Business Funding Questions,
Answered.

60+ plain-English answers about merchant cash advances, bad credit funding, factor rates, brokers, same-day funding, and more.

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Getting Started About Brokers Qualifying Bad Credit Merchant Cash Advances Rates & Costs Same-Day Funding Funding Products MCA vs Loans MCA Debt & Payoff
🚀Getting Started
Will applying hurt my credit score?

No. Pre-qualifying with The Broker Shop won't affect your credit score. Nothing is finalized unless you choose to move forward with a specific lender offer, and we'll tell you clearly before that happens.

How much does it cost to work with The Broker Shop?

Absolutely nothing. Our service is 100% free to the business owner. We're compensated by the lender when your deal closes — which means we're only motivated to find you the best deal, not just any deal. No hidden fees, no application fees, no obligation.

How do I apply?

Fill out our short online form — it takes about 2 minutes. Tell us your business name, monthly revenue, time in business, and how much you need. We review your profile and match you to the best lenders in our network. No paperwork upfront, no commitment required.

What documents do I need to apply?

To pre-qualify, you need nothing upfront. Once we identify your best options, lenders typically request: 3–6 months of business bank statements, a voided business check, and a government-issued ID. We guide you through exactly what's needed for your specific offer.

Do you work with startups or new businesses?

Most lenders require at least 6 months in business. Some programs are available for businesses as new as 3 months. If your business is brand new, reach back out once you've been operating 3–6 months and have bank statements showing revenue.

How long does it take to get approved for a business loan?

Most alternative lenders approve in under 24 hours once you submit bank statements. Same-day approvals are routine for MCAs and revenue-based financing if you apply before 10 AM EST. Equipment financing takes 24-72 hours. Term loans 3-7 business days. SBA loans take 30-90 days. With The Broker Shop, you get a soft-pull pre-qualification in 2 minutes.

What documents do I need to apply for a business loan?

For most alternative lending you need: 3-6 months of business bank statements, a valid government ID, your EIN, and (if required) basic business info like address and revenue. Term loans and SBA loans require more: 2 years of tax returns, financial statements, and sometimes a business plan. Start the application — we'll tell you exactly what's needed for your situation.

Can I get a business loan as a sole proprietor?

Yes. Sole proprietors qualify for MCAs, equipment financing, lines of credit, and term loans — same products as LLCs and corporations. The key requirements are still revenue ($10K+ monthly), time in business (6+ months), and personal credit (500+ for MCAs). An EIN helps but isn't always required.

Can my LLC get a loan in its own name?

Yes. Most business loans are issued to the business entity (LLC, S-corp, C-corp) with a personal guarantee from the owner. The LLC is the primary borrower; the personal guarantee creates a backup if the business defaults. For owners with strong personal credit, this is the standard structure.

Do business loans show up on personal credit?

Usually no. Most business loans report only to business credit bureaus (Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business, Equifax Business). They don't affect your personal FICO score during normal repayment. If you personally guarantee the loan, a default could eventually show on personal credit — but on-time payments stay off.

Can I deduct business loan interest from taxes?

Yes — interest on a business loan is generally tax-deductible as a business expense. This includes interest on term loans, lines of credit, and equipment financing. MCA fees are typically deductible as a financing cost (consult your accountant for the specific treatment). The principal repayment is not deductible — only the interest/fee portion.

Can I prepay a business loan?

It depends on the product. Term loans usually allow prepayment, sometimes with a small prepayment penalty in early years. Lines of credit can be drawn and repaid freely. MCAs have a fixed total payback regardless of how fast you repay — some lenders offer early-payoff discounts. Apply and we'll surface the prepayment terms in every offer you see.

Are there typical fees beyond the rate?

Most reputable lenders charge an origination fee (1-5% of the loan amount) and possibly a small documentation fee. MCAs have a single factor rate — no separate origination fee in most cases. SBA loans include the SBA guarantee fee. The Broker Shop charges $0 to the borrower — the lender pays our fee at closing.

What happens if I miss a business loan payment?

Most lenders flex when revenue dips — reach out before missing a payment and you'll typically get a reconciliation, restructure, or temporary forbearance. The Broker Shop helps negotiate these for free. The most important thing is communication: lenders far prefer modifying terms over collections.

