Did you know that the global MCA market was valued at approximately $10 billion and was projected to continue growing? Merchant Cash Advances have recently become a popular lending alternative for small businesses. While MCAs provide quick access to cash, they also have significant expenses and possible dangers that might strain a company's resources. Alternatives to MCAs are critical for company owners looking for more economical and long-term financing choices.
In this detailed article, we will dig into the area of small company financing and cover a range of alternatives to merchant cash advances.
But before we get into the topic, it is recommended to first read about Auto loans vs. personal loans in detail by Bright Money!
By the end, you'll have a firm grasp of the various alternatives available to assist you in making sound financial decisions for your company.
Understanding Merchant Cash Advances
Before we explore alternatives to MCAs, let's take a moment to understand what a merchant cash advance is and why some businesses turn to this option.
A typical loan is not what a merchant cash advance is. This type of financing involves giving a company owner an upfront lump sum of money in return for a percentage of future credit card purchases and/or daily bank account payments. The money is often received within a few days after the request. The business's bank account or credit card sales are deducted on a daily or monthly basis to cover the repayment.
With this understanding, let's explore alternatives to merchant cash advances that offer a more sustainable approach to business financing.
What are the alternatives to a merchant cash advance?
Alternatives to merchant cash advances include small business loans, business lines of credit, term loans, equipment financing, invoice financing, SBA loans, crowdfunding, angel investors, venture capital, peer-to-peer lending, grants, and personal savings.
1. Debt Consolidation Loans:
Debt Consolidation Loans, available through platforms like Bright Money, are a valuable alternative for businesses with existing debts. These loans allow you to consolidate multiple debts into a single, more manageable payment, often at a lower interest rate. This streamlined approach not only simplifies your financial obligations but also can lead to significant cost savings. By considering this option, businesses can effectively manage their existing debts while maintaining financial stability and reducing the burden of multiple high-interest obligations.
2. Small Business Loans
Small business loans, often offered by various lenders, including traditional banks like Wells Fargo and online lenders like Kabbage, are among the most common and straightforward alternatives to merchant cash advances. According to a report, there were over 30 million small businesses, and many of them relied on small business loans for financing. These loans help businesses with a lump sum of capital that is repaid over time with interest.
3. Business Lines of Credit
A business line of credit is a flexible financing option offered by platforms like BlueVine that lets businesses access capital as needed, up to a predetermined credit limit. This revolving credit line can be drawn upon when necessary and repaid over time.
4. Term Loans
Term loans are similar to traditional small business loans but offer fixed terms with set monthly payments by platforms like LendingClub. These loans can be used for a broader range of business expenses, from purchasing equipment to financing expansion.
5. Equipment Financing
Equipment financing can be a viable alternative to MCAs offered by platforms like Balboa Capital for businesses that need to purchase or upgrade equipment. This type of financing is specifically designed for the acquisition of machinery, vehicles, technology, and other assets.
6. Invoice Financing
Invoice finance, often known as accounts receivable financing, is a solution for firms with unpaid bills offered by platforms like FundBox. It enables businesses to get capital by selling outstanding invoices to a lender, who then advances a portion of the invoice value.
7. SBA Loans
SBA loans are government-backed loans offered by platforms like SmartBiz to help small enterprises in the United States. They may be obtained from qualified lenders and used for a variety of objectives, including operating capital, growth, and real estate purchases.
8. Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding is a creative way for companies to raise capital by soliciting contributions from a large number of people, typically through online platforms like Kickstarter. This method is particularly useful for startups and small businesses looking to generate funds for specific projects or products.
9. Angel Investors and Venture Capital
For businesses with high-growth potential, seeking investment from angel investors or venture capital firms like Sequoia Capital can be a valuable alternative to merchant cash advances. These investors provide equity financing in exchange for ownership stakes in the company.
10. Peer-to-Peer Lending
Peer-to-peer (P2P) lending platforms like LendingClub connect individual investors with businesses seeking loans. This form of lending can be an alternative to traditional bank loans or MCAs, providing borrowers with a source of capital from a pool of individual investors.
11. Grants and Competitions
Some businesses may be eligible for grants or participate in competitions and accelerators that offer non-equity funding. These opportunities are especially prevalent for startups and companies involved in innovative or socially beneficial projects.
12. Personal Savings and Assets
While not a traditional financing option, many entrepreneurs use personal savings or assets to fund their businesses. This can include using personal savings, home equity loans, or liquidating assets such as stocks or real estate.
Choosing the Right Alternative
Selecting the right financing alternative for your business depends on various factors, including your financial situation, credit history, business goals, and the purpose of the funding. It's important to find out the pros and cons of each option carefully and, if necessary, seek advice from financial professionals.
Remember, while merchant cash advances can offer fast access to capital, they often come at a high cost. Exploring alternatives can help you secure the funding your business needs without incurring excessive debt or annual fees.
Conclusion
Merchant cash advances are a convenient but costly way to secure capital for your business. By exploring alternatives like small business loans, business lines of credit, term loans, equipment financing, invoice financing, SBA loans, crowdfunding, angel investors, venture capital, peer-to-peer lending, grants, and personal savings, you can make more informed financial choices which align with your business's long-term success.
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FAQs
- What are merchant cash advances (MCAs)?
MCAs are a form of business financing where a lump sum of capital is provided to a business in exchange for a percentage of its future credit card sales or daily bank deposits.
- Why should I consider alternatives to MCAs?
While MCAs offer quick access to capital, they often come with high costs and can put financial strain on your business. Exploring alternatives can help you find more cost-effective solutions.
3. What are the common alternatives to merchant cash advances?
Common alternatives include small business loans, business lines of credit, term loans, equipment financing, invoice financing, SBA loans, crowdfunding, angel investors, venture capital, peer-to-peer lending, grants, and personal savings.
4. How do small business loans differ from MCAs?
Small business loans are traditional loans with fixed terms, monthly payments, and lower interest rates, while MCAs involve daily or weekly repayments based on future sales with higher costs.
5. What is the advantage of using a business line of credit as an alternative to MCAs?
Business lines of credit provide flexibility, allowing you to access funds as needed and pay interest only on the amount used. They are a cost-effective solution for managing short-term financial needs.
References: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/mca-market-share-analysis-2023-potential-growth
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business-loans/small-business-loan-statistics/
