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MCA Requirements: What Your Business Needs to Qualify

By Richard Wilson

Last Updated on

Estimated read time: 7 minutes

If you are applying for an MCA with us, there are a few core requirements your business needs to meet. You should be doing at least $7,500 per month in credit card sales. We’ll ask for three months of business bank statements or merchant processor statements to verify that income. Your credit score should be at least 550 FICO. Your business must have been operating for at least six months, and you must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen or legal resident.

These are the requirements we use to pre-qualify applications. If you meet them, we can usually get you a decision quickly. There’s no need for a business plan, collateral, or perfect credit.

That said, other MCA providers may have different requirements. Some ask for additional documents or apply different criteria to assess risk. Below is a full list of what different providers might require, including what we ask for. Even if you decide not to fund with us, this list will help you understand what you may need to apply elsewhere.

What You Need to Qualify for a Merchant Cash Advance

RequirementWho Typically Requires It?Description
1. Monthly Credit Card Sales ≥ $7,500We require thisWe look for consistent credit card sales of at least $7,500/month.
2. Time in Business ≥ 6 MonthsWe require thisWe typically fund businesses with six months or more of operations.
3. 3 Months of Bank or Processor StatementsWe require thisWe ask for three months of bank or merchant processor statements.
4. FICO Score of 550+We require thisWe look for a personal credit score of at least 550.
5. U.S. Residency, Age 18+We require thisYou must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident and at least 18.
6. Business Registered in the U.S.Other MCA providersMany providers require that your business is U.S.-based.
7. Legal Business EntityOther MCA providersSome funders ask for LLC, corporation, or sole prop status.
8. Ownership Percentage (≥50%)Other MCA providersSome require the signer to own at least 50% of the business.
9. Positive Balances / Few NSFsOther MCA providersSome review daily balances and NSF history to assess stability.
10. Longer Statement History (6+ Months)Other MCA providersSome may ask for 6 months of statements instead of three.
11. Industry RestrictionsOther MCA providersMany exclude high-risk sectors like cannabis or gambling.
12. Stated Business Use of FundsOther MCA providersSome providers want to confirm a valid business-related purpose.
13. Valid Government-Issued IDOther MCA providersMost require ID for identity verification and compliance.
14. Bankruptcy, Judgments, or Tax LiensOther MCA providersThese may affect offers or trigger declines with some funders.
15. Existing MCA or Loan StackingOther MCA providersSome will fund a second position, others will not.
16. Voided Check & E-Sign AuthorizationOther MCA providersOften required for bank verification and final processing.

1. Monthly Credit Card Sales ≥ $7,500

We look for businesses that bring in at least $7,500 per month in credit card sales. This helps us confirm there’s enough consistent revenue to support daily repayments.

2. Time in Business ≥ 6 Months

We typically fund businesses that have been operating for at least six months. If your business has a shorter history, you may need to wait before applying.

3. 3 Months of Bank or Processor Statements

We ask for three months of business bank statements or merchant processor statements. These help us verify your deposit history and sales volume quickly.

4. Minimum FICO Score of 550

We look for a personal credit score of 550 or higher. You don’t need perfect credit, but we use your score to help assess repayment risk.

5. U.S. Residency and Age 18+

You must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident and at least 18 years old to apply with us.

6. Business Registered in the U.S.

Many MCA providers require your business to be legally registered and physically located in the United States. Some may not accept applications from offshore businesses or PO boxes.

Some providers require that your business be structured as a sole proprietorship, LLC, or corporation. Informal or unregistered businesses may not qualify.

8. Ownership Percentage

Some MCA providers will only fund you if you own at least 50% of the business. This ensures the person signing has legal authority to enter into the agreement.

9. Daily Balances and NSF History

Other providers may review your daily bank balances and check for non-sufficient funds (NSFs). Frequent overdrafts or volatile cash flow may result in a smaller offer or a decline.

10. Longer Statement History

Some MCA providers ask for six months of statements instead of three. This gives them a more detailed view of your revenue patterns over time.

11. Industry Restrictions

Many providers do not fund businesses in high-risk sectors like cannabis, adult entertainment, online gambling, or firearms. These industries face regulatory issues or elevated chargeback risks.

12. Valid Use of Funds

Some funders want to know how you plan to use the money. While most allow flexible use, they may ask to confirm that the funds will support business operations.

13. Government-Issued ID

Nearly all MCA providers require a valid form of ID — usually a driver’s license or passport. This is a standard identity verification step during onboarding.

If you’ve filed for bankruptcy or have open tax liens or court judgments, some providers may decline your application or offer reduced funding. Others may still consider your file depending on the age and severity of the issue.

15. Existing MCA or Loan

If your business already has an outstanding advance or business loan, some MCA providers may require stacking consent. Others may not allow a second position at all.

16. Voided Check and E-Sign Authorization

Many MCA providers request a voided business check to confirm your bank account details. You’ll also likely be asked to complete a digital authorization form before receiving your funds.

What If You Don’t Meet Every Requirement?

No MCA provider will ask for every requirement on this list. You only need to meet the first five to apply with us:

  • $7,500 or more in monthly credit card sales
  • At least six months in business
  • A minimum credit score of 550
  • Three months of business bank or processor statements
  • You’re at least 18 and a U.S. citizen or legal resident

If you meet those, we’ll usually be able to review your application quickly and let you know your options. You don’t need a business plan or perfect credit.

We’re sharing the full list above so you know every possible requirement you might run into if you apply for an MCA with a different provider. Some will ask for more, some for less. But if you’re comparing options, it helps to understand what could be involved in the application and documentation.

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