Dojo Business Funding Alternatives UK: Compare Merchant Cash Advances, Loans and Working Capital
By Jodhbir Mehmi | Mehmi Financial Group
Last researched: 18 October 2026
If you're looking for Dojo business funding alternatives in the UK, several commercial finance providers offer merchant cash advances, business loans, revolving credit facilities and other working capital products.
Businesses already using Dojo card machines may be able to obtain financing from another provider without necessarily changing their payment processor. However, compatibility depends on the lender and the conditions of any existing funding agreement.
The main alternatives worth investigating include 365 Finance, Capify, iwoca, Funding Circle and other commercial finance providers. Eligible businesses may also consider PayPal Working Capital, Stripe Capital or Square Cash Advance if they already use the relevant payment platforms.
Importantly, Dojo itself currently advertises two different funding programmes:
- Dojo Business Funding, provided through YouLend, offers an upfront advance collected through a percentage of daily card takings.
- Dojo Flex Funds, provided through Liberis, offers an approved funding balance that can replenish as collections are made, allowing eligible businesses to access further funds without repeatedly applying.
The distinction matters because these products have different eligibility requirements, collection structures and contractual conditions.
An alternative provider might offer a different funding amount, a lower total cost or a more suitable repayment structure. However, no company can be identified as universally cheaper or more likely to approve an application without examining actual offers.
This guide compares the principal UK alternatives to Dojo funding, explains who may qualify, how the products differ and what business owners should check before accepting finance.
What Is Dojo Business Funding?
Dojo is a UK payment technology provider offering card terminals, payment processing and related business services.
Its funding products help eligible merchants access working capital based partly on business performance and payment-processing activity.
Unlike a traditional business loan with scheduled monthly instalments, merchant cash advances commonly involve an upfront amount in exchange for future business receivables.
The funding provider generally collects an agreed percentage of eligible daily sales until the contractual collection obligation has been satisfied.
For example, a restaurant using Dojo may process £30,000 in monthly card transactions.
If it receives an MCA with a 10% collection percentage, approximately £3,000 would be allocated towards financing each month at unchanged sales volumes.
However, actual eligibility, funding amounts and costs depend on the specific programme.
Dojo Business Funding — Through YouLend
Dojo's established Business Funding programme is offered through its partner YouLend.
The company advertises funding ranging from £1,000 to £1 million, subject to eligibility.
Dojo states that the average funding amount under this programme is approximately 0.8 to 1 times average monthly card turnover.
However, this is a description of its average funding experience, not a guaranteed multiplier for every applicant.
For example, a business processing £20,000 per month in eligible card transactions should not automatically assume it will receive £16,000 to £20,000.
The actual amount depends on underwriting, business performance and the proposed terms.
Dojo also describes a typical repayment period of approximately nine months, with a maximum advertised period of one year for this programme.
The advance has one agreed fixed funding fee, and collections are calculated as a percentage of daily sales.
Applications are available through the existing Dojo relationship. Dojo states that YouLend conducts a soft credit search as part of its application process.
Dojo Flex Funds — Through Liberis
On 26 February 2026, Dojo and Liberis announced a separate product called Dojo Flex Funds.
This provides a different form of sales-linked business funding.
Rather than requiring a completely new application every time capital is needed, the product allows approved businesses to make further drawdowns as payments replenish their available balance.
Dojo advertises access to funding up to twice the business's monthly card sales, subject to approval and programme conditions.
The company also states that a portion of the first drawdown can be fee-free.
Fees apply according to the agreed terms of the amounts drawn, rather than automatically charging the full approved limit.
Collections are linked to an agreed percentage of eligible daily card sales.
Dojo's current Flex Funds page states that applicants generally require at least £1,000 in monthly card revenue and four months of trading.
However, Liberis's original February 2026 launch announcement referred to businesses with at least £60,000 in annual revenue and twelve months of trading.
These published descriptions differ. Applicants should confirm which current criteria apply to their circumstances rather than treating either threshold as a guaranteed approval rule.
Dojo also states that Flex Funds does not currently support optional lump-sum repayments and that an initial minimum drawdown applies.
Sources: Dojo Flex Funds and Liberis — Dojo Partnership Announcement.
Why You Must Know Which Dojo Product You Have
Dojo Business Funding and Dojo Flex Funds are not interchangeable names for one identical agreement.
YouLend and Liberis are different funding providers.
