Fast working capital for UK businesses that take card payments

What is a merchant cash advance?

A merchant cash advance (MCA) lets a business that takes card payments receive a lump sum now in exchange for a share of its future card sales. It is not a traditional loan: the provider buys part of your future card receipts at a discount, so you get cash upfront and repay it automatically from your daily takings.

How it works, step by step

1. Tell us about your business and what the funds are for.
2. We submit your application, with your recent merchant account statements, to our funding partners.
3. If approved, the advance is paid into your business bank account, often within days.
4. A fixed percentage of your daily card sales is taken automatically by the payment provider until the agreed amount is repaid.

How repayment works

You agree one total amount to repay at the start. Instead of a fixed monthly instalment, a small percentage of each card payment is set aside as it is taken, so you repay faster in busy weeks and slower in quiet ones. There is no separate payment to remember.

Illustrative example only, not an offer: an advance of £10,000 with a total repayment of £12,000, repaid at 10% of card sales. With card sales of £20,000 a month, about £2,000 is repaid each month, so roughly six months. Actual amounts, fees and terms depend on the provider and your business.

Who can apply and what you need

An MCA suits businesses with steady card sales, such as restaurants, takeaways, cafés, bakeries, retail shops, salons and clinics. Providers usually look for a business that has been trading for some months and takes cards through a compatible terminal. Eligibility varies by provider and country.

• Your last 6 months of merchant account statements (PDF)
• Name and contact details of the director
• The director’s home addresses for the last 3 years

Costs and risks to understand

The cost is a fixed fee, so the total repayable is known at the start, but it can be more expensive than a bank loan, especially if you repay quickly. Repayments reduce your daily cash flow, so make sure the funds will earn a return. A merchant cash advance is not a loan and approval is not guaranteed. Read the offer carefully before accepting.