Estimate Your MCA Options
Quick estimate based on your revenue. No obligation.
50+ Canadian lenders analyzed · Licensed & regulated only
A merchant cash advance (MCA) provides upfront capital repaid through a percentage of your daily credit card or debit sales. It's one of the fastest ways for businesses to access capital — often within 48 hours — and approval is based on your sales volume rather than personal credit.
How It Works
Share your sales data
Monthly card/debit revenue is the key input — that's what determines your advance size.
Quick business profile
Industry, time in business, and desired amount. Under 2 minutes.
See your MCA estimate
Estimated advance amount, factor rate, and daily holdback percentage.
Get funded fast
MCA providers can fund within 48 hours — among the fastest options available.
MCA Qualification Factors
Monthly revenue is the primary qualification factor — not personal credit
Businesses processing $10,000+/month in card sales typically qualify
Time in business: most MCA providers require 6+ months of operation
Industry type affects approval — retail and food service have high approval rates
No collateral required — funding is based on future sales
Estimated Rate Bands
| Credit Tier | Estimated Rate Range | Approval Likelihood |
|---|---|---|
| High Revenue ($50K+/mo) | Factor rate 1.1 – 1.25 | Very High |
| Medium Revenue ($20-50K/mo) | Factor rate 1.2 – 1.35 | High |
| Lower Revenue ($10-20K/mo) | Factor rate 1.3 – 1.45 | Moderate |
* Rates are estimates based on typical lender criteria. Canada's 35% APR Criminal Code cap (in force January 1, 2025) applies to consumer credit agreements; loans to incorporated businesses are commercial agreements and may exceed this rate. Your actual rate may vary. These are not offers.
Working Capital Channels Compared
MCA vs. business loan vs. line of credit — true cost and approval friction stacked side by side.
| Lender Category | Rate Range | Max Amount | Funding Speed | Credit Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merchant Cash Advance (Merchant Growth, Greenbox Capital, Clearco) | Factor 1.1x – 1.5x | $500,000 | 24–72 hours | Card-sales based, 500+ accepted |
| Online Term Loan (OnDeck, Thinking Capital) | 9.99% – 24.99% APR | $300,000 | 24–72 hours | 550+, 6+ months trading |
| Business Line of Credit (BDC, banks) | 6.50% – 14.99% APR | $250,000+ | 1–4 weeks | 650+, 1+ yr in business |
| Invoice Factoring / AR Financing | 1% – 5% per 30 days | Up to invoice value | 24–48 hours | B2B with creditworthy customers |
When an MCA Makes Sense
MCAs work best for businesses with consistent daily sales — restaurants, retail, and service businesses.
Compare the total cost of capital, not just the factor rate, against a traditional business loan.
Use MCA for short-term needs; for larger, longer-term financing, a business term loan may be more cost-effective.
AI Merchant Cash Advance Advisor for Canadians
LoanIQ's AI advisor analyzes your financial profile against Canadian lenders to provide:
- Instant advance-amount estimate from your card sales
- Factor rate and daily holdback projection
- MCA vs. business loan total-cost comparison
- Matched to MCA providers in your industry
Free. No credit check. Results in 2 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Trust LoanIQ
Revenue-based — no fixed monthly payments
Funding in as little as 48 hours
No collateral required
Repayment adjusts with your sales volume
Available by Province
By Situation
Plan With Our Free Calculators
Estimate payments, compare options, check affordability
Considering Other Options?
Explore More on LoanIQ
Blog & Guides
Research & Data
Sources & References
- 1ised-isde.canada.caSmall business financing landscape — alternative finance overview
- 2canadianlenders.orgCanadian Lenders Association — alternative finance industry data
- 3bdc.caBDC working capital — terms and rates
- 4www150.statcan.gc.caRetail trade — monthly card payment volumes (Table 20-10-0008-01)
- 5canada.caCriminal Interest Rate amendment — scope excludes commercial receivables purchases
Estimate Your MCA Options
Quick estimate based on your revenue. No obligation.