Business Cash Advance
- Have good revenue and need quick cash? Access flexible MCA funding to grow your business.
- A business cash advance is a popular expansion tool because it's easiest to qualify for and requires little documentation.
- Finance expenses, purchases, upgrades & more.
Take advantage of an 85% approval rate - act now!
What is a cash advance for business?
A cash advance is a type of short-term financing usually provided by a funder or credit card processor. When you take out a cash advance, you’re receiving funds against your future revenue or future credit card sales. You can typically get a cash advance in a few different ways. Through out this page we will break down how to get a cash advance, how the advance is remitted and review different services and products they can be used for.
Cash Advance Details
3 - 18 Months
As Fast As Same Day
$5K-$20M
1.10 - 1.39
Merchant Cash Advance Pros vs Cons
PROS
Capital is Available Whenever You Need It
Suitable for a wide range of business purposes
Daily, Weekly, Bi-Weekly & Monthly Remittance Options
CONS
Higher Rates for Lower Credit Scores
Must have 6+ Months in Business
Approval Amounts are Based on Your Revenue
How does Business Cash Advance work?
When a small business finds itself in a bind or needs access to quick capital there aren’t many options available.  This is one of the advantages of a merchant cash advance. Merchant cash advance companies will approve your for a certain amount, which you can usually take any amount up the approved amount. The merchant will remit the advance with a percentage of each day’s credit card sales. Fees are determined by a factor rate, essentially a multiplier of the advance amount.  A cash advance for small business is a way to tap into expected revenue of your business, so here are the main terms to know.Â
Funding Amount – the amount a funder will approve your business for is determined by the healthiness of your cash flow and monthly revenue.
Total Amount of Purchased Receivables – is determined by the amount of funding you get advanced including the factor rate and any fees included.
Factor Rate – The holdback is the percentage of daily revenue or credit card sales generated, which will be held by the funder to remit the funds. This is translated to a factor rate. Â
Remittance – the remittance amount is determined by the terms of the advance. Cash advance lenders offer daily, weekly and bi-weekly options for remitting the advance.Â
Who Qualifies for a Small Business Merchant Cash Advance?
Almost any small business that is generating revenue can qualify for a business cash advance, which is why it’s so desirable by many business owners. But like any financing product, each business cash advance lender will have it’s own qualifications and you do have to meet the minimum requirements to be eligible.
The general minimum requirement for a cash advance are:
6 months -1 years time in business
$100,000+ in annual revenue
500 minimum credit score
Small Business Merchant Cash Advance Requirements
over 500+
positive payment history
over $200K
6+ Months
* Note: These business cash advance loan requirements are based on previous Upwise customers and is just an average.
Access the top merchant cash advance companies with one simple application.
What truly set Mike apart was his honesty. He reviewed multiple lender options with me in a fair, transparent way, walking me through the pros and cons of each and helping me understand every angle. He encouraged me to move forward only with what felt right for my business, never once making me feel pressured to choose him or Upwise. That level of professionalism is rare.
Mike also worked hard to build genuine personal rapport — something no other representative I spoke with did. He took the time to understand my business, explored different paths, and made sure I felt confident and comfortable throughout the decision-making process.
The follow-up from Mike and every member of his team has been above and beyond anything I’ve experienced with other lenders. Every interaction feels thoughtful, client-focused, supportive and most important- genuine. I’m incredibly grateful for the experience and would confidently recommend Mike to anyone looking for a knowledgeable, ethical, and truly client-first lending partner.
Update: Leo contacted me, and after basically insulting me concerning their prior behavior, I decided to let them run my application. After being ghosted for the day, they finally came back and denied due to another loan my business was involved in. These people get their feelings hurt way to easy to be in this business. I would not recommend this company to anyone.
Upwise
Is Cash Advance Funding right for me?
Knowing if a business cash advance is right for businesses depends on the ROI (return on investment) on what you will be using the cash advance for and the final cost of said funding. Basically, you want to find out after all the dust settles if you will profit more than the fee of the funding and that the use of funds will bring in additional revenue for the business for the years to come.
What can a Small Business Cash Advance be used for?