How do I avoid business loan scams?

Three rules: (1) Never pay upfront fees before funding closes — legitimate brokers (like us) are paid by lenders at closing. (2) Avoid anyone guaranteeing approval before reviewing your statements. (3) Verify the lender's licensing in your state (CA, NY, UT, VA require commercial finance disclosure registration). The Broker Shop only works with vetted, licensed lenders.

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🤝About Business Funding Brokers
What is a business funding broker?

A funding broker connects small businesses with lenders. Instead of applying to one lender at a time, a broker submits your application to their entire lender network simultaneously, finds the best offer for your situation, and presents it to you. The service is free to the business owner — the broker earns a fee paid by the lender when a deal closes. Full broker guide →

Are business loan brokers free?

Yes — legitimate business funding brokers are completely free to the business owner. We're paid a fee by the lender when a deal closes. This is the same model used by mortgage brokers and insurance brokers. You never pay a broker fee out of pocket.

Who pays the broker fee on a business loan?

The lender pays the broker fee — not you. When your deal closes, the lender pays us a commission from their margin. The rate a lender offers through a broker is typically the same as or better than going direct, because broker relationships create competition.

Why should I use a broker instead of going directly to a lender?

One application gives you access to the right lenders — all from a single, free pre-qualification. Going direct to one lender means accepting whatever they offer or spending weeks applying to many lenders one by one. Brokers have relationships that often result in better rates and terms than going direct.

Are merchant cash advance brokers legit?

Yes, legitimate MCA brokers are a standard part of the small business financing market. Warning signs of problematic brokers: charging upfront fees before funding, guaranteeing approval, or pressuring you to accept offers quickly. The Broker Shop never charges upfront fees and has no obligation requirement — you see offers before committing to anything.

How does The Broker Shop make money?

We're paid a commission by the lender when your deal closes. This fee comes from the lender — never from you. This aligns our interests with yours: we only get paid if you get funded, so we're motivated to find the best deal possible.

What questions should I ask a funding broker?

Good questions to ask any broker: Do you charge upfront fees? (Correct answer: No.) How many lenders are in your network? What happens if I don't like any of the offers? Will my credit be pulled to see my options? How do you get paid? A transparent broker will answer all of these clearly and without pressure.

Qualifying & Approval
How much funding can I qualify for?

We work with funding from $5,000 to $5 million. The amount you qualify for depends on your monthly revenue, time in business, credit profile, and type of funding. Most businesses can access 50%–150% of their average monthly revenue through an MCA. Most clients qualify for more than they expected.

What is the minimum revenue to qualify?

Most lenders require at least $10,000–$15,000 in average monthly revenue and a minimum of 6 months in business. The more consistent your monthly revenue, the more options and better terms you'll get.

What industries do you work with?

We fund 50+ business types — restaurants, contractors, trucking, salons, retailers, medical offices, law firms, auto shops, manufacturers, and many more. If you run a legitimate US business with revenue, we can almost certainly find options for you. Browse all industries →

Do you work with businesses in all 50 states?

Yes — we serve small businesses in all 50 states. Find your state →

Will I get multiple offers to compare?

Yes — that's the core value of working with a broker. Instead of one offer (or rejection) from one lender, we submit your profile to our entire network and bring back all qualifying offers. You compare them side by side and choose the one that fits your business best.

Can a start-up LLC get a loan?

Yes. Start-up LLCs with 6+ months in business and $10,000+ in monthly revenue qualify for merchant cash advances, equipment financing, and revenue-based financing. Newer startups (under 6 months) can sometimes qualify for equipment financing where the equipment itself serves as collateral, or for business credit cards with a personal guarantee. The key requirements: revenue history, an active business bank account, and personal credit of 500+ for MCAs. Full requirements guide →

Can I get a business loan with no revenue?

Pre-revenue startups typically can't get traditional MCAs or term loans, but options exist: equipment financing (where the equipment is the collateral), business credit cards with a personal guarantee, owner financing on purchases, or SBA microloans up to $50K. After you've generated 6 months of revenue ($10K+/month), the full lender market opens up.