A business comparing alternatives should establish which company appears on its existing offer or contract.
This is especially important when evaluating minimum collection obligations, early settlement, further drawdowns, personal guarantees and changes to payment processing.
For example, Liberis's general Business Cash Advance disclosures describe a possible minimum monthly collection obligation of up to 3% of purchased receivables, with shortfalls potentially collected by direct debit.
Whether and how such a provision applies to an individual Dojo Flex Funds agreement should be confirmed from the actual contract.
Do not assume that a feature advertised by Dojo Business Funding also applies to Dojo Flex Funds, or vice versa.
Why Look for Alternatives to Dojo Business Funding?
There are several legitimate reasons to compare funding beyond the initial offer received through Dojo.
Your Funding Offer Is Too Small
A business may have a financing requirement larger than the amount available through its current Dojo offer.
For example, an established restaurant might need £75,000 for equipment and refurbishment but receive an offer for a smaller amount.
Another provider may assess the business using different underwriting criteria.
However, a higher advertised funding limit does not mean the applicant will qualify for a larger amount.
You Want to Compare Funding Costs
Dojo's programmes generally use agreed funding fees rather than conventional interest calculated like a standard business loan.
Another provider may offer different pricing.
The only reliable way to identify a cheaper option is to compare the actual funds received, total contractual cost and expected collection schedule.
A product advertising one fixed fee is not automatically cheaper than a conventional loan charging interest.
You Want Fixed Monthly Repayments
Merchant cash advance collections generally vary according to eligible sales.
Some business owners may prefer predictable monthly instalments.
For example, a business with stable recurring income may find a conventional loan easier to incorporate into a financial forecast.
However, fixed loan payments generally continue when sales decline.
You Need an Ongoing Credit Facility
A business may require recurring access to working capital rather than one advance.
For example, a convenience store may purchase inventory several times throughout the month.
A revolving credit facility could be worth comparing with repeated merchant cash advances.
You Want to Keep Using Dojo
Some businesses are satisfied with Dojo's payment-processing services but want financing from another company.
It may be possible to keep Dojo as the payment processor while applying for finance elsewhere.
However, the funding provider must support the business's settlement arrangements, and existing financing restrictions may apply.
Best Dojo Business Funding Alternatives in the UK
The following options include commercial finance providers that can be approached independently, along with account-specific products available through other payment platforms.
These are not ranked by approval rate or price because comparable live offers are not publicly available.
1. 365 Finance — Direct Merchant Cash Advance Alternative
365 Finance is a UK commercial finance provider offering merchant cash advances tied to debit and credit card transactions.
Its product is relevant to businesses seeking a sales-linked alternative to Dojo Business Funding.
Published Funding Criteria
365 Finance advertises merchant cash advances ranging from £10,000 to £500,000.
Its principal product page specifies at least six months of trading and a minimum of £10,000 in monthly card sales.
The provider states that collections typically represent approximately 5% to 15% of qualifying card transactions.
It also describes a typical collection period of around five to ten months, although the actual period depends on the agreement and future sales.
Why Consider 365 Finance?
365 Finance may be worth investigating where a business wants to seek a separate merchant cash advance quotation without relying exclusively on its Dojo funding offer.
For example, a pub, restaurant or independent retailer with substantial card sales may wish to compare the full cost and collection structure of both providers.
Its published eligibility criteria provide a useful initial benchmark.
However, meeting those criteria does not guarantee approval.
What Should You Check?
Confirm whether the provider can fund your business while you continue processing payments through Dojo.
Also establish the total funding fee, agreed percentage of card sales, any minimum payment obligations and whether existing finance affects eligibility.
Potential fit: Established UK businesses with consistent card receipts that want a separate, independently assessed MCA quotation.
Source: 365 Finance Merchant Cash Advance
2. Capify — Merchant Cash Advances and Business Loans
Capify is a commercial finance provider offering business funding to UK small and medium-sized enterprises.
Its published broker programme includes merchant cash advances and separate business loan products.
These are different financing structures.
Capify Merchant Cash Advance
Capify's broker materials describe an MCA product with funding starting at £5,000 and an advertised upper limit of £500,000.
Collections are calculated as a percentage of future card payments.
However, applicants should confirm current new-business MCA availability and application routes directly.
Capify Business Loans
Capify also advertises conventional business loans.
Its broker materials describe regular payments collected on weekdays rather than sales-linked deductions.
