What Is a Merchant Cash Advance (MCA)?
A Merchant Cash Advance (MCA) is not a loan. It is a purchase of a portion of your business's future receivables. Marlow provides you with an upfront sum of capital today, and in exchange, a fixed percentage of your daily or weekly sales is automatically remitted until the agreed total is repaid.
This structure means your repayment moves with your business. When revenue is strong, more is repaid. When revenue slows, so do repayments. There is no fixed monthly payment to meet regardless of how business is going.
Capital that moves with your revenue
Apply online in minutes and get a clear offer — no fixed monthly payment regardless of how business is going.
Get Started→Repayments flex with your daily or weekly sales
Apply online in minutes, get a clear offer
Slower sales mean smaller repayments
One fixed factor rate, no surprises
Built for businesses that need capital now
Businesses with consistent monthly revenue looking for fast access to working capital
Owners who need funds in days, not weeks, for time-sensitive opportunities or gaps
Businesses that may not qualify for traditional bank financing due to credit history, time in business, or industry type
Any business where flexibility in repayment tied to real revenue is a better fit than a fixed monthly payment
What businesses use an MCA for
How the Cost Works
MCAs are priced using a factor rate, not an interest rate. A factor rate is a simple decimal multiplier applied to the advance amount upfront. The result is your total repayment amount, which is fixed at the start and does not compound or accrue over time.
A factor rate is not an APR and should never be compared directly to one. The annualized cost of an MCA is typically higher than a traditional loan, reflecting the speed and flexibility of the product. Marlow will disclose the total repayment amount, the factor rate, and the estimated equivalent APR in all agreements, as required by applicable commercial financing disclosure laws.
How Factor Rates Work
- Advance amount
- $50,000
- Factor rate
- 1.30
- Total repayment amount
- $65,000
- Total cost of financing
- $15,000 (fixed)
How to Qualify
TBD — Minimum monthly revenue (e.g. $10,000/month in deposits).
TBD — Minimum personal credit score if applicable, or state "no minimum credit score required."
Qualification is based primarily on your business's revenue and cash flow history. We review recent bank statements to understand your business, not just your credit file.
From application to funding
Apply online in minutes
Provide basic business information and recent bank statements.
Receive an offer
Marlow reviews your application and presents a clear offer showing your advance amount, factor rate, total repayment amount, and remittance percentage.
Review and sign
No surprises in the paperwork; what you see in the offer is what you sign.
Funds deposited
Capital transferred directly to your business bank account.
TBD — Typical funding timeline from application to deposit, e.g. "as fast as 24 hours" — only include if verifiable for Marlow.
Common questions about MCAs
Straight answers about how a Merchant Cash Advance works.
Compare other financing options
Not sure this is the one? Here's what else Marlow offers.
Required Disclosures
Required Disclosures (Legal)
A Merchant Cash Advance is a purchase of future receivables, not a loan. It is not subject to state usury laws. Repayment is not fixed and will vary based on your business revenue. Marlow files a UCC-1 financing statement upon funding. A personal guaranty may be required. This product is available to business entities only, not individuals. Funds are to be used for business purposes only.
TBD — State-specific commercial financing disclosure language required by CA SB 1235, NY, UT, VA, FL, or other applicable state laws — requires legal review before publishing.