Can a 1099 contractor get a business loan?

Yes. 1099 contractors with consistent income show up on lender statements the same way W-2 wages would. Lenders look at your monthly deposits, history, and creditworthiness. The cleanest path is opening a business bank account, depositing all 1099 income there, and applying after 6 months of consistent deposits. See requirements →

Can I get a business loan with just an EIN?

An EIN by itself isn't enough — lenders also evaluate personal credit and business revenue for nearly all products. Some lenders advertise “EIN-only” financing, but it usually means business credit cards or vendor lines, not the lump-sum funding most owners want. For meaningful capital ($10K+), you'll need both an EIN and at least 6 months of business revenue.

Can I get multiple business loans at once?

Yes, depending on the products. A common combo: an equipment loan for fixed assets + a line of credit for working capital + a term loan for a one-time expense. Stacking multiple MCAs is less efficient than consolidating them. We help structure complementary products that don't crowd cash flow.

Do I need a business plan to get a loan?

Most alternative lenders (MCAs, revenue-based, equipment financing, lines of credit) don't require a business plan — they underwrite on revenue and credit. SBA loans usually require one, especially for acquisitions and large amounts. For most owners applying for working capital, bank statements are all you need.

What is the easiest business loan to get?

Merchant cash advances. Loosest requirements (500+ credit, 6 months in business, $10K+ monthly revenue) and ~60-70% approval rate — the highest in alternative lending. Funding in 24 hours. Trade-off is cost — MCAs are priced for speed and accessibility. For owners with bank rejection or bad credit, the MCA is the most reliable path to capital.

Can a married couple apply for a business loan jointly?

Yes. If both spouses are owners (typically 20%+ equity each), most lenders treat them as joint guarantors. Both credit profiles are reviewed and both sign the personal guarantee. The combined credit and income can strengthen the application. If only one spouse owns the business, only their credit is typically pulled.

How does a co-signer work on a business loan?

A co-signer or additional guarantor adds their personal credit and financial backing to the application. Helpful when the primary applicant has thin or weak personal credit. The co-signer becomes personally liable if the business defaults — so it's a real obligation, not just a signature. Used most often when bringing in family on equipment or vehicle loans.

Can I get a business loan if my business is seasonal?

Yes — seasonal business is normal in dozens of industries we fund (landscaping, ski resorts, beach restaurants, holiday retail). Lenders look at trailing 12-month revenue, not single-month snapshots. Lines of credit work especially well: draw in off-season, repay during peak season. Line of credit guide →

Can I get a business loan if my business is online-only?

Yes. Online-only businesses (e-commerce, SaaS, digital services) qualify for all major products. MCAs for Shopify, Stripe, Amazon are particularly efficient because lenders can verify revenue directly through processor integrations. No physical location required.

💳Bad Credit Business Funding
Can I get a merchant cash advance with bad credit?

Yes. MCA lenders accept credit scores as low as 500. They primarily evaluate your monthly revenue ($10,000+/month) and business history — not just your FICO score. A business with consistent $30,000/month revenue and a 550 credit score will often get approved when a high-credit business with low revenue will not. Full bad credit guide →

What credit score is needed for an MCA?

Most MCA lenders accept credit scores starting at 500. Some will consider scores as low as 450 if monthly revenue is strong ($25,000+/month). The higher your revenue, the more flexibility on credit score requirements.

Do MCA lenders check personal credit?

MCA approvals are based primarily on your business's revenue and bank statement health — credit score is not the primary approval factor, which is why many owners with less-than-perfect credit still qualify. Pre-qualifying won't affect your score.

Can I get business funding with a 500 credit score?

Yes. Merchant cash advances and some revenue-based financing options are available at 500. Your monthly revenue ($10,000+ minimum) and bank statement health are more important than your credit score for these products.

Do MCAs report to credit bureaus?

MCAs typically do not report regular payments to personal credit bureaus. However, if you default and the lender obtains a civil judgment against you (which can happen with a personal guarantee), the judgment can appear on your credit report.

Will an MCA hurt my credit score?

No — not during normal repayment. Pre-qualifying won't affect your credit score, and MCAs don't report to credit bureaus in the normal course. Your credit score is not impacted by taking an MCA unless you default and a judgment is obtained against you.

