Direct Merchant Cash Advance Lenders UK: Compare Providers in 2026

Direct merchant cash advance lenders in the UK include 365 Finance, Liberis, YouLend, Capify and Square Cash Advance. These businesses offer merchant cash advances or related receivables-based financing without necessarily requiring applicants to use an independent commercial finance broker.

Other providers, including Tick Tock Advance, also advertise direct merchant funding.

However, not every company promoting a merchant cash advance is the business actually providing the money. Some are brokers, payment processors or technology platforms distributing financing supplied by another company.

For UK business owners looking to access working capital, understanding this distinction is important.

Applying directly can provide a more straightforward relationship with a funding provider, but it does not automatically guarantee lower costs, better approval terms or a faster decision.

This guide identifies direct merchant cash advance providers operating in the UK, explains their published eligibility requirements, distinguishes direct funding from brokered finance and outlines the costs and contractual terms businesses should compare before applying.

What Is a Direct Merchant Cash Advance Lender?

A direct merchant cash advance lender, more precisely described as a direct MCA funder, is a business that provides or contracts for the advance rather than simply introducing applicants to another funding company.

In a typical merchant cash advance arrangement, the provider gives an eligible business an upfront amount in exchange for an agreed portion of its future card sales.

Repayments are usually collected automatically as a percentage of debit or credit card transactions until the contracted amount has been received.

Unlike a traditional business loan, a genuine receivables-purchase merchant cash advance generally does not require fixed monthly loan instalments.

The key distinction is the funding relationship.

When a business applies directly, it communicates with the organisation responsible for assessing or providing the financing rather than first submitting its information to an independent broker.

However, a direct application can still involve external capital providers, servicing companies or payment-processing partners.

Direct funding does not necessarily mean the provider finances every transaction exclusively from its own balance sheet.

The most reliable way to establish who provides the funding is to check the legal entity named in the proposed financing agreement.

Direct Merchant Cash Advance Lenders in the UK

The following providers advertise merchant cash advance or closely related receivables-finance products for UK businesses.

Provider information reflects publicly available product materials reviewed in October 2026. Advertised funding limits and eligibility requirements are not guaranteed offers.

1. 365 Finance — Direct Merchant Cash Advance Funding

365 Finance is a UK commercial funding provider specialising in revenue-based business financing.

The company operates as the trading name of 365 Business Finance Limited and explicitly describes itself as a direct financial provider.

Its merchant cash advance product is designed for established businesses that regularly accept debit and credit card payments.

Published funding details

365 Finance advertises merchant cash advances between £10,000 and £500,000.

Its primary product page lists a minimum of six months' trading and monthly card sales of at least £10,000.

The provider describes collections of approximately 5% to 15% of eligible card takings, with the agreed percentage deducted automatically.

Its published materials also describe a typical collection period of approximately six to ten months, although actual timing depends on sales.

Businesses that may be suitable

Restaurants, takeaways, pubs, cafés, salons and independent retailers with established card-processing histories may fit the product's basic structure.

Important considerations

Some other 365 Finance website pages reference 12 months of trading or older funding limits. Applicants should confirm the current criteria directly before relying on any threshold.

A direct application does not establish how much the business will receive or the total amount it must remit.

Direct application: 365 Finance Merchant Cash Advance

2. Liberis — Direct Business Cash Advances and Partner Funding

Liberis is a UK-based provider of business cash advances and revenue-based financing.

Its website provides a route for businesses to explore funding directly, while Liberis also distributes financing through partner platforms.

Liberis describes its Business Cash Advance as receivables finance rather than a conventional loan.

Published funding details

Liberis advertises personalised business funding offers from £1,000 to £1 million across its funding offering.

The amount available through any specific programme may be lower.

Repayments are based on a pre-agreed percentage of sales and a fixed funding charge.

One particularly important detail is the potential monthly minimum. Liberis states that a business may be expected to deliver a minimum monthly amount of up to 3% of the receivables purchased, with a shortfall potentially collected by direct debit.

Businesses that may be suitable

Liberis may be relevant to established retailers, hospitality businesses, service businesses and merchants using supported payment providers.

Important considerations

Not all businesses can access identical offers through the direct and partner channels.

