Merchant Cash Advance
A merchant cash advance is an advance against future card takings, repaid as a fixed percentage of daily sales so repayments flex automatically with trading. It is priced using a factor rate rather than an APR, and trades speed and flexibility for a higher cost than term lending.
How it works
- Tell us your approximate monthly card turnover and the amount you need.
- We match you with funders who lend against that turnover profile.
- You review the factor rate and repayment percentage in plain English before agreeing.
- Funds are typically released within 24 to 48 hours of acceptance.
Typical terms
| Amount | £5k–£500k |
|---|---|
| Term | Repaid over 4–12 months |
| Speed to funds | 24–48 hours |
| Security | No fixed asset security — repayment is tied to card turnover |
| Rate basis | Factor rate, not APR — quoted as total repayment, not an annual percentage |
Indicative only. Actual terms depend on the lender and your circumstances.
What it is used for
Retail businesses needing to buy stock ahead of a busy trading period.
Hospitality venues funding an urgent refurbishment or repair.
Salons and independent retailers smoothing a short-term cash flow gap.
Ecommerce businesses funding a stock build ahead of a sales peak.
Seasonal businesses bridging a quiet trading period.
Who this typically suits
- Businesses with a minimum monthly card turnover, typically £5k+.
- Businesses that would rather repayments flex down in a slower trading month.
- Businesses needing funds quickly, where cost is secondary to speed.
When it is not the right fit
If the business takes low card volumes, or trades mainly on invoiced terms, a merchant cash advance will not work — Business Loans are the better starting point.
Business LoansIf the requirement is over a longer term than 12 months, a term loan will usually be cheaper.
Business LoansIf the funding gap is really against unpaid B2B invoices rather than card sales, Invoice Finance is a closer fit.
Invoice Finance
What to have ready
None of this is required to start a conversation — it simply helps us understand the requirement faster once you get in touch.
- Approximate monthly card turnover
- Card terminal or payment processor statements
- Amount required and what it is for
- How long the business has been trading
Frequently asked questions
Tell us what you're trying to fund.
No need to select a finance product before getting in touch. Start with a short enquiry and a member of the team will be in touch.