Can I get an MCA after a bankruptcy?

It depends on the type and timing. A discharged bankruptcy (Chapter 7) that is 1–2+ years old with strong current monthly revenue may still qualify with certain lenders. An open bankruptcy typically disqualifies you from most MCA products. Disclose your situation honestly — some lenders specialize in post-bankruptcy businesses.

Can I get a business loan with a 500 credit score?

Yes. Merchant cash advances and equipment financing approve owners with FICO scores as low as 500. Lenders focus on monthly business revenue ($10K+ minimum) rather than personal credit. A 500-credit owner with $30K/month in deposits gets funded routinely. Full 500-credit guide →

Can I get a business loan with a 600 credit score?

Yes — at 600+ FICO you qualify for a wider product range including term loans (better rates than MCAs), lines of credit, and equipment financing. SBA loans typically require 640-680. Above 700 unlocks the best rates from every lender on our network. Whatever your score, we shop all the right lenders to find the best available terms.

How do I build business credit fast?

Five steps: (1) Get an EIN and open a business bank account. (2) Register with Dun & Bradstreet for a D-U-N-S number. (3) Open net-30 vendor accounts (Uline, Quill, Grainger) that report to business credit bureaus. (4) Pay all bills on or before the due date — early payments actually boost the score faster than on-time. (5) Apply for a business credit card. Most see a baseline score within 6 months.

Do all business loans require a personal guarantee?

Most do, but not all. MCAs typically require a limited personal guarantee (fraud + misrepresentation only, not full balance). Equipment financing is secured by the equipment itself, so the personal guarantee is usually minimal. SBA loans require unlimited PGs from 20%+ owners. Large established businesses sometimes qualify for “non-recourse” financing — no PG — but that's reserved for strong files.

Can I get a business loan after a tax lien?

Yes — an active or resolved tax lien doesn't automatically disqualify you. The key is having a documented payment plan with the IRS or state authority. Lenders want to see you're addressing it, not ignoring it. Many of our MCA and revenue-based lenders fund borrowers with tax payment plans in place.

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📘Merchant Cash Advances
What is a merchant cash advance?

A merchant cash advance (MCA) gives your business a lump sum upfront in exchange for a percentage of future daily credit and debit card sales. Repayment is automatic — a fixed percentage (called a retrieval rate) is deducted from daily sales until the advance is repaid. MCAs fund in 24 hours, require no collateral, and accept credit scores as low as 500. Full MCA guide →

How much can I borrow with a merchant cash advance?

MCA amounts typically range from $5,000 to $2,000,000, with most businesses qualifying for 50%–150% of their average monthly revenue. A business doing $50,000/month might qualify for $25,000–$75,000. Same-day deals typically fall in the $10,000–$500,000 range.

Is a merchant cash advance a loan?

No. An MCA is technically a purchase of future receivables, not a loan. This means MCAs are not subject to usury laws that cap interest rates on loans. Instead of an interest rate, MCAs use a factor rate. There are no fixed monthly payments — repayment fluctuates with your daily sales.

What is a retrieval rate or holdback?

The retrieval rate (also called the holdback) is the percentage of your daily card sales automatically deducted to repay the MCA. Typical rates are 10%–20%. A higher retrieval rate means faster repayment; a lower rate means slower repayment but more daily cash flow flexibility.

Do I need a broker to get a merchant cash advance?

No — you can apply directly to individual MCA lenders. But using a broker means one application goes to the right lenders simultaneously, creating competition that typically results in better offers than going direct to a single lender. And it's free. Most business owners who understand how brokers work choose to use one.

Is a merchant cash advance illegal?

No — MCAs are fully legal in all 50 U.S. states. They're regulated commercial transactions structured as the purchase of future receivables (not loans), governed by UCC Article 9 and FTC oversight. Thousands of small businesses use MCAs every day for fast capital, and reputable lenders comply with state commercial finance disclosure laws (CA, NY, UT, VA, and others). Full legal guide →

Is a merchant cash advance a good idea?

