Comparing Merchant Cash Advance Lenders

What Is A Merchant Cash Advance & When Is It Suitable?

SMEs across the UK frequently find it difficult to access funding suited to their requirements, which is why alternative funding solutions have become increasingly important. One such option is the merchant cash advance (MCA). Unlike a traditional loan, an MCA provides an advance against future card sales, providing businesses with immediate working capital, with repayments taken as a percentage of daily or weekly card takings.

This flexibility makes MCAs particularly suitable for retailers, hospitality operators, and service businesses experiencing seasonal fluctuations or short-term funding needs such as stock purchases, equipment, or bridging cash flow gaps.

A clear understanding of how providers structure MCAs can help identify the most suitable option. Below is how 365 Finance compares with other leading providers.

The 6 Best Merchant Cash Advance Providers (UK)

All the best merchant cash advance providers operate on similar principles. They advance a lump sum of capital based on a business’s future card sales, effectively purchasing a portion of upcoming revenue, typically from debit or credit card transactions. Repayments are structured around a factor rate, which is how providers generate their return. This generally ranges between 1.1 and 1.5 times the amount borrowed and determines the total repayment amount.

Unlike traditional lenders, MCA providers do not prioritise credit scores or asset valuations. Their assessment focuses on where the business is based (UK only), its trading history, and its card sales performance. The providers listed below meet these core requirements with only minor variations that distinguish their offerings, representing some of the most accessible options in the UK market.

Here is an overview of six of the top MCA providers in the current UK market, and, more importantly, how 365 Finance compares with these established lenders.

Honourable Mentions

Although these options did not make the list and will not be included in the detailed comparison below, they are worth noting for specific reasons.

• SumUp Cash Advance UK

This option did not make the list because the SumUp merchant cash advance is offered exclusively to businesses already using their card terminals, which limits accessibility. For existing SumUp merchants, however, it may still be worth the consideration since offers are personalised using actual SumUp sales data and repayments are automatically deducted from card takings.

• Momenta Finance Merchant Cash Advance

Another option with clear terms and factor rates starting from 1.18x. However, it is more suited for established businesses. The minimum requirement of £30,000 monthly card turnover and a 12-month trading history places it beyond reach for newer businesses. For new business owners requiring urgent support, this is not the most suitable option.

Full Lenders Overview

We have provided an overview of each lender to help you identify which provider may be the right fit.

About 365 Finance

We have been supporting UK businesses since 2012. And over that time, we have built our reputation as one of the best merchant cash advance providers in the market. We deliver fast, flexible funding from £10,000 to £500,000, specialising in UK SMEs. Our verifiable approval rate of more than 90 percent reflects a process designed to say yes to businesses that high street banks often turn away.

Pros & Cons Of 365 Finance’s Merchant Cash Advance

Pros:

• Outstanding 90 percent approval rate, higher than most competitors
• Decision within 24 hours with funds available within days
• Dedicated relationship manager for every client throughout the funding journey
• AI powered platform for faster processing and informed decisions
• No lengthy applications or business plans required

Cons:

• Minimum £10,000 monthly card sales requirement may exclude very small businesses
• Requires six months of trading history, which is longer than some competitors
• Maximum £500,000 advance is lower than competitors offering £1m or more

Most Suitable For

The 365 Finance MCA is the perfect financing option for businesses that value dedicated support, transparent pricing, and repayments that adjust to their revenue. It is particularly suitable for businesses that have been rejected by traditional lenders but have strong card sales performance.

About Youlend Merchant Cash Advance

Founded in 2016 and launching in the UK in 2018, YouLend is one of the newer participants in the merchant cash advance space compared to others on this list. They partner with major platforms such as Amazon, eBay, and payment processors to offer merchant cash advances directly through those channels. This allows businesses already selling on Amazon or eBay to access funding without leaving the platform they use daily. Despite being relatively young, they have expanded quickly through these partnerships and now they support more than 350,000 businesses worldwide.

Pros & Cons Of YouLend’s Merchant Cash Advance

Pros:

• Access to funding amounts up to £2 million
• Same day top up facilities for existing customers
• Fast approval within 24 hours

Cons:

• Primarily available through partner integrations rather than direct applications
• Eligibility dependent on partner platform requirements
• Terms may vary depending on the partner through which YouLend is accessed

Most Suitable For

The YouLend merchant cash advance is suitable for businesses already operating on partner platforms such as Amazon or eBay. It is a strong option for e-commerce merchants, online retailers, and businesses with high monthly card turnover seeking substantial funding amounts.

About Fleximize

Fleximize is a UK-based alternative lender founded in 2014. The company has delivered more than £100 million in funding to SMEs across the UK. Providing both secured and unsecured business loans, as well as merchant cash advances, Fleximize offers funding from £3,500 to £500,000, with a focus on flexible, tailored financial solutions.

