Funding comparison

Merchant Cash Advance vs Business Term Loan

Compare published guidelines for structure, timing, credit profile, and common uses. Final terms depend on underwriting and the specific offer.

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Side by side

Published product guidelines

These ranges and timing estimates were retained from the legacy Now Biz Fund project. They are not offers or guarantees.

ConsiderationMerchant Cash AdvanceBusiness Term Loan
Range$5K–$500K$25K–$500K
Typical funding speed24–48 hours48–72 hours
FICO guideline500+580+
Often considered forStrong daily card or deposit revenue with an urgent capital needA defined project with a clear amount and payoff horizon
StructureAn advance repaid from future receivables through daily or weekly remittancesA lump sum repaid through scheduled installments over a set term

The short version

Merchant Cash Advance

A merchant cash advance exchanges a portion of future business receipts for fast capital and generally carries more frequent remittances.

  • Speed and revenue strength drive the fit
  • Daily or weekly remittances affect cash flow
  • Compare total payback—not only the advance amount

The short version

Business Term Loan

A business term loan provides one amount with a defined repayment schedule, making it easier to plan around a specific investment.

  • Predictable scheduled payments
  • A defined term and payoff date
  • Useful for expansion, build-outs, equipment, or refinancing

Decision guide

Which should you consider?

Merchant Cash Advance and Business Term Loan solve different cash-flow problems. Start with the use of funds and the payment cadence the business can reliably support, then compare total payback, term, fees, collateral, and prepayment terms in writing. Pre-qualification is not an approval or a final offer.

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Common questions

MCA vs Term loan: practical answers

Which option is usually faster?

Merchant Cash Advance has the faster published timing guideline here, but document readiness and underwriting determine actual timing.

What credit profile is generally considered?

Merchant Cash Advance lists 500+; Business Term Loan lists 580+. These are guidelines, not approval guarantees, and other underwriting factors apply.

How should I compare cost?

Request the total repayment, fees, payment frequency, term, prepayment treatment, and any collateral or guarantee requirements in writing. A rate or factor alone does not show the full cost.

Can a business use both?

Sometimes, if each product serves a distinct need and the combined payments remain affordable. Existing obligations affect underwriting, so disclose them before accepting an offer.