Yes — when you need one of four things: fast capital (24-hour funding), approval after a bank declined you, financing with bad credit, or payments that flex with your sales. MCAs are one of the only products that underwrite business revenue ahead of personal credit. For longer-term capital with predictable monthly payments, a term loan or SBA loan fits better. Full guide →

What is the $3,000 rule for banks?

The "$3,000 rule" is a Bank Secrecy Act / FinCEN requirement: when a bank issues a cashier's check, money order, or traveler's check for $3,000 or more in cash, they must verify the customer's identity and retain transaction records for five years. It's an anti-money-laundering control. It doesn't restrict business funding, deposits, or withdrawals — and has no effect on your ability to receive an MCA or business loan.

What is the maximum MCA I can get?

Most MCAs cap at $500,000 — though we've placed advances up to $2 million for established businesses with $1M+ monthly revenue. The general formula is 50-150% of average monthly revenue. A business doing $80K/month typically qualifies for $40K-$120K. Higher revenue, longer time in business, and stronger credit all expand the cap.

Does a merchant cash advance affect my credit?

No — pre-qualifying through The Broker Shop won't affect your credit score. Nothing is finalized unless you accept a specific lender's offer, and we'll always tell you what to expect first. Many MCA lenders underwrite on bank statements alone.

Do MCA companies pull personal credit?

MCA approvals are based primarily on your business's revenue and bank statement health (NSFs, deposit consistency) — not just your FICO score. Some lenders approve on revenue alone if you have $25K+ in monthly deposits.

Can I get a merchant cash advance without credit card sales?

Yes. Modern MCAs are split into two products: traditional MCAs (repaid via credit card holdback) and revenue-based financing (repaid via daily/weekly ACH from your bank account). Cash-heavy businesses, B2B businesses billing on invoices, and ACH-payment businesses all qualify for revenue-based financing — no card processing required.

How are MCAs taxed?

MCA fees (the difference between funded amount and total payback) are generally deductible as a business expense in the year repaid. Because MCAs are technically a sale of receivables, not a loan, the tax treatment is slightly different from interest expense — but the deductibility is similar. Always confirm with your accountant for your specific situation.

📊MCA Rates & Costs
What is a factor rate?

A factor rate is a decimal multiplier (typically 1.1–1.5) used to calculate total MCA repayment. Multiply the advance amount by the factor rate to get total repayment. Example: $50,000 × 1.3 factor rate = $65,000 total repayment. The $15,000 difference is the cost. Full factor rate guide →

What is a typical MCA factor rate?

Typical factor rates in 2026 range from 1.1 to 1.5. Most businesses qualify in the 1.2–1.4 range. Rates of 1.1–1.2 are excellent (strong credit, solid revenue). Rates above 1.45 are high-risk territory. The key drivers: credit score, monthly revenue, time in business, and industry type.

What is the difference between a factor rate and an APR?

A factor rate is a fixed multiplier — it doesn't change based on how long repayment takes. APR (annual percentage rate) accounts for time — the same factor rate produces a higher APR if repaid in 6 months than 12 months, even though the dollar cost is identical. MCA factor rates expressed as APR can appear very high, but the actual dollar cost is fixed upfront.

How is MCA payback calculated?

Total payback = Advance Amount × Factor Rate. Example: $50,000 × 1.35 = $67,500. The daily deduction = your daily card sales × retrieval rate percentage. If you process $3,000 in card sales and have a 15% retrieval rate, $450 goes toward repayment that day. Higher sales = faster repayment.

Can I pay off an MCA early to save money?

Unlike loans, paying off an MCA early does not reduce your total cost — the factor rate determines a fixed payoff amount regardless of timing. Some lenders offer early payoff discounts (sometimes called "early buyout"), but this is not standard. Always ask about early payoff terms before accepting an offer.

What factors determine my MCA rate?

Key factors: credit score (lower score = higher rate), time in business, monthly revenue level and consistency, bank statement health (NSFs raise rates), industry risk profile, and whether you have existing MCA balances. Improving any of these factors can meaningfully lower your rate.

How do I calculate the APR of an MCA?

MCAs use factor rates, not APR. To estimate APR: (Factor rate − 1) ÷ (term in months ÷ 12) × 100. Example: a 1.30 factor over 9 months = (0.30 / 0.75) × 100 = ~40% APR. Use our MCA calculator to see the math on your specific deal.