A loan with daily or weekday fixed payments should not be mistaken for an MCA that flexes proportionally with card sales.
Why Consider Capify?
A business may wish to compare a sales-based advance against a separate loan with a defined payment schedule.
For example, a retailer seeking £20,000 for inventory may want to understand which structure produces the more manageable cash-flow commitment.
The available product, pricing and terms depend on underwriting.
Potential fit: Businesses interested in comparing alternative working capital structures, subject to confirmation of current product availability.
Source: Capify Broker Finance Programme
3. iwoca — Flexible Business Loans
iwoca offers UK business financing that differs from a conventional merchant cash advance.
Its Flexi-Loan allows eligible businesses to draw approved funds when required and repay according to an agreed schedule.
Unlike an MCA collected directly as a percentage of card transactions, the product generally involves interest and monthly repayments.
Published Funding Features
iwoca currently advertises business loans from £1,000 to £1 million.
Its main application page identifies eligible UK limited companies and limited liability partnerships.
Available funding depends on turnover, trading history, business performance and other underwriting factors.
The provider states that customers only pay interest on funds actually drawn.
It also advertises the ability to repay early without an early repayment fee, subject to the agreement.
Its published loan terms can extend from one to five years.
Why Consider iwoca Instead of Dojo?
An iwoca loan may warrant comparison when a business prefers a scheduled repayment structure rather than automatic deductions from future card receipts.
For example, a café purchasing £30,000 of commercial equipment may want to spread payments over a longer period.
A business may also value the ability to draw approved funding when necessary rather than receiving the full amount at once.
However, longer repayment periods can increase total financing costs, and iwoca's pricing depends on the individual application.
The published representative APR and any applicable fees should be reviewed alongside the actual offer.
Potential fit: Eligible UK companies seeking flexible loan financing rather than a traditional card-sales-based MCA.
4. Funding Circle — Business Loans and Credit Facilities
Funding Circle offers UK business loans and other commercial funding products.
Its main business loan programme currently advertises amounts ranging from £10,000 to £750,000, with loan terms of up to six years.
Funding Circle also offers FlexiPay, a separate revolving credit product.
Business Loan Alternative
A Funding Circle business loan may provide a more conventional repayment structure than Dojo's sales-linked funding.
Depending on the product, the borrower may make scheduled instalments and pay interest and applicable fees.
This may suit businesses with established trading and predictable cash flow.
FlexiPay Alternative
FlexiPay is designed for eligible businesses seeking flexible access to funds for short-term expenses.
It is not a traditional merchant cash advance.
Instead, the business uses an approved facility and pays according to the terms associated with each transaction.
Funding Circle publishes product-specific fees and eligibility conditions.
Important Business-Structure Restriction
Funding Circle announced that, from 23 February 2026, it would focus new lending on limited companies and limited liability partnerships rather than sole traders and ordinary partnerships.
Applicants should check the current eligibility rules for the particular product.
This makes Funding Circle a different financing route from MCA programmes available to certain sole traders.
Potential fit: Established UK limited companies and LLPs seeking term finance or another structured credit product.
Source: Funding Circle Business Finance
5. Dojo Business Rewards Card — An Alternative Within Dojo
Not every funding alternative requires leaving the Dojo ecosystem.
Dojo also offers a co-branded business credit card through Capital on Tap.
This is different from both Dojo Business Funding and Dojo Flex Funds.
How the Dojo Business Rewards Card Works
The card provides eligible businesses with an approved spending facility.
Dojo advertises credit limits of up to £250,000 through the programme, subject to Capital on Tap's assessment.
It also advertises 1% cashback on qualifying card spending and no annual card fee.
Eligible cardholders may receive an interest-free purchase period of up to 42 days when applicable repayment conditions are satisfied.
However, interest can apply when balances are not repaid in accordance with the interest-free terms.
Published Eligibility
Dojo states that the card is intended for eligible limited companies and LLPs.
Its current eligibility guidance identifies at least twelve months of trading and £2,000 in monthly turnover as basic requirements to be considered for credit.
Capital on Tap conducts credit checks before approval.
When Could This Be Preferable?
A business credit card may be useful for eligible supplier payments, recurring purchases or expenses that can be repaid within the interest-free period.
For example, a retailer may wish to purchase £5,000 in stock and repay the balance once those goods have been sold.