Liberis' own disclosures also explain that the Business Cash Advance is not FCA-regulated and that the Financial Ombudsman Service cannot consider complaints about that product.

Direct funding enquiry: Liberis Explore Funding

3. YouLend — Direct and Embedded Revenue-Based Funding

YouLend provides sales-based financing to small and medium-sized businesses.

It offers a direct business funding enquiry route and also supports merchant cash advances through e-commerce, payments and technology partners.

YouLend is especially relevant when distinguishing the actual funder from the platform through which a business discovers an offer.

For example, Shopify Capital's UK merchant cash advances use YouLend as a funding partner. Stripe Capital in the UK also identifies YouLend as its financing provider.

Published funding details

YouLend advertises funding of up to £2 million across its business funding offering.

That figure should not be interpreted as the funding limit available to every UK merchant cash advance applicant.

Its financing generally uses an agreed fixed fee and a percentage of future sales.

Businesses that may be suitable

Online retailers, e-commerce sellers, card-processing businesses and other companies with verifiable trading revenue may be considered.

Important considerations

An existing platform relationship can influence eligibility and the application process.

YouLend is FCA-authorised for certain payment services, but its UK merchant financing agreements are not FCA-regulated business financing products.

Direct application: YouLend Business Funding

4. Capify — Merchant Cash Advances and Business Loans

Capify is a UK commercial finance company offering merchant cash advances and business loan products.

It advertises direct lending capabilities and also distributes financing through commercial finance brokers.

These different financing products and distribution routes should not be confused.

Published funding details

Capify's broker materials describe merchant cash advance funding starting from £5,000, with advances of up to £500,000.

Collections are linked to a percentage of daily card payments.

Capify also advertises separate business loans, which can have different contractual repayment arrangements.

Businesses that may be suitable

Card-taking businesses seeking working capital, including retailers and hospitality operators, may be considered under its current MCA criteria.

Important considerations

Capify has published different eligibility thresholds across its general articles, application materials and broker documents.

Its published MCA fee schedule also identifies processing fees, possible origination charges and other applicable costs.

Before applying, confirm whether the offer is a merchant cash advance or a business loan, whether the application is being handled directly and which legal entity will provide the finance.

Funding information: Capify UK

5. Square Cash Advance — Direct Funding for Eligible Square Merchants

Square Cash Advance offers a particularly clear example of merchant funding provided directly through an existing payments relationship.

Square's UK disclosure identifies Squareup Europe Ltd as the issuer of its merchant cash advances.

The product is designed for eligible Square customers operating as sole traders or partnerships.

It is distinct from Square Loans, which serve different business structures and have different repayment requirements.

Published eligibility details

Square states that businesses processing at least £10,000 in card payments over the previous 12 months and using Square on at least 20 separate days are more likely to qualify for an offer.

These are eligibility indicators rather than approval guarantees.

Offers are displayed through the Square Dashboard when the account qualifies.

Repayment structure

Square purchases a percentage of future card sales and deducts the contracted share automatically.

Its cash advance does not have a conventional fixed term or minimum scheduled repayment.

Square states that no personal guarantee is required for its Cash Advance product.

Importantly, Square applies the deduction percentage to gross eligible card transactions, including relevant VAT and tips. Processing fees also apply separately.

Businesses that may be suitable

Existing Square sole traders and partnerships operating cafés, salons, independent shops or other card-based businesses.

Important considerations

Businesses without an eligible Square funding offer cannot simply submit an unrestricted application for any amount they choose.

Limited companies should not confuse this product with Square's separate loan offering.

Application route: Square Cash Advance

6. Tick Tock Advance — Direct Merchant Funding

Tick Tock Advance also markets merchant cash advances and small-business funding in the UK.

The business identifies itself as the trading name of Savvy Loan Products Ltd, which describes itself as a direct lender.

Its website references both merchant cash advances and other funding arrangements.

Published product characteristics

Tick Tock advertises funding for trading businesses and indicates that its underwriting may consider businesses with shorter operating histories or imperfect credit records.

Its materials reference percentage-based and daily payment arrangements.

Businesses that may be suitable

Smaller businesses seeking an alternative direct funding provider may wish to enquire about its current eligibility requirements.