What determines my factor rate?

Five factors: (1) monthly revenue volume and consistency, (2) time in business, (3) personal and business credit, (4) industry risk profile, (5) whether you have existing MCA balances. Strong files (700+ FICO, $50K+/month, 2+ years) see 1.15-1.25. Mid-tier (550-650 credit, $20K-$50K/month) sees 1.25-1.40. The Broker Shop matches you to the lenders whose guidelines you meet to find your best available rate.

Can my MCA factor rate change after I sign?

No. Once you accept and sign, the factor rate and total payback amount are fixed for the life of the advance. Only the timing of repayment varies based on revenue. This is one of the advantages of MCAs over variable-rate products — no surprise rate increases.

Same-Day & Fast Funding
Can I get an MCA the same day?

Yes. Same-day MCA funding is genuinely available. To maximize your chances: apply before 10 AM EST, have your last 3 months of bank statements ready to upload immediately, and respond to document requests within minutes. Most wire cutoffs are 3–5 PM EST. Full same-day guide →

What is the fastest business funding option?

Merchant cash advances are the fastest — same-day to 24-hour standard. Revenue-based financing is close. Online business loans take 1–3 business days. SBA loans take 30–90 days. Traditional bank loans take 2–4 weeks.

Can I get $50,000 the same day?

Yes. $50,000 is well within same-day range. You'll need $30,000+ in monthly revenue, clean bank statements (no NSFs), and to apply early (before 10 AM EST). A broker can identify which specific lenders prioritize fast funding for your amount.

What documents do I need for same-day MCA funding?

Have these ready before you apply: last 3 months of business bank statements (PDF), a voided business check, and a government-issued ID. Having these prepared eliminates the back-and-forth that delays funding to the next day.

How fast can I get funded?

Many clients receive approval within hours and funds within 24 hours of approval. Same-day funding is common for MCAs. Business term loans from alternative lenders: 1–3 business days. SBA loans: 2–8 weeks. We'll give you a clear timeline before you commit to anything.

What is the fastest business loan I can get?

A merchant cash advance or revenue-based financing. Both can fund in 24 hours; same-day funding is routine if you apply before 10 AM EST with bank statements ready. Equipment financing 24-72 hours. Term loans 3-7 days. Same-day funding guide →

Can I get $100,000 the same day?

Yes — we place same-day deals up to $500K when bank statements support the file. The bar: $50K+ monthly revenue, 12+ months in business, clean bank statements (no NSFs in 90 days), and applying by 10 AM EST. Larger same-day amounts ($250K+) take more underwriting time but can still close same-day for clean files.

Can I get a business loan in 24 hours?

Yes — 24-hour funding is standard for MCAs, revenue-based financing, and equipment financing. Term loans take 3-7 days. SBA loans take 30-90 days. If speed is the priority, the MCA is almost always the right product.

What slows down funding?

Most common: missing bank statements, gaps between statements, NSF events in the last 90 days, undisclosed existing MCA positions, or applying after 10 AM EST (after the daily wire cutoff). Apply early in the morning with 4 months of clean statements and most files fund within 24 hours.

🏦Funding Products
What types of funding do you offer?

We offer: Merchant Cash Advances, Business Term Loans, Lines of Credit, SBA Loans, Equipment Financing, Invoice Factoring, and Revenue-Based Financing. We match you to the right product for your revenue, credit, and timeline.

What is a business term loan?

A business term loan provides a fixed lump sum you repay in set weekly or monthly installments over a defined period (6 months to 5 years). Predictable payments, ideal for planned purchases, expansion, or equipment. Learn more →

What is a business line of credit?

A revolving credit facility — draw funds as needed up to a set limit, pay interest only on what you use, and as you repay, the funds become available again. Most flexible option for ongoing cash flow needs. Learn more →

What is equipment financing?

Finance business equipment (trucks, machinery, kitchen equipment, medical devices) without paying cash upfront. The equipment itself serves as collateral — often easier approval and better rates than unsecured options. Learn more →

What is invoice factoring?

