Short answer
Merchant Fund Express funds existing franchise owners with both revenue-based financing and merchant cash advances, and both flex with sales. A merchant cash advance is repaid as a percentage of daily or weekly card and bank deposits, so it tracks the register closely and fits card-heavy stores with urgent needs. Revenue-based financing sizes the amount and payments to overall revenue, which suits stores with seasonal or membership-driven swings. Both run $5,000 to $5,000,000, with a decision in 2–4 hours on a complete file.
Same idea, different grip
Both products answer the same owner complaint: a fixed payment that ignores a slow month. The difference is how closely the payment follows the money.
A merchant cash advance takes its share from daily or weekly card and bank deposits. It feels the register. Revenue-based financing is sized to the business's revenue overall, with payments that track performance. It feels the season.
Side by side
| Revenue-based financing | Merchant cash advance | |
|---|---|---|
| Payment follows | Business revenue and performance | A percentage of daily or weekly card and bank deposits |
| Feels like | A payment that rises and falls with the season | A payment that rises and falls with each week's deposits |
| Best for | Seasonal stores, membership and studio models | Card-heavy stores, urgent needs |
| Decision | 2–4 hours on a complete file | 2–4 hours on a complete file |
| Existing advances | Considered; disclose them | Considered; disclose them |
| Amount | $5,000 to $5,000,000 | $5,000 to $5,000,000 |
Pick revenue-based financing if…
Gyms, studios, smoothie shops and seasonal concepts lean this way. See Seasonal cash flow and the fitness sector page.
Pick the merchant cash advance if…
Drive-thrus, pizza, wings and other quick-service stores are the natural fit.
The verdict for a franchise owner
If your swings are seasonal, lean revenue-based financing. If your swings are daily and you need speed, lean advance. If you cannot tell, apply once and let Merchant Fund Express read three months of deposits; the pattern is usually obvious on the statements.
Already carrying an advance and the payment feels heavy? That is a separate fix: MCA refinance is there to lower the payment. Comparing a flexible payment with a fixed one instead? See MCA vs business loan.
Hypothetical example, not a past deal: a smoothie franchise doing most of its business May through September wants $20,000 for a summer marketing push. Revenue-based financing fits the seasonal curve. A wings store needing $20,000 for a fryer before Sunday's game fits an advance.
Read your own statements first
You can make a good guess before you apply. Pull up three months of business bank statements and look at two things.
- Day to dayDo deposits arrive almost every day from card processors and delivery apps, with big weekends and quiet weekdays? That rhythm suits an advance.
- Month to monthDo whole months rise and fall together, such as summer peaks, January sign-ups or holiday rushes? That shape suits revenue-based financing.
- BothMany stores show both patterns. Say so on the application and let the specialist weigh them.
Whichever way it reads, the paperwork is the same, and so is the speed: a decision in 2–4 hours on a complete file.
What to send so the decision comes back today
No tax returns to apply. 500+ FICO accepted. Sole proprietors are eligible, Spanish-speaking support is available and ITIN applicants are accepted.
Owner questions, answered
Is revenue-based financing the same as a merchant cash advance?
No. Both flex with sales, but an advance is repaid as a percentage of daily or weekly card and bank deposits, while revenue-based financing is sized to overall revenue with payments that track performance.
Which is better for a seasonal franchise?
Revenue-based financing usually fits seasonal swings best. Merchant Fund Express confirms on your deposits.
Which is faster?
Both get a decision in 2–4 hours on a complete file, with same-day funding available.
Can I get either with an advance already open?
Existing advances are considered, not an automatic decline. List them on the application.
What credit score do I need?
500+ FICO is accepted. Deposits and time open carry most of the review.
Keep going
Merchant Fund Express is a separate company with no franchisor ties. Terms depend on the business's revenue and history.