However, this structure is not necessarily suitable for paying wages, making transfers to suppliers that do not accept cards or financing a large capital project.
Card spending limits also do not equal cash available for unrestricted business purposes.
Potential fit: Eligible Dojo customers looking for a business spending facility rather than another lump-sum merchant advance.
Source: Dojo Business Rewards Card
6. Square Cash Advance — For Eligible Square Merchants
Square Cash Advance provides sales-linked funding to selected businesses that process payments through Square.
Its UK product is currently available to eligible sole traders and partnerships.
The programme evaluates the business's transaction history and other performance indicators before generating offers.
Published Eligibility
Square identifies businesses processing at least £10,000 in card transactions over the previous twelve months, with activity on at least twenty separate days, as more likely to qualify for consideration.
However, these figures are not guarantees of approval.
Square Cash Advance does not have conventional fixed monthly loan repayments or a fixed contractual term.
Collections are calculated as a percentage of eligible Square card sales.
Is Square a Direct Alternative for Dojo Customers?
Square may be an alternative payment-platform funding route, but a Dojo customer cannot automatically qualify using only its Dojo payment history.
The business needs an eligible Square relationship and must receive an offer.
Switching card processors solely to pursue financing could introduce additional costs and may not produce an approved advance.
Potential fit: Sole traders and partnerships already processing meaningful revenue through Square.
Source: Square Cash Advance UK
7. PayPal Working Capital — For Businesses With PayPal Sales
PayPal Working Capital provides business cash advances to eligible UK PayPal merchants.
The amount offered depends on qualifying PayPal sales, account history and other assessment criteria.
Published Requirements
PayPal requires an eligible UK business and a qualifying PayPal Business account operating for at least 90 days.
Its published minimum annual qualifying PayPal sales requirement is £9,000.
The programme advertises first-time advances of up to £200,000 and repeat funding of up to £300,000, subject to eligibility.
Collections are taken as an agreed percentage of qualifying PayPal sales.
However, PayPal requires minimum repayment progress every 90 days, even when sales are lower than expected.
Is PayPal Working Capital Available to Dojo Merchants?
A business using Dojo for in-person transactions and PayPal for separate online payments may be able to investigate PayPal Working Capital based on its eligible PayPal activity.
However, card sales processed exclusively through Dojo do not automatically satisfy PayPal's qualifying sales requirement.
The business should not combine those figures without confirming the provider's rules.
Potential fit: Businesses with an established PayPal Business account and meaningful eligible PayPal sales.
Source: PayPal Working Capital UK
8. Stripe Capital — For Businesses Using Stripe
Stripe Capital offers financing to selected businesses using Stripe's payment-processing services.
Eligibility depends partly on the merchant's payment volume, transaction history and other factors.
Approved businesses generally pay one fixed funding fee, with collections linked to eligible sales.
Why Stripe Capital Matters
Stripe Capital may be relevant to businesses that process a substantial proportion of their online revenue through Stripe.
For example, an e-commerce business using Dojo for physical retail locations and Stripe for online sales may be eligible to view a Stripe Capital offer.
However, offers are account-specific.
A business cannot assume that processing payments through Dojo qualifies it for Stripe financing.
Is Stripe Capital a Different Underlying Lender?
For its UK funding arrangements, Stripe Capital uses YouLend as the financing provider.
This means Stripe Capital and Dojo's YouLend-backed Business Funding programme should not automatically be regarded as two entirely independent funding sources.
They represent different distribution channels and may have different eligibility and offer terms.
The distinction is important when comparing the available lender market.
Potential fit: Businesses already processing qualifying transactions through Stripe and able to access a personalised financing offer.
9. Shopify Capital — For Eligible UK Online Stores
Shopify Capital may be another option for businesses selling through Shopify.
Its UK merchant cash advance programme is provided in partnership with YouLend.
Eligible merchants may receive funding offers based on store performance and other underwriting factors.
Collections are linked to future eligible Shopify sales.
However, Dojo merchants should understand that Shopify Capital is not an independent source of funding from YouLend.
A business that receives offers from Dojo Business Funding and Shopify Capital may be dealing with the same underlying funding provider through different platforms.
That does not automatically mean the offers will have identical costs or conditions.
Businesses should establish the legal funding counterparty named in each agreement before comparing provider diversity.
Can You Get Business Funding From Another Lender While Keeping Dojo?
Potentially, yes.
