Frequently asked questions

A provider advances funds and collects an agreed share of qualifying business receipts. A merchant cash advance is a card-sales-based arrangement. Check the agreement’s definition of eligible sales, collection method and total amount payable. Read our revenue-based finance guide.

A business loan normally has scheduled repayments over an agreed term. A card-sales advance uses collections linked to qualifying takings, so the amount collected can vary with sales. The costs, guarantees and other conditions also differ. Compare the two structures.

Explain the intended business use when enquiring. Prepare supplier quotations and a budget that includes installation, downtime and the cash needed for normal trading. The provider must confirm permitted uses. See our guides to stock finance and business expansion.

Potentially, but eligibility depends on the provider, processor and payment route. Explain all terminals, online platforms and settlement accounts. Ask which receipts qualify and whether processing arrangements must change. Our ecommerce funding page covers online sales considerations.

Complete the online enquiry form or call 01246 233108. Tell us the amount required, its purpose and how the business receives income. We explain the next steps and introduce enquiries to providers where appropriate.

There is no single minimum trading period or card-sales threshold across all providers. Assessment can include trading history, bank and merchant statements, credit information, existing finance and affordability. An amount can only be confirmed following assessment; projected turnover alone does not establish eligibility.

Have recent business bank statements, accounts, card-processing statements and details of current borrowing ready. Provide a costed funding requirement and any relevant supplier quotations. The documents requested depend on the business and proposed facility.

Checks and their effect depend on the provider and application stage. Ask whether business or personal searches are required and whether they are soft or hard before progressing. Do not assume that every quote or application uses the same search. Read about business borrowing and personal credit.

Timing depends on assessment, complete documents, acceptance and any completion conditions. PDQ cannot guarantee approval within 24 hours or a payment date. Confirm availability before committing to a supplier or relying on the money for a deadline.

Ask for the net funds received, funding fee or interest, other charges and total amount payable in writing. A percentage collected from sales is different from the funding fee. A product without a quoted APR still has a cost. See how cash advance costs are compared.

On a percentage-of-sales arrangement, lower qualifying takings normally mean a lower collection. The total commitment remains. Ask about any minimum payment, reconciliation, closure or default conditions. Repayment duration depends on eligible sales and the agreement, so do not assume there is no deadline or additional condition.

Request a written settlement figure. A fixed funding fee may not reduce when an advance is cleared early. For a loan, check how interest, early repayment charges and overpayments are treated. Do not assume early settlement always creates a saving.

Requirements vary. Unsecured funding can still involve a personal guarantee, which may make an owner or director liable if the business cannot pay. Read the guarantee separately, understand its scope and consider independent advice before signing.

You can enquire, but a top-up or second facility requires a fresh assessment and is not guaranteed. Disclose existing borrowing and check restrictions on additional finance. Consider the combined effect of all repayments on business cash flow.

PDQ Funding is a broker, not a lender. We do not charge for using our brokerage service and receive lender commission following a successful introduction. The provider decides whether to offer funding. There is no obligation to accept an offer.

Use our business finance by industry directory to find guidance for your type of business, including restaurants, garages and MOT centres, and hair and beauty salons.