Sell outstanding invoices to a lender at a discount for immediate cash. Instead of waiting 30–90 days for customers to pay, you get the majority of the invoice value upfront. Ideal for B2B businesses with long payment cycles — contractors, staffing, manufacturers.

What is invoice factoring?

Invoice factoring sells your outstanding invoices to a factoring company at a small discount (typically 1-5%). You get immediate cash; the factor collects payment from your customer when the invoice matures. Best for B2B businesses with net-30 to net-90 receivables. Different from a loan — there's no debt on your books. Full guide →

How does revenue-based financing work?

You receive a lump sum in exchange for a fixed percentage of future revenue until a predetermined total is repaid. Similar to MCAs but typically uses bank-statement holdback (not card sales) — making it accessible to B2B and cash-heavy businesses. Funding 24-48 hours, no collateral, 500+ credit OK.

What is a working capital loan?

A general-purpose loan to cover day-to-day operating expenses — payroll, inventory, rent, marketing. Working capital loans aren't a specific product; they're a use case. Best products for working capital: lines of credit (flexible draws), short-term loans (fixed lump sum), or MCAs (fast/no-collateral). The right choice depends on how predictably you'll repay.

What is a business microloan?

Small business loans of $500 to $50,000, typically from SBA-affiliated nonprofits and community development financial institutions (CDFIs). Lower amounts, longer terms, and slightly lower credit requirements than bank loans. Best for very small businesses or startups. SBA microloans run 8-13% APR; non-SBA microloans can be higher.

Do I own the equipment after financing it?

Yes — with equipment financing, the equipment is the collateral but you own it from day one. At the end of the term, the lien is released and you own it free and clear. This differs from equipment leasing, where the lessor retains ownership and you typically have a buyout option at term end. Financing vs leasing →

Can I finance used equipment?

Yes — most equipment lenders finance both new and used equipment. Used equipment typically requires a slightly higher down payment (10-20% vs 0-10% for new) and may have a shorter financing term. The equipment serves as collateral, so the lender will appraise it before funding.

Can I get a business line of credit with no revenue?

Pre-revenue businesses typically can't get a traditional line of credit — most lenders require 6+ months of operating history and $10K+ monthly revenue. Newer businesses can sometimes get a secured business credit card or vendor net-30 accounts that function similarly. Once you have 6 months of revenue, full LOC eligibility opens up.

⚖️MCA vs Other Loans
What is the difference between MCA and SBA loan?

An MCA funds in 24 hours, requires 500+ credit and no collateral, but costs more (factor rate 1.1–1.5). An SBA loan is significantly cheaper (10–13% APR) but requires 640+ credit, 2+ years in business, collateral, and takes 30–90 days. Full MCA vs SBA comparison →

Why would someone choose an MCA over an SBA loan?

Most businesses choose an MCA because they don't qualify for SBA (credit below 640, less than 2 years in business, or urgency of need). A restaurant with a broken HVAC in July can't wait 60 days for SBA approval. Speed and accessibility are the primary reasons.

What are the best alternatives to a business loan?

Top alternatives: MCAs (24-hour funding, 500+ credit), revenue-based financing, online business term loans (3–5 days), business lines of credit, invoice financing, and equipment financing. Each suits different revenue profiles and needs. Full alternatives guide →

What if my bank denied my loan application?

Bank denial is the most common reason businesses come to us. Alternative lenders evaluate your actual business performance — not just a credit score cutoff. A business doing $40,000/month with a 580 credit score that a bank rejected often has multiple competitive offers through our network.

Can I have both an MCA and an SBA loan?

Yes. Some businesses use an MCA for immediate needs while simultaneously applying for an SBA loan for longer-term capital. SBA underwriters will factor in existing MCA repayments as debt service obligations — disclose everything accurately.

SBA loan vs term loan — which is better?

SBA loans have lower rates (10-13% APR), longer terms (up to 25 years), and lower down payments — but they take 30-90 days to close and require 680+ credit + 2+ years in business. Non-SBA term loans fund in 3-7 days, accept 600+ credit, but cost 12-30% APR. For owners who can wait, SBA is cheaper. For owners who need speed, a term loan wins.

Bank loan vs alternative lender — which is better?

