funds released and automatic collections begin
Merchant cash advances vs business loans
A merchant cash advance suits card led businesses that want repayments that flex with turnover.
You repay a small agreed share of each card sale, so you clear the balance faster in busy months and slower in quieter periods, and fixed asset security is not usually required.
A business loan gives a set amount with regular monthly repayments over a clear term, which is ideal when you want predictability or are funding a defined project.
If you value flexibility choose an MCA, if you prefer certainty on payment dates and totals a business loan may be the better fit.
We can show both options side by side and explain total cost in plain English
Who is eligible for a merchant cash advance
Card sales history
Regular card takings are the key requirement. Providers usually look for a consistent pattern over recent months.
Turnover and affordability
The funding amount relates to average monthly card receipts and expected performance. We help you present this clearly.
Trading profile
Retail, hospitality, leisure, beauty, ecommerce, and other card led sectors are a strong fit.
Credit and conduct
Personal and business credit are considered alongside trading performance. Solid card volumes can help offset past blips.
Security and guarantees
Fixed asset security is not normally required. A personal guarantee may be requested.
Documents
Photo ID, recent business bank statements, card processing or payment gateway statements, and basic business information.
Merchant cash advance FAQs
How does a merchant cash advance work?
You receive a lump sum based on your recent card takings. A small agreed percentage is collected from each future card sale until the total agreed repayment is reached.
How much can I receive?
Funding is typically linked to your average monthly card sales. Stronger volumes can support larger advances.
What does it cost?
Pricing is set as a total repayment using a factor rate rather than an APR. We present the full amount to repay and an expected timeframe so you can compare options clearly.
How fast can I get funds?
Many providers can issue an offer quickly once they have your card and bank statements. After approval and signing, funds can be sent soon after.
Do I need security or to be a homeowner?
Fixed asset security is not usually required. A personal guarantee may be requested. You do not need to be a homeowner to apply.
Will this affect my customers?
Your customers pay as normal. The holdback happens in the background through your card processing.
Can I top up later?
Some providers offer further advances once a portion of the balance has been repaid and sales remain strong.
What if sales slow down?
Collections reduce in quieter periods because repayments are a share of sales. This can help keep cash flow manageable.
Can I repay early?
Early settlement is often possible. We will explain any impact on the total repayment before you proceed.
What documents are needed?
Photo ID, recent business bank statements, and recent statements from your card acquirer or payment gateway.