Frequently Asked Questions
At Merchant First, we know financing can feel complicated — especially when your business needs capital quickly. That’s why we’ve built this FAQ to give you straightforward answers about merchant cash advances (MCAs) and how they can support your growth.
A Merchant Cash Advance isn’t a loan — it’s an advance on your future business revenue. You receive a lump sum of working capital upfront, and we collect a small, agreed-upon percentage of your daily or weekly sales until the advance is fully repaid.
It’s designed for businesses that need fast, flexible funding without the hurdles of traditional loans or long approval processes.
Repayment happens automatically through automated bank withdrawals on a pre-defined basis (usually daily). The amount you pay adjusts with your sales — so in slower time, you can pay less; in busier times, a bit more.
This flexible approach helps align your payments with your cash flow.
You have complete flexibility. Common uses include:
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Purchasing inventory or raw materials
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Covering payroll or operational expenses
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Managing cash flow during slower seasons
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Investing in marketing or expansion opportunities
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Repairing or replacing essential equipment
Our clients span construction, retail, food service, e-commerce, and many other industries — each using advances differently to keep their businesses moving forward.
The amount you qualify for depends on your average monthly sales, business history, and overall performance. Merchant First typically funds from $5,000 to $500,000 — and we’ll tailor an offer that fits your revenue and repayment comfort level.
Many businesses receive approval within hours and funds as soon as the same day after final approval. Our streamlined application and automated verification make it simple and fast.
No. Checking your eligibility does not affect your credit score. We perform a soft inquiry during the prequalification process. Only after you accept an offer and move forward with funding might a full credit pull occur.
Instead of an interest rate, MCAs use a factor rate — typically expressed as a number like 1.3 or 1.4.
For example, if you receive a $10,000 advance at a 1.3 factor rate, you’ll repay $13,000 over time from your future sales.
This transparent structure means you know your total repayment upfront, with no compounding interest or hidden fees.
The holdback is the percentage of your daily or weekly sales that goes toward repaying your advance. For example, a 10% holdback means if you make $1,000 in sales, $100 is automatically applied toward repayment that day.
No hidden fees. Your total repayment amount is clear from the beginning, and there are no compounding interest charges. We’ll walk you through your offer so you know exactly what to expect.
Yes. Many growing businesses renew or “stack” advances once they’ve repaid a portion of their first MCA. Merchant First can review your performance and help determine when you’re eligible for additional funding to keep your momentum going.
Your repayment is designed to adjust with your business. Because payments are tied to revenue, slower periods mean smaller remittances. If you anticipate a significant slowdown, contact us early — we’ll work with you to find a solution.
Applying is simple and takes only a few minutes:
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Submit your application — right here through the Merchant First site.
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Connect your business account to verify sales data securely.
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Receive your offer — often within hours.
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Accept and fund — with deposits available the same day.
There’s no obligation to accept an offer after applying.
We serve a wide range of small and mid-sized businesses, including:
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Construction and contracting
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Restaurants and food service
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Retail and specialty shops
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E-commerce and online sellers
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Health, beauty, and fitness
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Professional services
If your business processes regular sales, you likely qualify. Check out Industries We Serve for more detail!
Because we believe great businesses deserve fast, fair support.
We combine:
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Transparent funding terms
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Real people, real support
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Fast, same-day approvals
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Flexible repayment aligned with your cash flow
Whether you’re bridging a gap, seizing an opportunity, or funding the next stage of growth, Merchant First helps you move forward with confidence.
At MerchantFirst, reconciliation allows merchants to request a review of their Merchant Cash Advance payments to ensure they match actual business performance. If sales or receivables drop, you can ask us to compare what’s been collected versus what should have been collected under your agreement. To request reconciliation, simply contact MerchantFirst support with recent bank or processor statements showing your current revenue levels. We’ll review the data, verify eligibility, and, if appropriate, adjust future payments or issue a credit so your daily or weekly remittance reflects your real cash flow — not outdated projections. This process helps you stay current while keeping your business financially balanced.
