Exhaustive List of Merchant Cash Advance (MCA) FAQs

Exhaustive List of Merchant Cash Advance (MCA) FAQs

Basics

What is a Merchant Cash Advance?

An MCA is a purchase of a business’s future receivables. You get an upfront lump sum and remit a fixed percentage (“holdback”) of future sales until a set “retrieval/repayment cap” is met.

How is an MCA different from a loan?

It’s not a loan with interest and amortization; it’s a receivables sale with variable, revenue-linked remittances and a fixed total payback amount (via factor/multiple).

What does “factor rate” or “purchase multiple” mean?

A multiplier applied to the funded amount (e.g., $100,000 × 1.35 = $135,000 total contractually owed, remitted via future receivables).

What is “RTR” (Ready-To-Remit / Remaining To Remit)?

The unpaid portion of the contracted total payback.

What is the “holdback” percentage?

The % of daily or weekly gross sales remitted (e.g., 8%–20%). Higher sales ⇒ larger dollar remittances; slower sales ⇒ smaller remittances.

Is there a set maturity date?

Typically no fixed amortization schedule. Some contracts include a long-stop date or reconciliation terms if sales underperform.

Common use cases?

Inventory buys, bridging seasonal dips, marketing sprints, payroll cushions, short-cycle projects.

Who is MCA best for?

Card-heavy or consistent revenue businesses that need fast capital and can handle variable remittances.

Who should avoid it?

Thin margins, highly volatile revenue without buffers, or needs better matched to longer-term, lower-cost products.

Is an MCA considered debt?

Legally framed as a receivables sale (varies by contract/jurisdiction). Practical effect resembles revenue-linked financing.

Pricing & Cost

How is total cost determined?

By the factor/multiple and any fees (origination, closing, wire/ACH, admin, NSF/late).

Is there an APR?

MCAs don’t price by APR, but you can model an implied APR based on expected payoff speed.

What drives my factor and holdback?

Risk profile, industry, revenue volatility, time in business, average monthly deposits/card volume, existing obligations, and competition among funders.

Are there origination or broker fees?

Often 0%–10% combined; confirm a full fee sheet and whether fees are net-funded.

Any hidden fees?

Watch for lockbox/processor fees, monthly admin, reconciliation fees, wire charges, and default/NSF fees.

Does paying faster change the total cost?

Usually no—the total cap is fixed. Faster remittance increases your realized APR; slower remittance lowers APR but extends duration.

Are early-pay discounts offered?

Sometimes. Many MCAs require the full remaining cap; some offer limited prepay concessions—get it in writing.

Do weekends/holidays affect cost?

No, but they change timing of pulls/processor splits and reconciliation cadence.

Structure & Mechanics

Daily/weekly ACH vs “split” processing—what’s the difference?

ACH: fixed dollar debits approximating the agreed holdback, with periodic true-ups.
Processor split: your card processor diverts the holdback % from card batches automatically.

What is “reconciliation” or “true-up”?

Periodic adjustment so remittances equal the agreed holdback % of actual revenue. Critical for alignment in slow months.

What revenue base is used?

Usually gross card sales (processor split) or gross deposits (ACH-based). Confirm exact definition and exclusions.

How are refunds/chargebacks handled?

Contracts should define whether they reduce the revenue base and how adjustments are applied.

Are weekly or monthly statements required?

Most funders require bank/processor statements for monitoring and reconciliation.

Can the holdback % change?

Sometimes by mutual agreement or triggers. Some contracts allow temporary reductions for seasonality/hardship.

What’s a “lockbox”?

A controlled account through which sales flow; the funder takes its split before forwarding the remainder to you.

What is a “reserve”?

Funds withheld to cover chargebacks/returns/fees; more common with processor-linked structures.

Are MCAs collateralized?

Often unsecured but paired with a UCC-1 lien on receivables/fixtures. Some request specific collateral or personal guaranties.

Are personal guaranties (PGs) required?

Common, but not universal. Strength of file and contract form matter.

What is “stacking”?

Taking multiple MCAs/positions simultaneously (1st/2nd/3rd position). Increases strain and risk; often restricted by contract.

Can I refinance or consolidate?

Yes—via renewals, buyouts, or reverse consolidations. Compare blended cost carefully.

Eligibility & Underwriting

Minimum time in business (TIB)?

Commonly 3–6+ months; more favorable terms after 12+ months.

Minimum revenue?

Often $120k–$300k+ annualized or $10k–$30k+/mo deposits, depending on funder and industry.

Credit score requirements?

Wide range (e.g., 500–650+ FICO). Bank health and revenue consistency matter more.

High-risk industries?

Some industries restricted (e.g., adult, gambling, firearms, CBD/THC, etc.). Ask for the funder’s prohibited list.

What bank activity helps approval?

Consistent deposits, few NSFs/negative days, stable average daily balance, and limited existing obligations.

What documents are needed?

Application, IDs, last 3–6 months bank and/or processor statements, voided check; sometimes tax returns/financials for larger deals.

Will there be a credit pull?

Usually yes (soft/hard). Business credit and UCC search are common.

Will the funder contact my landlord or vendors?

Possible for verification, especially for larger advances or perceived risk.

Application, Approval & Funding

How fast is approval?

Simple files can be decisioned same day. Complex files take longer.

How quickly can I receive funds?

Often within 24–72 hours after final approval and contract signing.

How are funds disbursed?

ACH/wire to your business account; some net-fund fees at funding.

Can I negotiate terms?

Often yes—factor, holdback, fees, reconciliation mechanics, PG scope, and UCC priority may be negotiable.

Will there be a UCC filing?

Typically yes. Confirm lien scope/priority and termination upon payoff.

Can I have multiple locations or processors?

Yes—ensure each revenue stream is captured or accounted for in reconciliation.

