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Business Cash Advance

A business cash advance provides upfront capital that you repay as a percentage of your daily sales or revenue. It’s a common option for businesses that need fast access to working capital—including restaurants, retail, and other industries with strong card or revenue volume but uneven cash flow.

What Is a Business Cash Advance?

A business cash advance (often called a merchant cash advance or MCA) is not a loan. You receive a lump sum upfront and repay it through a percentage of your daily card sales or revenue. When sales are higher, you pay more; when they’re lower, you pay less. That flexibility can make it easier to manage than a fixed monthly loan payment. Many businesses use it for payroll, inventory, equipment, repairs, or short-term cash flow needs. Restaurant cash advance is one example of this type of funding, tailored to the food service industry.

Why Businesses Use Cash Advances

Speed is a major reason. Decisions can come in a day and funds in as little as 24–48 hours. Qualification often focuses on revenue and sales history rather than credit score alone, so businesses that might not qualify for a bank loan may still be eligible. Use of funds is typically flexible—payroll, inventory, equipment, marketing, or other operating needs. For seasonal businesses like restaurants, repayment that flexes with sales can be especially useful.

Business Cash Advance vs Loan

Traditional loans have fixed monthly payments and longer terms. They can be better for large, long-term investments when you qualify. A cash advance typically has faster approval and funding, and repayment tied to revenue. It’s often used for short-term working capital rather than multi-year projects. Not all applicants qualify for either; terms and costs vary. It’s important to understand the structure and cost of any product before you commit. See how restaurant cash advance works as one example of this funding type.

Who Qualifies?

Eligibility depends on the provider and product. Many cash advance providers look at your business’s revenue, card processing volume, and time in business. They may be more flexible than banks on credit. Business owners—including restaurant owners—can compare options and see what’s typically required. Not all applicants qualify; funding is not available in all states.

Restaurant Cash Advance

If you run a restaurant, café, bar, or food truck, a restaurant cash advance is a business cash advance designed for your industry. The same principles apply: fast funding, repayment based on sales, flexible use. Restaurant cash advance products are designed to fit how restaurants operate. Explore restaurant cash advance options. See restaurant funding options for a full comparison.

Exploring Your Options

If you need working capital for payroll, inventory, or short-term gaps, understanding what’s available can help. Not all applicants qualify; terms vary. See What Restaurant Funding Options May Be Available.

Ready to See What’s Out There?

If you’re facing a cash flow crunch, payroll gap, or need to cover equipment or inventory, you can explore options that match your situation.

No obligation. Many restaurant owners take this step to see what fits. Most see their options in minutes.

Explore Restaurant Funding Options