Financing
Merchant cash advance
Turn future receivables into capital today
An advance is not a loan. You sell a set portion of your future receivables at a discount, and repay through a small holdback of daily or weekly sales. When revenue dips, the dollar amount collected dips with it.
At a glance
- Amount
- $5,000 – $500,000
- Term
- 3 – 18 months
- Speed
- Funded in as little as 24 hours
- Cost
- Fixed factor rate, quoted upfront
Best for: Urgent needs and businesses with strong daily card or deposit volume
Eligibility
Who qualifies
| Criteria | What we typically look for |
|---|---|
| Time in business | Typically 3–6 months |
| Monthly deposits | Typically $10K–$20K+ |
| Personal credit | Typically 500+ (moves price more than decision) |
| NSFs / negative days | Typically fewer than 3–5 in the last 3 months |
| Existing advances | Accepted, at a higher factor |
Pricing
What it costs
An advance is priced as a factor rate, typically 1.20–1.50, applied once to the amount advanced.
Example: a $50,000 advance at a 1.32 factor pays back $66,000 over the term.
Run your own numbers in the MCA calculatorHow it works
How merchant cash advance works with Fuse
Apply with three months of business bank statements.
We size the advance against your average monthly deposits.
You see total payback, holdback percentage and estimated term before signing.
Funds wire out, and the holdback starts on your next business day.
What you need
- 3+ months in business
- $15,000+ monthly revenue
- Business checking account
- 550+ FICO (lower considered)
A good fit when
- You need money this week, not next month
- Revenue is healthy but credit is bruised
- Seasonal swings make fixed payments risky
Probably not when
- You want the lowest possible cost of capital
- Your deposits are thin or highly irregular
- You are already carrying two or more open advances
Questions
Merchant cash advance FAQs
Is a merchant cash advance a loan?
No. It is a purchase of a portion of your future receivables at a discount, which is why it is priced with a factor rate rather than an interest rate.
How fast can I get funded?
Decisions typically come the same business day, and funding can arrive in as little as 24 hours once the file is complete.
What credit score do I need?
Typically 500+. Your deposits matter most; credit tends to move the price more than the decision.
How is it repaid?
Through fixed daily or weekly debits, or a holdback percentage of sales, until the agreed payback amount is collected.
Can I get one if I already have an advance?
Often, yes. Existing advances are accepted, typically at a higher factor. If stacking would strain your cash flow, we will tell you.
Does applying affect my credit?
No. The initial review uses a soft pull, which does not affect your credit score.
How is the cost calculated?
As a factor rate on the amount advanced. A 1.25 factor on $50,000 means a $62,500 total payback — no compounding interest, no separate origination fee stapled on at funding.
Can I pay it off early?
Yes, with no prepayment penalty. At 50% paid down you become eligible for a renewal at improved terms.
Related reading
Keep reading
Other options
Not quite the right tool?
We place six products. If another one fits your situation better, we will say so.
Working capital, without the waiting room
One short application, three bank statements, and a decision the same business day. Applying will not affect your credit score.