What is a Merchant Cash Advance?

As a small business owner, you may face cash flow challenges from time to time. Whether it's an unexpected expense, a slow sales season, or a need to invest in growth, you may find yourself in need of quick access to funds. One option that many entrepreneurs turn to is a merchant cash advance.

What is a merchant cash advance?

In simple terms, a merchant cash advance is a type of financing that boosts your business cashflow fast, and requires no fixed repayment terms or security. The amount you can receive from a merchant cash advance is based on a percentage of the business' monthly card or online sales.

How is a merchant cash advance repaid?

The merchant cash advance (and factoring rate) is repaid to the lender through a percentage of your card or online sales, making merchant cash advances more flexible than traditional loans. This means that each repayment can fluctuate with changes in the business's revenue, providing some relief if the business has had a slow month.

What is a factoring rate?

There are no interest rates on a merchant cash advance. Instead, a factoring rate is used. A factoring rate is the percentage of a business's future sales that a lender will receive as repayment for a merchant cash advance. This factoring rate is typically higher than the interest rates charged for traditional loans, and it is calculated based on the lender's assessment of the business's sales volume and revenue.

For example, if a business receives a £10,000 merchant cash advance with a factoring rate of 20%, this means that the business will repay an additional £2,000 on top of the amount they originally borrowed. The total repayment cost of their MCA would be £12,000.

What are the requirements for a merchant cash advance?

To qualify for a merchant cash advance, you generally need to have a steady stream of revenue from card sales, online sales, and have at least 3 months transaction history. The lender will also review your credit score, business history, and other financial information to assess your risk.

Speak to us today for a free, no-obligation chat to understand whether a Merchant Cash Advance could be the solution for your business.

Who uses merchant cash advances?

Merchant cash advances are often used by businesses that take card/online payments - such as retail stores, restaurants, ecommerce stores, hairdressers, or garages - but may not have the credit history or collateral needed to qualify for a traditional loan. Merchant Cash Advances are available to Limited companies, partnerships and sole traders. They may also be used by businesses that need funds quickly and cannot wait for the approval process of a traditional loan.

What can a merchant cash advance be used for?

Unlike traditional loans, which may have specific requirements for how the funds can be used, merchant cash advances provide businesses with more flexibility in terms of how they can use the funds.

Some common uses for merchant cash advances include:

1. Purchasing inventory: Businesses can use merchant cash advances to purchase inventory to meet customer demand and keep their shelves stocked.

2. Expanding the business: Merchant cash advances can be used to expand a business, whether by opening a new location, hiring additional staff, or investing in new equipment or technology.

3. Marketing and advertising: Merchant cash advances can be used to fund marketing and advertising campaigns to help businesses attract new customers and increase sales.

4. Renovating or upgrading facilities: Businesses can use merchant cash advances to renovate or upgrade their facilities, whether by updating technology, improving the customer experience, or making necessary repairs.

5. Paying off debts: Merchant cash advances can be used to pay off outstanding debts or bills, helping businesses to improve their cash flow and reduce financial stress.

Overall, merchant cash advances can be a useful tool for businesses looking for flexible financing options to support their growth and success. However, businesses should carefully consider the costs and terms of any merchant cash advance before applying to ensure that it is the right choice for their unique financial situation.

What is the difference between a loan and a merchant cash advance?

The main difference between a loan and a merchant cash advance is the repayment process.

A loan is typically repaid in fixed instalments over a set period of time, and the interest rate is calculated based on the total amount borrowed. The repayment terms are usually set in advance and do not change based on the business's revenue or sales.

On the other hand, a merchant cash advance is repaid through a percentage of the business's future sales, typically from credit or debit card transactions. This means that the repayment amount will vary based on the volume of sales made by the business. As a result, an MCA may be more flexible than a loan, especially for businesses with fluctuating sales volumes.

Another difference between loans and MCAs is the way they are structured. Loans usually require collateral or a personal guarantee, while MCAs typically do not require collateral.

Can a merchant cash advance hurt your credit?

Merchant cash advances are not reported to credit bureaus and therefore do not directly impact your credit score. However, if you default on the advance, the lender may send your account to a collection agency, which could negatively impact your credit score.

What are the pros and cons of a merchant cash advance?

Pros:

• Quick access to funds
• No collateral required
• Easy application process
• Flexible repayment based on a percentage of sales, which can be helpful during slow seasons

Cons:

• Factoring rates can be high
• Repayment process can be difficult to manage for some businesses
• As with any finance, it could lead to a cycle of debt if not used responsibly

In conclusion, a merchant cash advance can be a helpful tool for small business owners who need quick access to funds. However, it's important to carefully consider the fees and repayment process before accepting an advance. It's also a good idea to explore other financing options and work with a trusted expert to find the best solution for your business.

Where can I get a merchant cash advance?

If you're interested in getting a merchant cash advance for your business, it's important to work with a trusted expert who can help you find the best option for your unique situation. This is where The Directors Choice comes in.

At The Directors Choice, we have a network of trusted merchant cash advance experts who can connect you with the right lender for your needs. Our experts can guide you through the application process, help you understand the fees and repayment terms, and answer any questions you may have along the way.

Working with a merchant cash advance expert from The Directors Choice can save you time and money by helping you navigate the complex world of business financing.

To get started, simply contact us today to learn more and get started on your path to financial success. One of our experts will reach out to you shortly to discuss your options and help you find the best solution.