Using Dojo as a card-processing provider does not universally prevent a business from obtaining a separate commercial business loan or working capital facility.
For example, an eligible company may be able to apply for a term loan through iwoca or Funding Circle while continuing to process customer card payments through Dojo.
A separate merchant cash advance may also be possible, depending on the funder's processing arrangements.
However, several factors must be checked.
Merchant Account Compatibility
A third-party MCA provider may require access to specific payment-processing data or a particular method of collecting future receivables.
The applicant should establish whether the lender can assess and collect from Dojo transactions without requiring changes to the merchant account.
Existing Funding Agreements
If the business already has Dojo Business Funding or Dojo Flex Funds, the agreement may contain contractual obligations affecting future receivables, additional finance or payment processing.
The business should review those provisions before applying elsewhere.
Settlement Account Requirements
Some financing arrangements require customer settlements to pass through an approved payment or collection account.
This does not necessarily mean the business must change its physical card terminals.
However, it may require changes to how sales proceeds are routed.
The applicant should understand the operational and contractual implications before proceeding.
Multiple Funding Obligations
A business already allocating a percentage of Dojo card sales towards one advance may have less capacity to support another.
Additional financing should be assessed against actual free operating cash, not simply total card turnover.
How Much Funding Can You Get as a Dojo Merchant From Another Provider?
There is no universal funding multiplier that applies across all UK lenders.
Dojo's established YouLend-backed programme describes average funding of approximately 0.8 to 1 times average monthly card turnover.
Dojo Flex Funds separately advertises access to approved funding of up to twice monthly card sales under its own conditions.
These figures should not be treated as interchangeable.
Other providers use different underwriting models.
For example, an independent business loan provider may assess annual turnover, available operating cash, credit information and existing debt rather than relying primarily on merchant card sales.
Example: Business With £40,000 Monthly Dojo Card Sales
Consider a hypothetical restaurant generating £40,000 each month through its Dojo terminals.
The restaurant wants £30,000 for kitchen equipment and working capital.
Its existing Dojo funding offer may be one potential route.
Alternatively, the business could investigate a separate MCA or commercial loan.
One provider might offer £30,000 with a sales-linked collection structure.
Another might offer a smaller or larger amount through scheduled loan repayments.
The available funding cannot be established from the £40,000 card-sales figure alone.
The business must also consider wages, supplier payments, rent, taxes, existing debt and the amount of cash available after normal expenses.
Dojo Business Funding vs an Alternative MCA: Cost Example
The most useful comparison between two merchant cash advance offers is the total cost and the impact on future sales.
Consider a hypothetical business seeking £25,000.
Assume it receives two separate financing quotations.
These are illustrative offers, not actual Dojo, YouLend, Liberis or other lender pricing.
Hypothetical Offer A
The business receives £25,000.
The agreed funding fee is £6,250.
The total amount to be collected is £31,250.
The collection percentage is 12% of qualifying card sales.
If monthly eligible card revenue is £35,000, approximately £4,200 would be collected each month.
At constant sales, the advance would be completed in approximately 7.4 months.
Hypothetical Offer B
The business receives the same £25,000.
The agreed funding fee is £4,000.
The total amount to be collected is £29,000.
The collection percentage is 10% of qualifying card sales.
At £35,000 in monthly card turnover, approximately £3,500 would be collected.
The estimated completion period would be approximately 8.3 months.
Which Offer Is More Attractive?
Under these assumptions, Offer B provides the same upfront funding while requiring £2,250 less in total collections.
It also allocates a smaller percentage of monthly card receipts towards financing.
However, a proper comparison should consider any additional charges, contractual minimums, early-settlement provisions and the precise timing of collections.
The funding fee should not be confused with APR.
For example, a £6,250 funding fee on a £25,000 advance represents 25% of the initial amount, but it is not a 25% annual interest rate.
The annualised economic cost depends on how quickly and when collections occur.
A lower advertised collection percentage does not automatically mean a cheaper advance. The total contractual cost must also be compared.
Dojo Flex Funds vs a Revolving Business Credit Facility
Dojo Flex Funds can replenish available funding as collections are made.
That may make it relevant to businesses seeking repeated access to working capital.
However, a revolving business credit facility from a commercial lender may have a different legal structure and pricing approach.
For example, an iwoca Flexi-Loan generally charges interest on the funds drawn and involves monthly repayments.
