MCA Requirements

The short answer: To qualify for a merchant cash advance, a U.S. business generally needs at least a few months of operating history, a minimum monthly revenue (commonly around $10,000 or more), and a few months of bank statements to prove it. Collateral is usually not required, and personal credit is reviewed but is less central than cash flow.

Typical MCA requirements

• Time in business: usually a minimum of 6 months, sometimes as little as 3.
• Monthly revenue: commonly $10,000–$15,000 per month or more, evidenced by bank statements.
• Bank statements: typically the most recent 3 to 6 months, showing regular deposits.
• Consistent deposits: funders look for steady, non-bounced deposits and a healthy average daily balance.
• Personal credit: a soft pull is typical; mid-500s or above is often acceptable, with stronger credit sometimes improving pricing.
• Business type: most industries qualify, though some funders restrict high-risk sectors.

What funders actually review

Underwriting centers on cash flow, not assets. A funder reads your bank statements to gauge whether your daily and weekly revenue can absorb the fixed debits they're about to take. Inconsistent deposits, frequent overdrafts, or a thin average balance can outweigh a strong credit score. The lighter requirements are exactly why approval is fast — and why the pricing is high. See the pros and cons to weigh that trade-off, or the full merchant cash advance guide for context.