What Is a Merchant Cash Advance?

A Merchant Cash Advance (MCA) is an alternative funding option designed for speed and flexibility. Instead of a traditional loan, an MCA provides a lump sum in exchange for a portion of your future credit card or debit card sales. Approval is based primarily on your revenue — not your credit score.

This makes MCAs a popular choice for small businesses that need immediate capital but don’t qualify for conventional financing. Whether you’re covering payroll, purchasing inventory, or navigating a temporary cash crunch, an MCA can be a fast and simple solution.

What Is a Merchant Cash Advance? - AmeriFirst Finance

Merchant Cash Advance Highlights

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Funding Amount

$5,000 – $2 million

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Repayment Terms

3 – 24 months

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Time to Funding

24 – 48 hours

When to Use an MCA

Merchant Cash Advances are best used for short-term needs and fast-moving opportunities:

  • Cash Flow Gaps — Cover payroll, rent, or supplier payments during slow sales periods.
  • Unexpected Expenses — Fund emergency repairs, equipment replacement, or seasonal costs.
  • Growth Opportunities — Seize time-sensitive deals on inventory or scale quickly during peak demand.
  • Bad Credit Situations — Access funding even if you've been denied elsewhere.
How Can a Merchant Cash Advance Help My Business? - AmeriFirst Finance

How Can a Merchant Cash Advance Help My Business?

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Fast Working Capital

Receive funds within 1–2 days to stay on top of urgent needs.

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Inventory Restocking

Buy inventory ahead of busy seasons or big promotions.

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Growth Opportunities

Invest in time-sensitive expansion or marketing efforts.

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Credit-Friendly Access

Qualify based on revenue, not your credit history.

Pros & Cons of Merchant Cash Advances

Pros
  • ✔ Extremely fast approval & funding
  • ✔ No collateral or credit score required
  • ✔ Flexible repayment tied to sales
  • ✔ Great for short-term or urgent needs
Cons
  • ✘ Higher cost than traditional loans
  • ✘ Daily repayments may affect cash flow
  • ✘ Shorter repayment terms
  • ✘ Not ideal for long-term investments

Final Thoughts About Merchant Cash Advances

If your business needs fast, flexible funding — and traditional lenders have said no — a Merchant Cash Advance may be the solution you’ve been searching for. While it comes at a higher cost, it removes the red tape and delivers capital when you need it most. Whether you're bouncing back from a setback or scaling into a busy season, our team can guide you through your options and help you make the smartest financial move for your business.

Merchant Cash Advance - FAQs

A Merchant Cash Advance is a form of financing where a business receives a lump sum of capital in exchange for a percentage of future daily credit card or debit card sales. It’s ideal for businesses needing fast cash without the requirements of a traditional loan.

Most businesses receive funding within 24 to 48 hours after approval. The streamlined application process and flexible requirements make MCAs one of the fastest forms of small business financing.

No. Qualification for an MCA is based on your business’s revenue and daily sales volume — not your credit score. This makes it a great option for businesses with poor or limited credit history.

Repayment is made automatically as a fixed percentage of your daily sales. This means payments adjust with your cash flow, easing the burden during slower periods.

The benefits of an MCA include fast funding, no collateral, and flexible repayment. However, the downside is a higher overall cost compared to traditional loans, and daily repayments that may impact cash flow if not carefully managed.

Why businesses choose AmeriFirst Financing

Real business owners on speed, service, and outcomes with AmeriFirst - straight from our customers.

“AmeriFirst made the entire funding process incredibly easy. From the first call to the final approval, everything was clear and fast. We received the working capital we needed within 24 hours and were able to take on more contracts almost immediately.”

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Alex M.
Owner | Redwood Landscaping | Denver, CO

“As a seasonal business, cash flow dips can be brutal. AmeriFirst helped us secure a merchant cash advance that covered marketing costs during our slow period. We hit record bookings this summer and paid it back early. Great service and flexible terms.”

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Rachel K.
CEO | Coastline Spa Services | San Diego, CA

“We had a large event contract coming up and needed quick access to funds. AmeriFirst's process was smooth, and we were funded in under 48 hours. Their team answered all our questions and followed up after. Top-notch experience all around.”

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Tanya S.
Co-Owner | Blue Horizon Events | Seattle, WA

“I appreciated how AmeriFirst didn't treat us like just another number. As a childcare business, it's hard to get approved — but they worked with us, explained our options, and delivered. The funding let us renovate two classrooms and increase capacity.”

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Denise H.
Owner | Bright Minds Learning Center | Orlando, FL

“I was skeptical at first, but the team at AmeriFirst was professional and didn't pressure me into anything. They explained everything clearly and gave me time to decide. I took a small working capital loan and it helped me hire a part-time tech.”

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Marcus V.
Founder | Prime Auto Detailers | Charlotte, NC

“Getting started as a beauty brand, I needed startup funds for inventory and packaging. AmeriFirst came through when my bank didn't. They were fast, responsive, and made me feel confident every step of the way. I've already referred two friends!”

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Jasmine T.
Owner | Glow & Go Cosmetics | Chicago, IL

“When our printer lease fell through, we needed fast equipment financing. AmeriFirst got us approved the same day and funds were in our account by morning. Great communication and no surprises. We're now fully operational again thanks to them.”

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Lamar J.
Co-Founder | NextGen Print | Atlanta, GA

“We applied for a line of credit and had multiple offers within hours. The rep helped us compare terms and select the one that made the most sense for our cash flow needs. We've already used it twice and it's been seamless.”

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Tyler B.
Operations Manager | Southpoint Delivery Co. | Phoenix, AZ

“AmeriFirst took the time to understand our business. We weren't a cookie-cutter client, but they found a funding solution that worked for us. Their referral program also gave us an unexpected bonus when we sent another business their way.”

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Henry L.
Managing Member | TriState IT Solutions | Newark, NJ

“We were hesitant about taking on funding, but AmeriFirst's team was helpful without being pushy. They walked us through every option and answered every question. The process was transparent and the funding helped us expand our seating and hire two more staff.”

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Sierra D.
Managing Partner | Urban Bistro | Austin, TX