A business with poor credit history or a County Court Judgment (CCJ) may still be considered for a merchant cash advance, but approval is not guaranteed. Providers assess card sales, cash flow, existing commitments and the nature of the credit problem against their own criteria.
Tell PDQ Funding about adverse credit at the outset. We can discuss the information needed without presenting an indicative enquiry as an approval.
Can you get an MCA with bad credit?
Some providers consider applicants with poor credit. That does not mean every issue is acceptable or that sales replace all other checks. Ask which business and personal checks apply before proceeding.
How does a CCJ affect an application?
A provider may ask who the judgment concerns, its amount and date, whether it has been paid, and what caused it. Distinguish a company judgment from one against a director personally. Supply supporting documents rather than relying on a credit score alone.
| Information | What to prepare |
|---|---|
| Judgment details | The named debtor, court reference, date and amount. |
| Payment status | Evidence of payment or details of an agreed payment arrangement. |
| Business explanation | A factual account of the circumstances and any changes since. |
| Current position | Recent bank and merchant statements, existing finance and realistic cash-flow figures. |
Does paying a CCJ remove it?
For England and Wales, GOV.UK explains that a registered judgment normally remains for six years. Paying in full within one month can allow removal from the register; notify the court with evidence. Payment after that month can allow it to be marked satisfied, but it normally remains for the six-year period. Cancellation or setting aside are separate matters with their own requirements.
Check the record is accurate before applying. Different court systems and procedures apply elsewhere in the UK.
Will an enquiry affect your credit score?
Ask whether the enquiry, application or offer stage involves a soft or hard search, whose record is searched and when. Providers use different processes. Do not assume that every MCA enquiry is search-free. Our business credit score guide explains how to review your record.
Regular card sales do not guarantee affordability
Review the cash retained after collections, suppliers, payroll, premises, tax and other debt payments. Include any CCJ payment arrangement in that forecast. Test lower sales and margins before deciding whether a new commitment is manageable.
Use our calculator to explore figures and read the costs and repayments guide. Neither establishes eligibility. Check any personal guarantee or indemnity separately.
What if there is active creditor action?
Disclose statutory demands, petitions and other material creditor action. A funding enquiry does not suspend court deadlines or enforcement, or resolve the underlying debt. If the business cannot meet its obligations, seek prompt professional advice about its position before entering another finance agreement.
Frequently asked questions
Will a satisfied CCJ guarantee acceptance?
No. Satisfaction is relevant information, but the provider still assesses the entire application.
Can I apply if a bank has declined me?
You can discuss other options. A bank refusal does not determine another provider’s decision or mean that an MCA is suitable.
Should I submit several applications immediately?
First establish the likely criteria, search process and documents needed. Avoid assuming that repeated applications improve your prospects.
Discuss your circumstances with PDQ Funding
Get a quote or call 01246 233108. Explain your card turnover, funding purpose and credit issues. Our eligibility checklist sets out what to prepare, and our MCA service page explains the product.
PDQ Funding is a broker, not a lender. We receive lender commission following a successful introduction. Funding is subject to assessment and provider terms; an enquiry does not guarantee an offer.
Sources: GOV.UK: CCJs and your credit rating. Reviewed 7 November 2026.
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.