How It Works
Get funded in 6 simple steps — from application to cash in your account.
Start Your ApplicationThe Process
We've streamlined the merchant cash advance process to get you funded fast.
1. Submit App
Fill out our 5‑minute online form. No credit check required—just basic business details (average monthly revenue, time in business, industry). Example: a restaurant with $25k/month sales can apply for $30k–$50k in funding.
2. We Review
Our team analyzes your business profile, revenue trends, and funding needs. We match you with 3‑5 lenders who specialize in your industry (e.g., retail, construction, healthcare). Approval odds increase by 40% when matched with industry‑specific providers.
3. Get Matched
Receive 3‑5 pre‑qualified offers within 24 hours. Each offer includes a funding amount ($10k–$500k), factor rate (1.15–1.45), and holdback percentage (10–20%). Example: a construction company with $80k/month revenue might see offers of $75k at a 1.28 factor rate.
4. Compare Offers
Use our side‑by‑side comparison tool to evaluate total cost, repayment schedule, and lender reputation. See exactly how much you’ll repay: a $50k advance at a 1.32 factor rate costs $66k total, repaid daily over 6 months.
5. Accept Terms
Choose the offer that fits your cash flow. Sign electronically—no lawyers, no waiting. Funds are reserved once you accept; typical contracts include a personal guarantee and UCC‑1 filing.
6. Get Funded
Most approved deals fund within 24‑48 hours of accepting an offer. Example: a retail store that accepts an offer on Monday morning often has funds by Wednesday afternoon.
Real-World Example: How a Restaurant Got $45,000 in 48 Hours
The Situation
Maria’s Italian restaurant in Chicago needed $45,000 to renovate the dining room and upgrade kitchen equipment. Monthly credit card sales averaged $65,000, but cash flow was tight after payroll and rent. She had a 590 personal credit score and couldn’t qualify for a bank loan.
The Process
Maria applied on Monday at 10 AM. By 2 PM she had 4 pre‑qualified offers. She chose an offer with a factor rate of 1.28, meaning she’d repay $57,600 total. The holdback was 15% of daily credit card sales—about $325 per day—which fit comfortably within her average daily revenue of $2,200.
She signed the contract electronically Monday afternoon. Funds hit her business account Wednesday morning—less than 48 hours from application.
Cost Breakdown
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Funding amount | $45,000 |
| Factor rate | 1.28 |
| Total repayment | $57,600 |
| Holdback percentage | 15% of daily sales |
| Estimated daily payment | $325 |
| Estimated term | 6 months (177 days) |
| Effective APR | ~72% (typical for MCA) |
*APR is provided for comparison only; MCAs are not loans and do not have an interest rate. The factor rate translates to a fixed cost of capital.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the whole process take?
Most businesses receive offers within 24 hours of applying. After accepting an offer, funds typically arrive in 1–3 business days. The fastest we’ve seen is 8 hours from application to funding.
What’s the difference between a factor rate and an interest rate?
Factor rates are multipliers applied to the advance amount (e.g., 1.28 × $50,000 = $64,000). Interest rates compound over time. With a factor rate, your total repayment is fixed from day one—no surprises if your sales fluctuate.
Are there any upfront fees?
No. MCA Guide never charges you a fee. Lenders may have origination fees (usually rolled into the factor rate), but you’ll see the total cost upfront before you accept any offer.
What if my sales drop after I get funded?
The holdback percentage stays the same, so your daily payments decrease proportionally. If sales drop significantly, most lenders offer a “reconciliation” period where they extend the term to keep payments manageable.
Ready to Get Started?
Join thousands of businesses that have used MCA Guide to secure funding.
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