How Do Merchant Cash Advance Factor Rates Differ From Interest Rates?
A business that utilizes a merchant cash advance will typically pay back 10% to 30% or more of the amount borrowed. This percentage is known as a factor rate , and it’s most commonly expressed in decimal form. For instance, a factor rate of 10% or 30% would be represented as 1.1 and 1.3, respectively.
Unlike interest that accumulates over time and is a calculation based on depreciating principal, MCA fees are calculated once at origination. The cost is worked into your scheduled payments and doesn’t change. So if you pay off your advance in 4 months or 12, the total amount paid remains the same.
The factor rate your business cash advance lender quotes you will depend on your industry, average monthly sales, the stability of those sales, the time you’ve been in business and other risk factors.
The amount you pay will depend on the program, the amount borrowed and the term. Nowadays, most MCA agreements are of the ACH variety. Use our ACH merchant cash advance calculator to estimate the total cost of borrowing.
Is a Merchant Cash Advance Right For Your Business?
Merchant cash advances are best used to address short-term capital needs. For example, responsible use of an MCA would be to purchase inventory your business can turn around quickly to generate a profit. Companies that have success using an MCA have a clear understanding of the costs associated with this type of financing compared to the potential return on investment .
What Are the Pros and Cons of a Merchant Cash Advance?
- Quick approval process: Compared to other forms of business financing, the MCA application and approval process is less involved. (more…)