Dojo Flex Funds instead describes fixed fees on eligible drawdowns and collections linked to card sales.
A business should examine how each product behaves when it draws funds repeatedly.
The important questions include how much each drawdown costs, whether fees change between drawdowns, how much is currently available and whether new funding increases the total outstanding obligation.
Revolving access can be valuable, but it can also make it easier to carry financing obligations continuously.
A business should not assume that available credit is cost-free simply because it can be drawn without completing another full application.
Which Dojo Alternative Is Cheapest?
There is no independently verified universal ranking of the cheapest UK business funding alternatives.
Actual pricing depends on the business's financial profile, revenue, funding amount, repayment structure and provider.
A merchant cash advance may use a fixed funding charge collected through future sales.
A term loan may charge interest and fees over an agreed repayment period.
A business credit card may provide a conditional interest-free period but can become expensive if a balance is carried.
A revolving facility may charge interest or fees only when funds are used, depending on the contract.
To identify the lowest-cost appropriate option, compare the actual cash received, total pounds payable, expected payment timing, fees and guarantees.
A business should also account for payment-processing charges that may continue alongside the financing deductions.
For a broader explanation, read Compare Merchant Cash Advance Lenders UK.
Can You Get a Dojo Funding Alternative With Bad Credit?
Potentially.
Some alternative commercial finance providers assess actual business performance alongside credit history.
For example, MCA providers may give significant weight to recent eligible card-processing activity.
However, poor credit does not automatically qualify a business for revenue-based funding.
Providers can review defaults, CCJs, overdue payments, existing debts, banking conduct and insolvency concerns.
A business with strong card revenue but persistent operating losses may still be declined.
Likewise, a provider using an initial soft credit search may conduct additional checks later in the application process.
Applicants should confirm whether their credit file will be searched and what type of search will take place before proceeding.
There is no guarantee that an alternative provider will approve a business declined for Dojo funding.
What if Dojo Has Declined Your Business Funding Application?
Being declined by Dojo or one of its funding partners does not automatically mean every other provider will decline the business.
Different programmes can have different underwriting criteria.
However, the reason for the original decision matters.
A business may be declined because it has insufficient trading history, inconsistent card transactions, adverse credit information or excessive existing financial commitments.
An alternative lender may consider some of those circumstances differently.
For example, a business receiving most of its revenue through bank transfers rather than card payments may not be well suited to a traditional MCA.
A conventional loan provider may assess broader business cash flow instead.
However, if the business has insufficient available cash to meet any additional payments, applying to more lenders may not solve the underlying affordability problem.
The appropriate next step depends on the reason for the decline.
Are Dojo Funding Alternatives Available for New Businesses?
Some products consider relatively young businesses, while others require an established trading history.
For example, Dojo Flex Funds currently publishes a minimum of four months of trading on its product page, subject to its other criteria.
365 Finance publishes a six-month minimum for its principal MCA product.
Certain business loan and card products require longer trading periods.
A completely new company with no verified revenue may struggle to qualify for conventional sales-linked funding.
Eligible new business owners may wish to investigate the government's Start Up Loans programme instead.
That programme provides qualifying individuals with personal loans for business purposes, subject to credit checks, affordability and other requirements.
It is not a merchant cash advance and should not be treated as guaranteed start-up funding.
What Documents Do You Need to Compare Dojo Funding Alternatives?
A business should first prepare sufficient information to allow providers to assess its financial circumstances accurately.
The following information is commonly useful:
- Business details: Legal name, trading address, industry, company structure and time in operation.
- Card-processing records: Recent Dojo merchant statements showing eligible transactions, refunds and settlement history.
- Bank statements: Evidence of business revenue, operating expenses and existing finance payments.
- Existing funding agreements: Details of any outstanding Dojo Business Funding, Dojo Flex Funds, loans or other obligations.
- Funding amount and purpose: The amount required and how the capital will be used.
- Financial information: Management accounts or other records where requested by the lender.
- Ownership verification: Relevant company and identification information.
Not every provider requires every document at the initial enquiry stage.
Some may use open banking or payment-platform data to reduce manual documentation.
Sensitive records should be supplied through a verified secure application process.
How to Compare Dojo Business Funding With Other UK Providers
A useful financing comparison should follow a consistent process.
Step 1: Identify Your Existing Dojo Product
Determine whether you have a YouLend-backed Business Funding offer, Liberis-backed Flex Funds or another Dojo partner product.