Important considerations

The exact funding amount, product structure, applicable fees and repayment method should be confirmed before applying.

Because the business advertises more than one payment structure, borrowers should establish whether a proposed offer is a genuine sales-linked receivables purchase or a fixed-payment loan.

Its website also distinguishes FCA authorisation associated with the company from the unregulated status of its merchant cash advance product.

Funding enquiry: Tick Tock Advance

Is Shopify Capital a Direct Merchant Cash Advance Lender?

Shopify Capital offers merchant cash advances to eligible UK merchants, but Shopify should not automatically be treated as an independent specialist direct MCA funder.

According to Shopify's own UK documentation, the programme operates through YouLend under a receivables-purchase agreement.

Eligible merchants can access financing offers through the Shopify administration platform.

If approved, the business receives an upfront amount and remits an agreed percentage of future sales.

Shopify describes no fixed deadline for completing the remittances under its UK MCA structure.

This distinction matters because a merchant searching for direct lenders may otherwise count both Shopify Capital and YouLend as entirely separate funding providers.

They are different customer access routes within a funding partnership.

The same principle applies to other embedded financing programmes.

Is Stripe Capital a Direct MCA Lender in the UK?

Stripe Capital offers financing to selected eligible businesses in the United Kingdom.

However, its UK website identifies YouLend as the financing provider.

A merchant can interact with the financing offer through Stripe while the underlying arrangement involves YouLend.

Eligibility is influenced by factors including Stripe payment volume and transaction history.

A business that does not already process payments through Stripe may not have access to the same application route.

When evaluating Stripe Capital alongside YouLend's direct offering, compare the actual contractual terms rather than assuming the different branding means different funding providers.

Is Worldpay Business Finance a Direct Lender?

Worldpay Business Finance offers business cash advances provided by Liberis.

Eligible Worldpay customers can apply through the programme, with collections made from card payments processed by Worldpay.

The provider advertises a product range of £1,000 to £300,000.

Worldpay explains that Liberis assesses applications, agrees the financing cost and arranges funding following approval.

Therefore, a Worldpay Business Cash Advance should not automatically be counted as an additional independent direct MCA funder alongside Liberis.

A business owner should identify the legal financing provider before treating multiple branded offers as separate options.

Direct MCA Lender vs Merchant Cash Advance Broker

Direct merchant cash advance providers and commercial finance brokers perform different functions.

Applying directly to a funder

A direct application allows a business to approach a provider without independently appointing an intermediary.

The funder or its designated team reviews eligibility, assesses affordability and issues the proposed contractual terms.

This may simplify communications, particularly where the funder already has access to the business's transaction data.

However, one provider may only offer its own financing products and may not present alternatives if an MCA is unsuitable.

Applying through a commercial finance broker

A broker acts as an intermediary that helps a business identify potential finance providers.

Depending on its business model and lender relationships, a broker may submit applications to eligible lenders or introduce clients to a provider.

A broker may be useful when the borrower wants to explore several financing structures or has unusual underwriting circumstances.

However, brokers may receive commissions, charge disclosed fees or operate with a limited lender panel.

The quality and cost of any offer will depend on the actual financing arrangement.

Is applying directly always cheaper?

No. Applying directly does not automatically guarantee a lower financing cost.

A direct funder still assesses the applicant's risk and determines the commercial terms.

An intermediary arrangement may include commissions or pricing adjustments, but that does not establish that every brokered offer costs more.

Capify, for example, publishes a broker buy-rate scheme under which intermediary earnings can vary according to the pricing offered to customers.

The relevant comparison is the full written funding cost, net amount received and contractual obligations.

A business should ask who receives any commission and whether the same or better terms are available directly.

How Do You Know if an MCA Provider Is a Direct Funder?

Marketing language alone does not establish that a company provides the financing.

Before submitting financial statements or accepting an offer, verify who will contract with the business.

Check the legal company name

The business name on the website may differ from the legal entity providing the funding.

Request the registered company name and verify it against the proposed contract.

You can review UK company information through Companies House.

Identify who makes the funding decision

Ask whether the company approves and provides financing under its own funding programme or sends applications to a third-party panel.

A direct funder can still use external services, but the company should be able to explain its role.

Examine the actual agreement

Look for the named purchaser of receivables or funding provider.