A cash advance unlike bank financing that are heavily limited on what they can be used from can be used for many purposes IE: If projected ROI does not justify the cost, however, this funding may not be the right solution for that person or business, even in an emergency.
The refinancing of debt in connection with an expansion of the business through newly renovated facilities or new and used equipment
The purchase of land and land improvements, including grading, street improvements, utilities, parking lots, and landscaping
The purchase of existing buildings
Additional Staff or employees
The purchase of long-term machinery
Payroll, day to day activities, and back taxes
Businesses should also compare other options, including installment loans, which typically have lower APRs than cash advances.
Some owners may prefer lower-cost help first, such as borrowing from friends or family or speaking with a credit counseling professional to build a realistic debt repayment plan.
Apply for a Business Cash Advance
- Pursue new opportunities, upgrade operations, support inventory or boost marketing efforts.
- Bridge the gap in your company's cash flow or between longer term financing goals.
- Apply today to unlock cash advance funds that support your goals without restrictions
Stay ahead of the curve - get access today!
Document You'll Need to Apply
Driver’s License
Voided Business Check
Business Bank Statements (Last 4 Months)
Account Receivables Report for net 90 days
You may also be requested to provide the following for larger dollar amounts over $100K:
Balance Sheet
Profit & Loss Statements
Business Tax Returns
Personal Tax Returns
Cash Advance Pros & Cons
Pros
- You may still be eligible for a Cash advance even with a low credit score.
- Fast funding process once approved money can be in your business account in 24-48hours.
- No collateral is needed such as property or equipment
- Upfront fees that never change and no unexpected charges
Cons
- This form of funding may be more expensive than othersÂ
- Depending on your remittance agreement funds may get deducted daily which may affect cash flow
- Cash advances are temporary fixes to help businesses get back on their feet.
What is a Cash Advance Fee?
Cash advances are a fast and easy way to get cash, but they tend to come with larger fees that may outweigh some benefits. The first thing you must do before you take out a cash advance is to come up with a financial plan which assures your business can profit from the advance even with the higher fees. Include in this plan
With cash advances, most funders charge a flat fee or percentage of the transaction whichever is greater. Some banks will vary the amount based on how you access the cash.
Sometimes business opportunities or unexpected expenses require fast access to funds. While conventional loans have lengthy approval cycles, you may not want to delay pursuing opportunities or solving problems. That’s where a working capital loan shines – it provides the cash flow flexibility to respond quickly without red tape.
Rather than waiting weeks or months, our streamlined application evaluates your business’s financial health and payment processing. If approved, funds can be in your account in as little as 1-3 business days. Best of all, repayment is simple through agreed-upon daily or weekly deductions based on a percentage of your card sales or bank deposits. This innovative model lets you borrow against future earnings and optimize your cash flow on your terms.
Why Upwise for Cash Advance for Business
Quick & easy application
Our simple 15-minute application gets you on your way to funding quickly. Most applicants receive a fast decision within hours of applying. Then just choose your loan terms and you could have funds deposited into your account as soon as 24 hours.
Ensure you make the wise choice
Every Upwise applicant gets a dedicated funding advisor who takes the time to understand your business and it's unique needs. We are here for your support throughout the entire funding process.
Access multiple financing options
Upwise has an extensive product suite and a network of 100+ lenders. This means you're more likely to find the best match for your funding needs.
Business cash advance — key information
Provided by Upwise Capital · upwisecapital.com/cash-advance
Qualification requirements
- Monthly or annual business revenue
- Time in business
- Recent business bank statements
- Average bank balances
- Deposit activity and cash flow trends
Common uses
- Working capital
- Payroll expenses
- Inventory purchases
- Emergency business expenses
- Marketing campaigns
- Expansion opportunities
- Seasonal cash flow needs
Cash advance vs. business loan
- Cash advance: Faster approval process
- Cash advance: Revenue-based qualification
- Cash advance: Flexible approval requirements
- Cash advance: Shorter repayment periods
- Business loan: Fixed repayment schedule
- Business loan: Longer repayment terms
- Business loan: Often lower borrowing costs
- Business loan: More extensive underwriting
Best for
- Businesses needing fast access to capital
- Companies with consistent revenue deposits
- Seasonal businesses
- Retail businesses
- Restaurants and hospitality businesses
- Businesses that may not qualify for traditional bank financing
Key benefits
- Fast access to capital
- Simple application process
- Available for a wide range of industries
- Options available for challenged credit
- No specific use restrictions on funds
- Renewal opportunities for qualifying businesses
Frequently asked questions
- How much can I qualify for?