Review the funding agreement rather than relying only on the Dojo brand name.
Step 2: Calculate Monthly Eligible Sales
Review recent card transactions and distinguish gross turnover from refunds, chargebacks and other adjustments.
Also identify revenue received through cash, bank transfers and third-party platforms.
Step 3: Understand Your Actual Funding Requirement
Determine the amount required for inventory, equipment, refurbishment or another commercial purpose.
Avoid requesting substantially more than the business needs.
Step 4: Obtain Comparable Offers
Compare funding structures that match the business's requirements.
Where possible, evaluate quotations for the same amount of net funding.
A large offer with a substantial fee is not automatically preferable to a smaller, appropriately structured facility.
Step 5: Calculate the Cash-Flow Impact
Estimate how much cash would remain after financing collections, normal operating expenses and existing debt commitments.
Test the calculation using a weaker trading month.
Step 6: Review the Contractual Restrictions
Confirm whether additional finance, changes to settlement arrangements or early settlement require consent.
Also examine personal guarantees, security, minimum payments and default provisions.
Step 7: Choose Based on Total Cost and Suitability
The best option should provide enough capital for a defined business requirement without creating disproportionate financial pressure.
Approval speed should be considered, but it should not outweigh cost and affordability.
Are Dojo Business Funding Alternatives FCA-Regulated?
The regulatory status depends on the legal structure of the specific product.
Many genuine commercial merchant cash advances are structured as purchases of future receivables rather than conventional loans and may fall outside the Financial Conduct Authority's consumer-credit framework.
For example, Liberis states that its UK Business Cash Advance is receivables finance rather than a conventional loan and is not FCA-regulated.
However, this does not mean every commercial lending or card-based product has identical regulatory treatment.
Certain business lending arrangements and credit-card products may be subject to FCA regulation, depending on their structure and the parties involved.
Business owners should verify the legal identity of the funding provider and the regulatory status of the specific agreement.
The FCA Firm Checker is a useful starting point for checking firms carrying out activities requiring authorisation.
However, FCA authorisation for one activity does not automatically mean every product offered by a company is regulated.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dojo Business Funding Alternatives
What Is the Best Alternative to Dojo Business Funding in the UK?
There is no universally best provider. 365 Finance and other MCA funders may be relevant for sales-based working capital, while iwoca and Funding Circle offer different loan and credit structures. The best option depends on actual financing terms and business circumstances.
Is Dojo Business Funding Provided by YouLend?
Dojo's established Business Funding programme is provided through YouLend. However, Dojo Flex Funds is a separate programme provided through Liberis.
Is Dojo Flex Funds the Same as Dojo Business Funding?
No. Dojo Flex Funds is designed to provide approved funding that replenishes as collections are made. The established Dojo Business Funding programme generally involves a lump-sum advance through YouLend.
Can I Get a Business Loan While Using Dojo Card Machines?
Potentially, yes. An independent commercial lender may assess a business that uses Dojo for payment processing. Approval depends on the lender and the terms of any existing funding agreements.
Do I Have to Change Card Machine Providers to Get Another MCA?
Not necessarily. Some finance providers may support existing Dojo processing arrangements, while others require specific payment or settlement integrations. Confirm compatibility before accepting an offer.
Can I Get More Funding Than Dojo Offers?
Potentially. Another provider may use a different underwriting model or offer a different funding amount. However, a larger advance is not guaranteed and may be more expensive.
Is 365 Finance an Alternative to Dojo?
Yes, 365 Finance offers a separate UK merchant cash advance programme. Its published criteria include at least six months of trading and £10,000 in monthly card sales, subject to underwriting.
Is iwoca Cheaper Than Dojo Business Funding?
Not necessarily. iwoca and Dojo generally use different funding structures, and costs depend on the individual offer. Compare total cash received, interest or funding fees, repayment timing and additional charges.
Can I Get Dojo Funding Alternatives With Bad Credit?
Some providers may consider imperfect credit histories, but approval depends on business performance, affordability and other criteria. No alternative guarantees funding for applicants with adverse credit.
Can I Apply for Funding Through Stripe While Using Dojo?
Potentially, if your business separately processes eligible revenue through Stripe and has an available Stripe Capital offer. Dojo card transactions do not automatically qualify as Stripe revenue.
Is PayPal Working Capital Available to Dojo Customers?
