Short answer
To be reviewed by Merchant Fund Express, your franchise location needs to be open and depositing revenue into a business bank account, and the owner should have a 500+ FICO score. You send a 4-minute application, three months of business bank statements and a photo ID. Tax returns are not required to apply. The final product and amount depend on deposits, time operating, existing payments and the entity that owns the store.
The baseline
| Requirement | What it means for a franchise owner |
|---|---|
| Operating location | The store is open and taking customers. Pre-opening stores are not eligible. |
| Business bank account | Deposits run through an account in the name of the entity that owns the location. |
| Credit | 500+ FICO accepted. Stronger credit can widen product choices; it is not the only factor. |
| Funding range | $5,000 to $5,000,000, sized to the store's deposits and existing payments. |
| Owner identity | A photo ID for each owner who signs. |
| Entity type | LLCs, corporations and sole proprietors are all eligible. |
What the reviewer is actually checking
A franchise file is read like any other operating business, with two differences that trip people up. First, the reviewer cares about your store's revenue, not the brand's average unit volume. A headline number from the franchisor's disclosure document does not substitute for your own deposits. Second, the borrowing entity has to match the bank account. If Store 2 is owned by a separate LLC, its statements come from Store 2's account.
Deposit consistency
Steady weekly deposits read better than a big month followed by a thin one. Seasonal stores are fine; explain the season.
Existing payments
Current advances, equipment notes and loan payments are subtracted from what the store can carry.
Use of funds
Equipment, payroll, inventory, remodel. The use helps match the product, not just the amount.
Time operating
How long this location has been open. A new store under an experienced owner still needs its own deposit history.
What to send
Not required to apply: tax returns, a business plan, or the franchisor's approval letter. A reviewer may ask for something specific later, such as a remodel quote or the current balance on existing equipment.
Requirements by product
| Product | Extra items that may be asked for | Good fit when |
|---|---|---|
| Working capital | Nothing beyond the baseline in most files | The need is one-time and short |
| Line of credit | Steadier deposit history | Gaps repeat month to month |
| Equipment financing | Vendor quote or invoice | You are buying or replacing a specific asset |
| Revenue-based financing | Card or sales reports may help | Revenue swings by season |
Common reasons a franchise file slows down
Most delays are paperwork, not credit. Statements from a personal account, statements for the wrong LLC, a missing month, or an owner who did not send ID. The other frequent one is an undisclosed existing advance that shows up in the statements; list current payments up front and the review moves faster. If you are asking about a store that has not opened, the answer is no for now, and the existing vs new page explains what changes once it has a few months of deposits.
Meet the requirements? Every product is open to you
Clear the checks above and Merchant Fund Express funds the store with whichever structure fits its deposits. The full menu for existing owners: franchise business loans, merchant cash advances, revenue-based financing, lines of credit, equipment financing, working capital and, for franchises that bill other businesses, invoice factoring.
Quick self-check before you apply
Answer these five questions honestly. If you can say yes to all of them, your file is ready for a same-day review.
- Is the store open and selling?If it has not opened yet, stop here and read the existing vs new guide.
- Do deposits land in a business account in the store entity's name?If revenue goes to a personal account, use that account's statements and explain it.
- Can you list every current funding payment?Lender or provider, amount and how often it is collected.
- Do you know the exact amount and use?A number and a reason, such as $18,000 for a reach-in cooler.
- Can every owner send an ID today?Missing owner ID is one of the most common reasons a file waits overnight.
Owner questions, answered
What credit score do I need for franchise funding?
Merchant Fund Express accepts 500+ FICO. Credit is one input; deposits, existing payments and time operating matter just as much.
Do I need tax returns?
No tax returns are required to apply. Three months of business bank statements and an ID start the review.
Can a sole proprietor franchise owner apply?
Yes. Sole proprietors are eligible, as are LLCs and corporations.
Do I need approval from my franchisor?
Merchant Fund Express does not require it to review your file. Check your franchise agreement for any financing or lien rules before you sign an offer.
Can I apply if I use an ITIN or prefer Spanish?
Yes. ITIN applicants are accepted and Spanish-speaking support is available.
Keep going
Merchant Fund Express is a separate company with no franchisor ties. Terms depend on the business's revenue and history.