Banks offer the lowest rates (6-12% APR) but reject 80% of small business applications and take 4-8 weeks to underwrite. Alternative lenders (online lenders, fintech, MCA companies) approve 60-70% of applicants and fund in 24-72 hours, but at higher rates (12-50%+ APR equivalent). For owners with strong credit and time to wait, banks win. For everyone else, alternative lenders are the realistic path.

Business loan vs business credit card — which should I get?

Credit cards work for everyday expenses with grace periods and rewards — but interest is 22-28% APR if you carry a balance. Business loans (term loans, LOCs) are better for larger amounts and longer payback. A typical owner uses both: credit card for everyday expenses paid monthly, a loan or line for capital expenditures and growth investments.

MCA vs invoice factoring — which is right for me?

If you have B2B invoices on net-30/60/90 terms, invoice factoring is usually cheaper and doesn't appear as debt. If you bill consumers directly via cards or you don't have named invoices, MCAs or revenue-based financing fit better. Both can fund in 24-72 hours. We'll surface both options when you apply.

Online lender vs traditional bank — what's the difference?

Online lenders specialize in speed and accessibility — they fund in 24 hours, work with 500+ credit, and don't require in-person meetings. Banks offer lower rates but take 4-8 weeks and reject most small business applicants. Online lenders have closed the rate gap significantly in 2026 — competition keeps prices reasonable.

💡Repayment, Consolidation & Second Advances
What is MCA stacking — and why is consolidation better?

Stacking means holding multiple MCAs from different lenders at the same time. There's a much smarter alternative: consolidation — combining all existing MCAs into one new advance with a single lower daily payment. Clients of ours have cut their weekly remit by 40–60% this way. If you already have one MCA and need more capital, consolidation almost always beats stacking. Full stacking guide →

Can I get a second MCA while repaying the first?

Yes. The cleanest approach is a buyout/refinance: a new lender pays off your existing MCA and advances you more capital — one daily payment replaces the original, often at a lower blended factor rate. The Broker Shop arranges these in 24-72 hours, free of charge. Full second MCA guide →

What is a reverse consolidation?

A reverse consolidation program makes daily payments to your existing MCA lenders on your behalf while you make one manageable weekly or monthly payment to the consolidation company. It restructures cash flow and creates breathing room — typically cutting your daily outflow by 30–50% so the business stays cash-flow positive while it scales.

What happens if I can't pay my MCA?

MCAs are built to flex with revenue — if your daily payment is too heavy, you have four built-in options: reconciliation (adjust the daily remit to current sales), restructure (lower payment + longer term), consolidation (combine multiple MCAs into one lower payment), or refinance (move to better terms). The Broker Shop arranges all four for free, often within 24-48 hours. Full repayment-help guide →

What happens if you never pay back a cash advance?

That scenario almost never has to happen, because MCAs include built-in flexibility most owners don't realize they have. Reconciliation clauses adjust the daily remit when revenue dips. Restructuring lowers the daily payment and extends the term. Consolidation combines multiple MCAs into one lower payment. Refinancing moves you to better terms. The Broker Shop sets up any of these in 24-48 hours, free of charge — the smart path is always to call us before there's a problem. Full repayment guide →

Can I negotiate my MCA payback?

Yes — and lenders prefer to negotiate. Options include: a reduced daily holdback percentage (reconciliation), a longer repayment window (restructure), or a lump-sum settlement at a reduced amount. The earlier you reach out, the more flexibility you have. The Broker Shop handles these negotiations on your behalf at no cost.

How do I lower my daily MCA payment?

Four options in order of impact: (1) Consolidation — combine multiple MCAs into one new advance with a lower daily payment. (2) Refinance with a single lender buyout — simplifies to one payment with better terms. (3) Restructure — lower payment plus longer repayment window with your current lender. (4) Reconciliation — adjust the daily remit based on actual current revenue. All four typically close in 24-48 hours through The Broker Shop, free of charge.

Still Have Questions? Talk to a Real Person.

Call us directly — real funding specialists answer. Or apply now and see exactly what your business qualifies for.

See What I Qualify For → 📞 (877) 888-4278
Auto-shop owner standing in front of her business after getting funded