It may be available to businesses that separately meet PayPal's requirements. Qualifying PayPal sales and account history are necessary; Dojo sales alone do not automatically satisfy those conditions.
Can I Get a Business Credit Card Instead of Dojo Funding?
Potentially. Eligible Dojo customers can investigate the Business Rewards Card offered through Capital on Tap. The product has different eligibility, spending and repayment conditions from an MCA.
Can I Have Dojo Funding and Another MCA at the Same Time?
Possibly, but existing contractual restrictions and affordability are important. Multiple advances may create competing rights over future receivables and increase the proportion of sales committed to financing.
Can I Refinance Existing Dojo Business Funding?
The answer depends on the existing agreement and the proposed refinancing provider. A business should obtain the current settlement amount and review all applicable restrictions before arranging replacement finance.
Can I Switch From Dojo to Square to Get Funding?
A business may consider changing payment processors, but Square Cash Advance eligibility is not guaranteed. Switching providers can also introduce processing, contract and settlement costs. Existing Dojo financing obligations must be reviewed first.
Can I Get Dojo Funding Alternatives Without a Personal Guarantee?
Some products do not require personal guarantees, while others may. The applicant must review the actual agreement and business-structure requirements rather than assuming every advance is unsecured in the same way.
What Is the Minimum Card Turnover for Dojo Funding Alternatives?
Requirements vary. Dojo Flex Funds currently publishes £1,000 in monthly card revenue, while 365 Finance publishes a £10,000 monthly minimum for its MCA programme. Other lenders assess broader financial criteria.
Can I Apply for Funding After Dojo Declines Me?
Potentially. Other lenders may use different underwriting methods. However, an alternative application should address the underlying eligibility or affordability issue rather than assuming a different company will automatically approve funding.
Does Applying to Another Finance Provider Affect My Credit Score?
It depends on the provider and product. Some use an initial soft credit search, while others may perform additional or hard searches later. Applicants should confirm the process before applying.
How Quickly Can I Get an Alternative Funding Offer?
Some providers advertise short application and funding times, while others require additional financial documents or underwriting. No approval or funding date is guaranteed.
Which Dojo Business Funding Alternative Should You Choose?
For businesses with established card sales that want a separate sales-based funding quotation, 365 Finance may be worth investigating.
For businesses looking to compare merchant advances with alternative loan structures, Capify may provide another route, subject to current product availability.
For eligible businesses wanting flexible drawdowns and monthly loan repayments, iwoca may deserve consideration.
For established limited companies and LLPs seeking conventional business loans or revolving credit, Funding Circle may be relevant.
For eligible Dojo customers requiring business spending capacity rather than a lump-sum advance, the Capital on Tap Business Rewards Card could offer a different approach.
Square, PayPal, Stripe and Shopify funding programmes may be relevant where the business already has qualifying revenue through those platforms.
The most appropriate alternative is the one that provides sufficient financing at an acceptable total cost while preserving enough operating cash to run the business.
Before accepting an offer, review the existing Dojo agreement, verify the actual funding provider and compare the full contractual terms.
Explore Business Funding Alternatives With Mehmi Financial Group
Mehmi Financial Group is a Canada-based commercial finance brokerage helping eligible businesses explore commercial financing and potential introductions to independent funding providers.
For businesses in the United Kingdom, the availability of financing or referral services depends on applicable local requirements and confirmed participating provider arrangements.
If you currently use Dojo and are exploring alternatives for working capital, stock purchases, equipment, refurbishment or expansion, you can enquire about potential options.
For an initial enquiry, provide your business location, industry, trading history, approximate monthly card turnover, requested funding amount and intended use of funds.
It is also useful to confirm whether you currently have an outstanding Dojo Business Funding or Dojo Flex Funds agreement.
Explore Your Business Financing Options
The team can review your initial enquiry and confirm whether an appropriate financing discussion or independent-provider referral pathway is available.
Mehmi Financial Group does not represent Dojo, YouLend, Liberis or any other named provider unless an authorised relationship has been separately established. Mentioning providers in this article does not indicate a referral partnership or available funding arrangement.
Related UK Business Funding Guides
For further information, explore:
- Compare Merchant Cash Advance Lenders UK
- Merchant Cash Advance Lenders UK
- Direct Merchant Cash Advance Lenders UK
- Card Sales Funding UK: How It Works and Costs