manu // mca
Merchant Cash Advance
Same-day capital repaid from a percentage of future card sales. No fixed payment schedule. One application to 75+ lenders. Powered by National Business Capital.
National Business Capital network figures.
Understanding Merchant Cash Advance
A merchant cash advance (MCA) provides a lump sum of capital in exchange for a percentage of your future credit and debit card sales. Instead of fixed monthly payments, repayment adjusts with your daily sales volume.
How It Works
The provider advances you a lump sum, and you repay through a fixed percentage of daily card sales (or daily ACH debits). On slow days you pay less, on busy days more. The total cost is set upfront using a factor rate, not an interest rate.
Key Terms & Eligibility
$5K to $500K
3 to 18 months, repayment tied to sales
Factor rate 1.1 to 1.5
Same day to 2 business days
500
Future card sales
One application returns matched offers from 75+ lenders, so you compare instead of guess.
Who Should Use Merchant Cash Advance?
Businesses with steady card sales that need capital fast and have limited financing options due to credit or time in business. Common in retail, restaurants, and hospitality.
Common Uses
- Emergency equipment repair
- Seasonal inventory purchase
- Bridging a short-term cash gap
- Seizing a time-sensitive opportunity
Pros & Considerations
Pros
- Same-day to 48-hour funding
- No fixed payment schedule
- Low credit requirements
- Repayment scales with revenue
Considerations
- Highest cost of capital among loan types
- Daily deductions can strain cash flow
- Not a long-term financing solution
How You Qualify
Lenders weigh the whole business, not just a score:
- Time in business and revenue (min. 3 months, $8K/mo in card sales)
- Bank deposit consistency and cash flow patterns
- Owner credit (min. 500), as one input among several
- Collateral or asset value, where applicable
Strong revenue or valuable assets can carry a deal that credit alone would not.
How to Apply
- Tell us how much you need and what for. One form, no fee to apply.
- Share basic business and owner details. No hard credit pull to pre-qualify.
- Send recent bank statements, plus equipment quotes, invoices, or financials if relevant.
- Compare matched offers from 75+ lenders and pick what fits.
FAQ
What is a factor rate?
A factor rate is a decimal multiplier that sets your total repayment amount upfront. For example, a $50,000 advance at a 1.3 factor rate means you repay $65,000 total. Unlike APR, it does not decrease as you pay down the balance.
How fast can I get a merchant cash advance?
MCAs are among the fastest funding options available. Many fund the same day, and most within 1 to 2 business days of approval. The speed is possible because qualification relies on card sales volume rather than extensive documentation.
What credit score is needed for an MCA?
MCA credit requirements are the most flexible of any business financing product. Many providers work with scores starting at 500, focusing on your card sales volume and consistency rather than credit history.
How are MCA payments collected?
Payments are collected as a fixed percentage of your daily card sales through your payment processor, or as fixed daily ACH debits from your business bank account. The percentage stays the same, so payments rise and fall with your sales.
Is there a hard credit pull to pre-qualify?
No. There is no hard credit pull to pre-qualify through the NBC network, so checking your options does not affect your credit.
Can I get an MCA if I do not accept credit cards?
Yes. While traditional MCAs are based on card sales, many providers offer ACH-based advances that use your daily bank deposits instead. This works for service businesses and B2B companies that do not process cards.
Is a merchant cash advance a loan?
An MCA is technically a sale of future receivables, not a loan. This distinction means it is not regulated like a loan and does not have an APR. It also means there is no prepayment benefit, since the total cost is fixed upfront.
Comparing Merchant Cash Advance to Other Options
- vs. SBA Loans: SBA offers lower rates and longer terms but takes 30-60 days. Merchant Cash Advance may fund faster but at higher rates.
- vs. Equipment Financing: Equipment financing is secured by the asset and limited to equipment purchases. Merchant Cash Advance offers broader use of funds.
- vs. Working Capital Lines: Working capital lines are revolving and best for ongoing needs. Merchant Cash Advance provides a lump sum suited to specific purchases.
Related Financing Options
- SBA Loans — government-backed, lowest rates
- Equipment Financing — asset-secured, fast approval
- Working Capital Loans — revolving, flexible use
- Business Line of Credit — draw only what you need
Sources
- U.S. Small Business Administration, finance your business: sba.gov/business-guide
- Federal Reserve, Small Business Credit Survey: fedsmallbusiness.org/
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, small business lending: consumerfinance.gov/rules-policy/small-business-lending/
About Manu
Manu is a digital platform that helps US manufacturers and small businesses list facilities, showcase capabilities, and market products.
About National Business Capital
National Business Capital is a fintech financing platform that connects businesses with 75+ lenders, $3B+ secured nationwide since 2007.
Verified Reviews
Businesses funded through the National Business Capital network have left 3,000+ five-star reviews on Google and Trustpilot. NBC has secured over $3B in financing since 2007 and maintains an A+ rating. Read verified reviews on NBC's website.
This page was last reviewed July 11, 2026 by Malik Samara, Managing Partner. Our editorial team reviews and updates content on a rolling basis. Learn about our editorial standards.
Manu Business Lending is a paid referral partner of National Business Capital. Financing is provided by NBC and its lender network, not by Manu, and all loans are subject to lender approval, terms, and conditions.