Check who receives collections, controls settlement arrangements and handles contractual disputes.

Ask about introducer or broker fees

A provider may accept direct applications while also distributing products through commercial finance brokers.

If another party is involved, determine whether it receives a commission or charges the business a separate fee.

Check the regulatory position

Verify any claimed financial services permissions through the FCA and determine whether those permissions apply to the specific financing agreement.

Company registration, payment-services authorisation and FCA regulation of a merchant cash advance are not interchangeable.

How Much Do Direct Merchant Cash Advance Lenders Charge?

Merchant cash advances commonly use a fixed funding fee.

In a conventional receivables-purchase arrangement, the business receives one amount upfront while the funder purchases a larger amount of future sales.

Illustrative £25,000 direct MCA example

Suppose a business receives £25,000 in upfront funding.

The provider charges a fixed funding cost of £5,000, meaning the business must deliver £30,000 in purchased receivables.

If the agreed collection percentage is 10% and the business generates £30,000 in eligible monthly card sales, approximately £3,000 would be collected each month.

At a consistent sales level, the total amount would be collected in approximately ten months.

If eligible card sales decline to £15,000 per month, collections would fall to approximately £1,500 each month, assuming a fully sales-linked agreement without separate minimums.

The collection period would then extend.

The £5,000 fee represents 20% of the original £25,000 received, but that is not a 20% APR.

The effective annualised cost depends on the timing of collections, the expected period and any other applicable charges.

This example is hypothetical and does not represent an actual offer from any provider named in this article.

Costs to check beyond the headline fee

Even where an MCA is marketed as having one fixed funding charge, the agreement should be examined for any processing fees, origination fees, minimum remittances, guarantee obligations, early settlement conditions or other charges.

A lower stated funding fee does not always produce a cheaper overall arrangement if the structure and timing differ.

The British Business Bank cautions that merchant cash advances can be an expensive financing option.

Direct MCA Lender Eligibility Requirements in the UK

Eligibility differs by provider.

Some funders primarily assess card-processing history, while others also consider online platform data, business banking performance and wider financial information.

Time in business

A provider may require a minimum trading history ranging from several months to a year or longer.

For example, 365 Finance's main MCA application page advertises a six-month minimum.

The presence of a published minimum does not mean every business meeting it will qualify.

Monthly card sales

Consistent debit and credit card payments are central to most conventional MCA underwriting.

Businesses with stronger recurring card receipts may have more relevant financing options than those primarily paid by invoice.

Bank account performance

Providers may examine recent bank statements for operating cash flow, existing repayments, returned payments and unusual transaction activity.

A business with strong sales but persistent cash shortages may still face underwriting concerns.

Credit history

Some MCA providers give significant weight to trading performance rather than relying solely on a traditional credit score.

Nevertheless, credit checks, insolvency checks and adverse-credit reviews may still apply.

Existing financing

Outstanding merchant cash advances, commercial loans and other financial commitments can affect affordability.

Businesses already remitting a large percentage of daily sales may have limited capacity for additional deductions.

Ownership and business structure

Providers may serve different combinations of limited companies, partnerships and sole traders.

Certain offers also require a personal guarantee or have specific director verification requirements.

Which UK Businesses May Suit Direct MCA Funding?

Direct merchant cash advances are particularly relevant to businesses with recurring electronic customer payments.

Restaurants and takeaways

Restaurants and takeaway businesses often process a substantial proportion of their revenue through card terminals or online ordering systems.

Funding may support equipment replacement, supplier purchases or planned refurbishment.

However, the business should consider food costs, delivery-platform deductions, staffing and VAT before committing part of future sales.

Convenience stores and off-licences

Independent retailers may need funding to purchase inventory ahead of seasonal demand.

A merchant cash advance can be considered where the business has sufficient card revenue, but the owner should examine the impact of collections on stock replenishment.

Pubs and bars

Hospitality businesses with fluctuating revenue may consider sales-linked financing.

Because trading patterns can vary materially by season and day of the week, an estimate based only on the strongest trading months may overstate available cash flow.

E-commerce sellers

Online merchants with regular payment-platform receipts may consider revenue-based funding through a direct funder or an existing platform programme.