Pros & Cons Of Fleximize’s Merchant Cash Advance

Pros:

• Fast approval (often within 24-48 hours)
• Wide funding range (£3,500 – £500,000)
• Suitable for start-ups and established businesses
• Option to top-up loans after 3 successful repayments

Cons:

• Cannot lend to businesses outside UK
• Requires 6 months active trading

Most Suitable For

Fleximize is a decent option for retail stores, restaurants, cafés, salons, and hospitality businesses requiring flexible funding for stock, equipment, supplier costs, or seasonal fluctuations. It is a strong option for businesses with consistent card sales that may not qualify for traditional bank loans and want straightforward access to alternative financing without the need for platform-specific ecosystems.

About Love Finance

Love Finance has been operating since 2016 and has built a reputation as one of the more straightforward lenders in the sector. They have funded more than 7,000 businesses. Their Trustpilot rating stands at 4.8 stars from over 1,600 reviews, and they were ranked among the top six fastest growing finance companies in the UK. Alongside MCAs, they offer a range of other funding options.

Pros & Cons Of Love Finance’s Merchant Cash Advance

• Wide funding range (£1,000 to £750,000)
• Funding available within 24 hours once approved
• Sixty second enquiry with only six questions for an instant decision
• Low eligibility requirements (three months trading, £50,000 annual turnover)

Cons:

• Requires director, owner, or partner involvement
• Bank statements and card processing statements must be provided
• Operates as both a credit broker and a lender (may source funding from a panel, commission based)

Most Suitable For

Love Finance is suitable for small businesses with less than perfect credit, start ups needing quick access to capital, and businesses with unpredictable revenue patterns. The wide funding range supports both micro businesses seeking smaller amounts (£1,000) and established companies requiring substantial funding (£750,000) for larger projects.

About CliftonPF

CliftonPF (Clifton Private Finance) was founded in 2016 as a specialist property finance broker before expanding into business finance. Unlike direct lenders, they work across a panel of MCA providers to identify the most suitable option for each business. They offer advances up to 250 percent of monthly card sales with a stated factor rate ranging from 1.1 to 1.5. A key point of difference is their consultative approach. They assess whether an MCA is the right solution before proceeding, rather than automatically directing businesses toward the product.

Pros & Cons Of CliftonPF’s Merchant Cash Advance

Pros:

• Access to up to 250 percent of monthly card sales
• Same day facility setup available
• Consultative needs assessment
• Fast funding within 24 to 48 hours
• Ability to keep existing EPOS card machines

Cons:

• Not a Direct Lender
• May require credit checks for business owners
• Potentially Slower Process because of their broker model

Most Suitable For

CliftonPF is particularly suitable for businesses uncertain about whether an MCA is the right fit. Their consultative approach allows them to assess each situation and recommend the most appropriate option, even if it is not an MCA. This makes them a strong choice for first time MCA borrowers who need clarity and guidance.

About Tide

Tide is a business financial platform supporting more than 1.5 million small businesses globally. As of 2023, over 10% of UK SMEs use Tide. They offer merchant cash advances through their Funding Options platform, which connects businesses to more than 80 lenders. Here, Tide acts as a broker, matching businesses with a suitable lender from its panel. Advance amounts typically range from £5,000 to £1 million, with most falling between £30,000 and £300,000.

Pros & Cons Of Tide’s Merchant Cash Advance

Pros:

• Access to more than 80 lenders through a single application
• Fast approval and funding (within 48 hours)
• Integrated with Tide’s banking platform
• Pre-filled applications for existing Tide users

Cons:

• Limited Control Over Lender Selection
• Shorter payback period than traditional loans
• Tide acts as broker, not direct lender

Most Suitable For

Tide merchant cash advances are best suited to businesses already using Tide for banking and those with at least three months of card sales history. The offering is great for businesses comfortable with technology and interested in an app-based lending experience. Integration with Tide’s banking platform creates a seamless process for existing customers.

So, why Choose 365 Finance?

There are many strong MCA providers in the market, and businesses should always select the one that aligns with their specific needs. For some, the priority is rapid access to capital to maintain momentum. However, for most business owners, the decision goes beyond speed. It involves choosing a funding partner that is genuinely invested in their long-term growth rather than simply issuing capital and collecting repayments. That is the foundation of 365 Finance.

Whether your business operates in retail, hospitality, beauty, automotive, or professional services, our team is committed to supporting your growth. With extensive industry experience and an AI-powered platform, we provide tailored funding solutions ranging from £10,000 to £500,000.

We require a minimum of six months of trading history, not as a barrier, but as an important safeguard. This ensures that the funding is suited to your business and not just the numbers on paper. When the fit is right, you avoid unnecessarily long repayment cycles and gain access to funding that supports sustainable growth.

Ready to explore your funding options? Get in touch with our team today to discuss how 365 Finance can support your business growth. Our expert advisors are here to answer your questions and help you access the capital you need, when you need it.