Remittances & Cash Flow

How do remittances affect cash flow?

Payments rise with strong sales and fall with slow sales. Plan buffers for peak seasons and avoid over-committing % of revenue.

What if sales drop significantly?

Request reconciliation or a temporary holdback reduction per contract. Provide statements quickly.

What if my deposits are mostly ACH/check, not cards?

ACH-debit MCAs can use daily fixed pulls with periodic true-up to approximate a % of total deposits.

How are weekends/holidays handled?

Processor splits follow batch timing; ACH debits skip bank holidays and resume next business day.

Can I pause remittances?

Formal “pauses” are rare; reconciliation/temporary reductions are more common where permitted.

What is a reasonable holdback %?

Depends on margin and volatility; many fall in 8%–15%. Ensure it fits your operating and COGS structure.

Renewals, Top-Ups & Buyouts

What is a renewal/top-up?

New capital extended after a percentage of RTR is remitted (e.g., 50% paid). Often refinances the remaining balance.

Do renewals increase total cost?

Yes—new contract, new factor. Evaluate blended cost and cumulative revenue share.

What is a buyout?

A new funder pays off your current MCA (or multiple) and issues a fresh position. Verify payoff letters and UCC releases.

What is “reverse consolidation”?

A structure that pays multiple funders while adding a new obligation. Scrutinize cost and feasibility carefully.

Legal & Compliance

What is a COJ (Confession of Judgment)?

A clause allowing expedited judgment upon default in certain jurisdictions (restricted/banned in many places). Seek legal counsel.

Are there state disclosures?

Several U.S. states require cost-of-capital or standardized commercial financing disclosures. Ask for the summary.

What are typical covenants?

Keep accounts in good standing, maintain processing through agreed channels, no additional senior liens/obligations without consent, provide statements, no fraud.

What triggers default?

Material sales diversion, excessive NSFs, data disconnect, misrepresentation, unpaid taxes/levies freezing accounts, moving processors without notice.

What remedies can the funder use?

Increase to default rates/fees, demand access to bank/processor info, legal action, enforce UCC/PG (if applicable), or seek COJ where legal.

Are MCAs legal everywhere?

MCAs exist across the U.S., but rules vary. Ensure your contract complies with local law and includes reconciliation language.

Comparisons & Alternatives

MCA vs short-term term loan

Loan = fixed payments and interest; MCA = variable remittances with a factor cap. Loans can be cheaper but less flexible in slow periods.

MCA vs line of credit

LOC = revolving with interest only on drawn amounts; lower cost if available. MCA funds quick when LOCs aren’t accessible.

MCA vs revenue-based financing (RBF)

RBF often uses broader revenue definitions and longer soft terms; both are revenue-linked with caps. Details vary by provider.

MCA vs invoice factoring

Factoring advances on specific invoices; MCA is portfolio-level on card/deposit sales with less AR ops overhead but potentially higher cost.

When is an MCA preferable?

When you need speed, payments that flex with sales, and minimal underwriting.

Operational Considerations

How do I prevent “sales diversion” issues?

Don’t switch processors/banks without consent; report new channels; keep statements transparent.

Multi-channel revenue (POS + e-commerce)?

Ensure all revenue flows are captured for accurate holdback; use periodic reconciliation across channels.

How do returns/discounts/coupons factor in?

Contracts should net them from gross sales or define adjustments at reconciliation.

Seasonal businesses—best practices?

Negotiate flexible reconciliation and realistic holdback; build off-season reserves.

Can I dedicate a separate account?

Yes—many create an operating account to segregate MCA flows and improve cash planning.

Risk Management

Biggest risks with MCAs?

Over-borrowing, stacking, opaque reconciliation, COJ exposure, cash squeezes during slumps, and aggressive fee structures.

Red flags in contracts?

No reconciliation clause, unilateral holdback increases, strict diversion language without cure period, heavy default fees, COJ without counsel, hidden fees.

How to size an MCA safely?

Ensure projected holdback fits within gross margin and leaves room for fixed OPEX, COGS, taxes, and reserves.

What if I’m declined?

Improve bank health (reduce NSFs, build balances), show stable deposits, consider smaller advance or alternative products.

How do I model affordability?

Run bear/base/bull scenarios; stress test at 15%–20% revenue drop to confirm liquidity.

Data, Monitoring & Security

What data connections are required?

Read-only bank access, card processor portals, accounting exports. SOC-2/ISO controls vary by funder.

What happens if data feeds disconnect?

You may breach covenants; reconnect quickly or provide statements manually.

How often will the funder review my performance?

Monthly (sometimes weekly) to match pulls and reconcile holdback accurately.

Fees & Examples

Common fees to confirm upfront?

Origination, broker, wire/ACH, lockbox/processor, monthly admin, late/NSF, UCC filing, and payoff letter fees.

Example calculation

Funded $100,000 at 1.35 factor ⇒ $135,000 total. Holdback 10%. If average monthly sales are $200k, you remit ~$20k/month; payoff ~6.75 months (actual varies).

Does a faster payoff reduce the $135,000?

Usually no—unless contract offers a stated early-pay discount.

Stacking, Intercreditor & Existing Debt

Can I take another MCA while one is active?

Often restricted. Stacking strains cash flow and may trigger defaults.

Can a bank lender co-exist with an MCA?

Possible with intercreditor agreements. Senior lenders may object to junior liens or diversion.

How do I exit stacked positions?

Seek a buyout/consolidation with clear payoff letters and lien releases; ensure blended cost is acceptable.

After Payoff

How do I confirm I’m fully paid?

Obtain a payoff letter and UCC-3 termination (and release of any PG obligations if applicable).

Will good performance improve future terms?

Yes—renewals can bring better factors/holdbacks and larger approvals.