If you are a small business owner, then you have probably heard of merchant cash advances. But what exactly is a merchant cash advance? And how can it benefit your business?
A merchant cash advance is a type of funding that is provided to small businesses in exchange for a percentage of future sales. This means that the funding is not repaid in a traditional sense, but instead is repaid through a percentage of your business’s future credit card sales.
This can be a great option for small businesses that have trouble qualifying for traditional loans, as it does not require a credit check or collateral. Merchant cash advances can also be processed very quickly, which is helpful if you need funding for an emergency expense.
There are a few things to keep in mind before you apply for a merchant cash advance. First, you should make sure that you understand the terms of the agreement. This includes the repayment schedule, the fees, and the interest rate. It is also important to make sure that you will be able to afford the repayments.
If you are considering a merchant cash advance, then this guide will help you understand the process and decide if it is the right option for your business.
How Does a Merchant Cash Advance Work?
A merchant cash advance works by providing you with funding in exchange for a percentage of your future credit card sales. This means that the funding is repaid as your business makes sales, and there is no set repayment schedule.
How Much Can You Borrow?
The amount that you can borrow with a merchant cash advance depends on your business’s credit card sales. Most lenders will advance you an amount equivalent to 10-30% of your monthly credit card sales.
How Much Does a Merchant Cash Advance Cost?
The cost of a merchant cash advance is typically a flat fee plus an additional fee based on the amount borrowed. For example, a common fee structure is a 10% flat fee plus a 4% fee on the amount borrowed. This means that if you borrow $10,000, you would pay a total of $14,000 in fees.
What Are the Benefits of a Merchant Cash Advance?
There are several benefits of a merchant cash advance, including:
- You can get funding quickly – Merchant cash advances can be processed very quickly, which is helpful if you need funding for an emergency expense.
- No collateral required – A merchant cash advance does not require collateral, which makes it an accessible option for small businesses that may not qualify for traditional loans.
- No credit check required – A merchant cash advance does not require a credit check, which makes it an accessible option for small businesses with bad credit.
What Are the Downsides of a Merchant Cash Advance?
There are a few downsides to merchant cash advances, including:
- High cost – The fees associated with merchant cash advances can be very high, making them a costly option.
- Risky – Merchant cash advances are considered to be a risky form of funding, as there is no set repayment schedule and you are using your future sales to repay the loan.
- Not suitable for long-term financing – Merchant cash advances are typically not suitable for long-term financing needs, as the repayment schedule is based on your sales and can fluctuate.
Should You Get a Merchant Cash Advance?
If you are considering a merchant cash advance, then it is important to weigh the pros and cons to decide if it is the right option for your business. Some things to consider include:
- How much you need to borrow
- How quickly you need the funding
- Your business’s sales volume
- Your ability to repay the loan
- The fees associated with the loan