Shopify and Stripe merchants should first determine whether they already have eligible financing offers.

Garages and MOT centres

Vehicle servicing businesses may generate regular card receipts from retail customers.

However, garages paid predominantly through invoices or bank transfers may find other forms of working capital or equipment finance more appropriate.

Beauty salons and barbers

Card-based personal service businesses may qualify where their trading history and receipts meet the funder's criteria.

The funding should support a credible business purpose without creating unsustainable collections.

Can You Get a Direct Merchant Cash Advance With Bad Credit?

Potentially.

Some UK merchant cash advance providers assess businesses based on card turnover, payment history and ongoing trading performance.

This can be helpful where a business has imperfect credit but continues generating reliable revenue.

However, approval still depends on underwriting.

Credit defaults, insolvency history, returned payments and existing high-cost financing can all affect the result.

Business owners should avoid companies promising guaranteed acceptance or claiming that financial information will never be checked.

Before submitting an application, ask whether the provider performs a soft credit search, a hard credit search or additional business and director checks.

Are Direct Merchant Cash Advance Lenders FCA-Regulated?

Many commercial MCAs operate as purchases of future receivables rather than conventional regulated credit agreements.

As a result, certain UK merchant cash advances fall outside the FCA's consumer-credit regulatory framework.

For example, Liberis explicitly describes its Business Cash Advance as an unregulated receivables-finance product.

YouLend distinguishes its FCA authorisation for payment services from the regulatory status of its merchant financing.

Square likewise identifies its UK Cash Advance as unregulated by the FCA.

This does not establish the regulatory treatment of every agreement marketed as a merchant cash advance.

The business structure, borrower category and legal terms can affect the position.

The FCA Firm Checker can assist with verifying firms and their permissions. However, the FCA also explains that some unregulated products do not appear within its product checks.

An FCA-authorised payments company does not automatically provide Financial Ombudsman Service or Financial Services Compensation Scheme protection for a separate unregulated merchant advance.

Where the legal position is unclear, obtain appropriate independent advice.

When Should You Avoid a Direct Merchant Cash Advance?

A direct application may make the funding process simpler, but that does not mean an MCA is always suitable.

A business should be particularly cautious when future card receipts are already committed to existing advances, essential operating expenses regularly exceed cash inflows or the new funding would simply cover recurring losses.

Merchant cash advances may also be unsuitable for long-term investments where a conventional business loan or asset finance arrangement offers a more appropriate repayment structure.

Businesses paid mainly by other companies through invoices may wish to examine invoice finance instead.

The important question is not just whether a direct funder will approve the advance.

It is whether the business can continue operating comfortably after the agreed percentage of sales is collected.

How to Apply Directly to a UK Merchant Cash Advance Funder

Applying directly generally involves the following stages.

Establish the amount required

Identify the specific expense or investment being financed.

Avoid requesting more than the business reasonably needs merely because the advertised funding limit is higher.

Review your recent card turnover

Calculate average eligible monthly card sales and identify periods of unusually low revenue.

This helps determine whether the proposed collection percentage is workable.

Prepare financial information

Gather recent bank statements, card-processing records, identification and details of existing financing arrangements.

Select a direct funding provider

Review the funder's published product and eligibility information.

Check whether direct applications are available or whether the particular programme requires an existing relationship with a payment platform.

Submit an application

Use the company's official website or approved application process.

Confirm how your financial information will be used and whether any credit checks are required.

Review the offer

Examine the advance amount, total fee, expected collection percentage, any minimum payment obligations, security requirements and early settlement conditions.

Verify the agreement before acceptance

Confirm the identity of the funding company and understand the contractual consequences if revenue declines, the business changes payment processors or the business closes.

Do not sign until the commercial obligations are clear.

Frequently Asked Questions About Direct MCA Lenders UK

Who are the main direct merchant cash advance lenders in the UK?

Providers offering direct merchant funding or related receivables-based financing include 365 Finance, Liberis and YouLend. Capify also advertises MCA funding alongside broker and direct lending channels. Squareup Europe Ltd provides Square Cash Advance directly to eligible Square customers. Availability depends on each provider's current products and application requirements.

Can I get a merchant cash advance without a broker?