- Funding amounts generally range from $5,000 to $2,000,000+, depending on revenue, cash flow, and overall business performance.
- Is collateral required?
- Most business cash advances do not require specific collateral, although providers may file a UCC financing statement.
- Can I get a cash advance with less-than-perfect credit?
- Many providers place greater emphasis on business revenue and cash flow than credit score alone.
- How quickly can I receive funding?
- Many businesses receive approval within hours and funding within 1 to 3 business days, with same-day funding available in some cases.
- What is the difference between a business cash advance and a business loan?
- A business cash advance offers faster approval, revenue-based qualification, flexible approval requirements, and shorter repayment periods. A business loan typically has a fixed repayment schedule, longer repayment terms, often lower borrowing costs, and more extensive underwriting requirements.
Ready to apply? Get a decision in as little as a few hours with same-day funding available.
Apply Now →Business Cash Advance vs. Merchant Cash Advance
Many business owners use the terms Business Cash Advance and Merchant Cash Advance (MCA) interchangeably. In most cases, they refer to the same type of financing.
A business cash advance provides a company with upfront capital in exchange for a portion of future business revenue. Repayment is typically made through daily or weekly payments that are designed to align with the business’s cash flow.
While the term “merchant cash advance” originally referred to advances repaid through credit card sales, modern business cash advances are often available to a wider range of businesses, including service companies, contractors, manufacturers, healthcare providers, transportation companies, and professional service firms.
Similarities
- Fast approval and funding process
- Revenue-based qualification
- Flexible credit requirements
- Daily or weekly repayment options
- Funding available for most industries
- Can be used for working capital, payroll, inventory, marketing, or expansion
Differences
The primary difference is terminology.
Historically, merchant cash advances were designed for businesses that generated significant credit card sales. Today, many providers evaluate total business revenue and bank deposits rather than just card transactions, making the product accessible to a broader range of businesses.
Which Option Is Right for Your Business?
If you need fast access to working capital and have consistent business revenue, a business cash advance or merchant cash advance may provide a financing solution when traditional bank loans are not the best fit.
At Upwise Capital, we help business owners compare multiple financing options, including business cash advances, term loans, lines of credit, equipment financing, SBA loans, and other working capital solutions to find the right fit for their business.
Final Thoughts on Business Cash Advance
When considering a business cash advance, it’s crucial to understand the full cost and implications of this short term loan option. Unlike traditional payday loans that can range from $50 to $1,000 with fees around $15 per $100 borrowed, business cash advances offer a different structure, though they still come with significant costs. Credit card cash advances typically carry high interest rates, averaging 24%, with interest beginning to accrue immediately there’s no grace period. These advances can raise your credit utilization ratio significantly, and a ratio above 40% can hurt your credit score, though cash advances themselves don’t directly impact your score unless you overdraw your credit limit. Most credit cards allow cash advances up to a specific limit, which is usually lower than your total card limit, and transaction fees often range from 2% to 5%.
Using an ATM for a cash advance can incur additional fees, and unlike regular purchases, cash advances don’t earn rewards points or cash back. With over 80% of payday loans rolled over within 30 days, it’s essential to have a clear repayment plan before paying for this convenience. Before you get started, request information from multiple lending sources, complete your research online, and understand how much money you truly need to repay by your next payday or business revenue cycle. Ensure you have a bank account ready for deposit of funds, know the number of payments required, and verify you can withdraw or access funds when needed. Remember, consumer protection law varies by state, and while some lenders advertise “no fee” or free consultations, all borrowing is subject to terms and conditions. To make an informed decision, contact reputable lenders directly, compare interest rates and fees, and ensure you’re paid back on terms that support not hinde your business growth.