FAQ
Common questions about MCA funding
Straight answers about how merchant cash advances work, what to expect from Commera, and how we get paid. If your question isn't covered, reach out — we typically respond within 4 business hours.
1. Is a merchant cash advance a loan?
No. A merchant cash advance is the purchase of a portion of your future business receivables. It is not a loan and is not subject to the same regulations as traditional lending products. Repayment is typically made through a small percentage of your daily or weekly revenue.
2. What credit score do I need?
We work with all credit profiles. Since MCA funding is primarily based on your business revenue rather than your personal credit score, many of our funding partners approve businesses with credit scores as low as 500. Your monthly revenue and time in business are the most important factors.
3. How fast can I get funded?
Most applications receive preliminary offers within 2–4 business hours. Once you accept an offer and provide basic documentation (typically 3–4 months of bank statements), funds can be deposited into your business account within 24–48 hours.
4. What documentation do I need?
The basic requirements are: 3–4 months of business bank statements, a valid government-issued photo ID, and a signed application. Some funders may request additional documentation for larger advance amounts.
5. How does repayment work?
Repayment is automatic — a small, fixed percentage is deducted from your daily or weekly business revenue via ACH. On slower business days, you pay less. On busier days, you pay more. This flexible structure is designed to align with your cash flow.
6. Does applying affect my credit score?
No. Our initial application and pre-qualification process does not require a hard credit pull. Some funders may perform a soft pull during underwriting, but this does not affect your credit score.
7. Is Commera a direct lender?
No. Commera is a commercial financing broker. We connect your business with our network of vetted funding partners to find you the best available terms. We earn a commission from the funder — there are no fees charged to you.
8. Why should I use Commera instead of going direct to a funder?
Most funders don't work with individual merchants — they work through brokers. Going direct to Google will redirect you to brokers anyway. The advantage of working with Commera is that we know our funder partners' underwriting, terms, and speeds. We match your profile to the right fit instead of submitting blind to anyone who'll take it. We're also accountable to you — your success reflects on us.
9. How is Commera different from other MCA brokers?
Three ways: (1) No stacking — we refuse to place you if it puts your business at unsustainable risk, even though we don't get paid for saying no. (2) Dedicated advisor — you work with a real person who understands your industry, not an application form. (3) Matched, not blasted — we submit to 3–5 curated funders based on your profile, not 50. This means fewer competing offers to confuse you, faster decisions, and cleaner terms.
10. What's the catch? Why is Commera free?
We're paid by the funder after the deal closes. That makes our incentive the same as yours — a fast, clean close with fair terms. If we place you with a predatory funder or push you into stacking, you default and they lose money. Bad referrals kill our reputation. We're not charities, but we're aligned with your success.
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5-minute application. No hard credit pull. Pre-qualified offers in 2–4 business hours.
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