Yes. Several providers accept direct enquiries or make funding available to eligible existing payment-platform customers. A broker is not always required.

Which direct MCA lender has the lowest fees?

There is no reliably established cheapest provider for every applicant. Funding costs depend on underwriting, revenue, transaction history, amount requested and contractual conditions. Compare written offers rather than unsupported advertised rankings.

Can direct MCA lenders approve businesses with bad credit?

Some may consider applications involving adverse credit, especially when the business has consistent sales. Approval is not guaranteed and credit checks may still be required.

Are direct merchant cash advance lenders faster than brokers?

Not necessarily. Some direct funders already have payment data for existing customers, which may simplify assessment. However, the time required depends on verification, underwriting and final funding conditions.

Can a new business apply to a direct MCA funder?

Some providers consider relatively short trading histories. Eligibility depends on actual sales, financial information and the funder's minimum operating-history requirements.

Do direct MCA lenders require personal guarantees?

Requirements differ. Square states that its UK Cash Advance does not require a personal guarantee. Other providers may require one, particularly for limited-company applicants.

Can I apply directly for a £10,000 merchant cash advance?

Yes, £10,000 falls within the advertised funding ranges of certain providers. Whether a business qualifies depends on its sales history, affordability and underwriting.

Can I get a £50,000 or £100,000 direct merchant cash advance?

Some direct funding providers advertise maximum amounts exceeding £100,000. However, an advertised funding limit does not indicate the amount available to a particular business.

Can I have two merchant cash advances at the same time?

Some providers may consider existing finance obligations, but many will limit or decline applications where overlapping collections create unacceptable risk. Multiple advances can substantially reduce available working capital.

Can I settle a merchant cash advance early?

Some providers permit early settlement or additional payments. However, the original funding fee may remain payable. Review the agreement for any discount or settlement conditions.

Is an MCA a loan?

A traditional merchant cash advance is commonly structured as a purchase of future receivables rather than a loan. However, some products marketed using similar language are legally structured as loans. The financing agreement determines the actual nature of the transaction.

Is applying directly better than using a broker?

Not automatically. Direct applications can simplify communication with a provider. Brokers may offer access to multiple potential funding structures, depending on their available relationships. Compare the complete costs and obligations.

Direct Merchant Cash Advance Funding UK: Making the Right Choice

Direct merchant cash advance lenders provide UK businesses with another route to commercial working capital.

Companies such as 365 Finance, Liberis and YouLend offer merchant funding arrangements, while Square provides a more restricted direct route for eligible existing customers.

The most suitable provider depends on the business's card sales, trading history, financial commitments, ownership structure and funding requirements.

Before applying, verify the funding company, obtain the full cost in pounds and assess the impact of daily sales deductions.

Above all, compare the proposed agreement with other commercial financing options.

The best funding arrangement is not necessarily the one offering the largest advance or the shortest application process. It is the one that supports a defined business requirement without placing unsustainable pressure on future cash flow.

Explore Your UK Merchant Cash Advance Options

Not sure whether to approach a direct merchant cash advance lender or consider another commercial financing structure?

Mehmi Financial Group assists businesses exploring commercial financing opportunities and potential third-party funding referral arrangements.

If your UK business requires working capital, you can submit an enquiry describing your funding requirement and trading profile.

We can assess whether an appropriate enquiry or referral route is available, subject to UK requirements, eligible partner arrangements and the circumstances of your business.

Discuss Your UK Business Funding Options

Include your approximate monthly revenue, monthly card turnover, time trading, requested funding amount and the intended use of funds.

Sources and Further Reading

Provider information was reviewed using official published material in October 2026.

• 365 Finance — Merchant Cash Advance
• 365 Finance — Company Information
• Liberis — Business Funding
• YouLend — Business Funding
• YouLend — Regulatory Information
• Capify — Merchant Cash Advance Broker Programme
• Square — Cash Advance UK
• Square — Cash Advance Application Requirements
• Shopify Capital — UK Merchant Cash Advances
• Stripe Capital UK
• Worldpay — Business Cash Advance
• British Business Bank — Merchant Cash Advances
• Financial Conduct Authority — Check a Firm

Information is educational and subject to change. Product descriptions should not be interpreted as endorsements, lender partnerships or financing recommendations.

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