Merchant cash advance eligibility depends on your card sales, trading record and ability to meet the proposed collections. Providers set their own criteria, so there is no single minimum turnover or trading period that applies to every offer.
Prepare recent bank and merchant statements, details of existing finance and a clear explanation of how you will use the funds. PDQ Funding can discuss the information needed before an application is submitted.
Who can apply for a merchant cash advance?
An MCA is designed for a business receiving regular debit or credit card payments, whether in person or online. The provider reviews those receipts alongside the wider business position. Card turnover alone does not establish affordability.
- Card sales: the level, consistency and source of qualifying receipts.
- Trading history: enough evidence to assess normal trading and seasonal changes.
- Business cash flow: the money available after operating costs and existing commitments.
- Business and ownership checks: the applicant’s identity, business structure and authority to apply.
- Existing obligations: current advances, loans, tax commitments and other material liabilities.
Ask which criteria apply to the specific provider. Do not treat another business’s offer or an online calculator as confirmation that you qualify.
Documents and information to prepare
The exact request varies. This preparation checklist helps you organise an enquiry; the provider may request additional evidence or accept information through an authorised digital connection.
| Information | What to prepare |
|---|---|
| Business bank statements | Recent complete statements showing trading receipts and expenditure, covering the period requested. |
| Merchant or payment processor statements | Card turnover, settlements, refunds and chargebacks across the requested period. |
| Business and ownership details | Trading name, legal structure, registration details where applicable, owners and authorised applicant. |
| Identity evidence | Documents requested for the provider’s identity checks, supplied through its approved process. |
| Existing finance | Outstanding balances, repayment schedules and existing card-sales deductions. |
| Funding requirement | The amount required, intended use and supporting supplier quotations where relevant. |
| Current financial information | Accounts, management figures or cash-flow forecasts if requested. |
The British Business Bank identifies recent bank statements as part of the application documentation. The full checklist depends on the provider and circumstances.
How much trading history do you need?
Requirements differ between providers and products. Ask for the minimum trading period and statement period before gathering documents. For a seasonal business, include information that shows quieter months as well as peak takings.
A recently opened business should explain when card processing began and whether the available records reflect normal trading. A short trading record may limit options; it does not create an automatic entitlement or a universal refusal.
How much funding could you receive?
The provider decides the amount after assessing sales and risk. The relationship between an advance and monthly turnover varies. Use our merchant cash advance calculator to model figures, then request a written quotation for actual terms.
Check net funds received, total repayment, collection percentage, additional charges and any guarantees together. Our MCA costs and factor rates guide explains the distinction between price and collections.
Will credit history or existing borrowing affect eligibility?
Disclose existing borrowing and material credit problems accurately. Each provider decides how these affect its assessment. Do not assume that card sales remove the need for checks or that an advance is available regardless of the business’s position.
Check whether a credit search will be conducted, who it concerns and whether it is a soft or hard search before proceeding. Read our business credit score guide for background.
Check affordability before applying
Forecast the cash left after collections, stock, wages, rent, tax and other finance. Test quieter trading and lower margins. A percentage of sales can still be substantial compared with the profit retained.
Read the proposed agreement for minimum payments, deadlines, payment-provider restrictions, security and personal guarantees. Collection methods and obligations vary; ask for an explanation of anything unclear before accepting.
Frequently asked questions
Are bank statements enough to apply?
Not necessarily. A provider may also need card-processing records, identity evidence and other information. Request its checklist.
Do online card sales count?
They may qualify where the provider accepts the payment channel and can verify the receipts. Confirm which processors and sales types are eligible.
Does meeting the minimum criteria guarantee approval?
No. Minimum criteria are an initial filter. The provider still assesses the application and decides the terms.
Discuss your eligibility with PDQ Funding
Get a quote or call 01246 233108. Tell us your monthly card sales, trading history and funding purpose. You can also read about our merchant cash advance service and application process.
PDQ Funding is a broker, not a lender. We receive commission from a lender following a successful introduction. Funding is subject to assessment and provider terms; an enquiry does not guarantee an offer.
Source: British Business Bank: merchant cash advance guide. Reviewed 7 November 2026.
Credit checks and directors’ obligations
Read our guides to MCA personal guarantees and merchant cash advances with bad credit or a CCJ before proceeding with an application.
Managing an existing advance
Read our guides to falling sales and repayment difficulties, renewals, top-ups and refinancing, and existing finance and switching card processors.