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Merchant Cash Advance for Dojo Customers UK: Eligibility, Funding and Costs in 2026

By Jodhbir Mehmi | Mehmi Financial Group

Last reviewed: 18 October 2026

If your UK business uses a Dojo card machine to accept customer payments, you may be eligible for a merchant cash advance based on your card-processing history.

A merchant cash advance for Dojo customers provides eligible businesses with access to working capital using an agreed percentage of future debit and credit card sales to collect the advance.

This type of funding can be relevant to restaurants, pubs, cafés, convenience stores, takeaways, garages, salons and other businesses that process regular card transactions through Dojo.

Dojo offers business funding through partnerships with YouLend and Liberis, including its newer Dojo Flex Funds programme introduced in February 2026.

However, receiving card payments through Dojo does not automatically guarantee funding. Each provider assesses trading performance, credit information, financial commitments and its own eligibility requirements.

Businesses may also wish to evaluate financing outside the Dojo ecosystem, particularly when comparing the total funding cost, available amount and contractual conditions.

This guide explains how Dojo merchant cash advances work, who may qualify, how much funding could be available, what the fees mean and how to compare financing options before applying.

Can Dojo Customers Get a Merchant Cash Advance?

Yes. Eligible UK businesses using Dojo payment services can apply for merchant cash advance funding through participating Dojo financing programmes.

Dojo provides card-payment technology and makes business financing available through third-party funding partners.

Its traditional Business Funding programme is offered through YouLend.

In February 2026, Dojo and Liberis also introduced Dojo Flex Funds, a separate funding product with a replenishing available balance and revenue-linked collections.

Both arrangements use business payment activity as an important part of eligibility assessment.

A provider may consider how much revenue the business processes through Dojo, how consistently it trades, whether it has outstanding financing and whether the proposed collections are financially sustainable.

Unlike a conventional business loan, a merchant cash advance generally involves an agreed funding charge and collections tied to future qualifying sales.

The British Business Bank's guide to merchant cash advances identifies MCAs as a short-term funding option for businesses accepting debit and credit card payments.

Dojo Merchant Cash Advance Options in 2026

There are two important Dojo financing products to understand.

Although both use sales-linked collections, their funding structures are not identical.

1. Dojo Business Funding Through YouLend

Dojo's established business financing programme operates in partnership with YouLend.

Eligible Dojo merchants can apply for funding based on business performance, card transaction history and credit information.

Dojo states that average funding under this programme is approximately 0.8 to 1 times average monthly card turnover.

For example, a business processing £30,000 monthly through qualifying card transactions might use approximately £24,000–£30,000 as a rough illustration of this published average.

However, this is not a minimum, maximum, guaranteed offer or approval calculation. An actual funding proposal may differ materially.

YouLend's programme uses an agreed percentage of daily sales for collections.

Dojo's published information describes a typical collection period of approximately six to nine months, although the actual period depends on the transaction volume, funding amount and contractual terms.

Dojo advertises funding applications through its app or online.

In September 2026, YouLend announced that its partnership with Dojo had surpassed £2 billion in cumulative funding for more than 30,000 UK merchant customers.

Source: Dojo Business Funding.

2. Dojo Flex Funds Through Liberis

Dojo Flex Funds is a newer financing arrangement launched with Liberis on 26 February 2026.

Rather than operating solely as a conventional single-draw cash advance, the programme provides eligible businesses with access to a replenishing funding balance.

As an approved business makes collections through its future card sales, its available balance replenishes, potentially allowing additional drawdowns without a new application each time.

Dojo advertises several features:

Funding availability based on business performance and card revenue.
Potential access to amounts up to twice monthly sales, subject to approval.
A fee-free portion of the first drawdown.
An agreed fixed fee on the fee-bearing portion.
Automatic collections based on a percentage of daily card takings.
Replenishing funding availability as collections are made.

The first drawdown is subject to a minimum amount. Subsequent drawdowns may be smaller, up to the business's remaining approved availability.

Dojo states that lump-sum repayments are not currently supported under Flex Funds, so normal collections continue through daily card-sales deductions.

For new Dojo customers, the published process provides for the first drawdown after seven days of transacting with Dojo, once the relevant approval and agreement requirements are satisfied.

Source: Dojo Flex Funds.

What Is the Main Difference?

The YouLend programme offers business funding through a more conventional advance structure, with a typical estimated collection period.

Dojo Flex Funds is designed around ongoing access to a replenishing balance, subject to its conditions.

A business that needs a defined amount for one purchase may evaluate the YouLend arrangement differently from a business that wants access to funds for recurring working-capital requirements.

The best option depends on the total cost, available funding, collection percentage and contractual commitments.

Businesses should also verify which programme is currently available to them, rather than assuming they can choose freely between both.

Dojo Flex Funds Eligibility Requirements UK

Eligibility for Dojo Flex Funds depends on the applicant's business profile and the applicable programme conditions.

Dojo's currently published Flex Funds product page identifies the following minimums:

Minimum monthly card revenue: £1,000.

Minimum trading history: Four months.

Business relationship: The programme is advertised to eligible new and existing Dojo customers.

Underwriting: Liberis conducts verification, credit checks, affordability and risk assessments.

These thresholds should not be treated as automatic entitlement to an advance.

There is also an important published discrepancy to understand.

Liberis' February 2026 launch announcement described eligible merchants as having at least £60,000 in annual revenue and 12 months of trading.

Dojo's current product page advertises lower minimums.

As the published criteria differ, business owners should confirm which requirements apply to their particular application, programme version and funding offer.

Dojo advertises a 90% approval rate among applicants or merchants meeting its relevant assessment criteria, but this is a provider-reported figure, not a guarantee that any specific business will be approved.

Source: Liberis — Dojo Flex Funds Launch, February 2026.

What Do You Need to Qualify for Dojo Business Funding?

Although different programmes use different thresholds, most providers evaluate several common areas.

Consistent Card Sales

Regular card-processing activity gives a funding provider evidence of how customers pay the business.

A business generating stable card revenue may be easier to assess than one with irregular transactions or substantial unexplained changes in sales.

However, consistent turnover does not establish that an advance is affordable.

Established Trading History

Providers generally require enough trading information to evaluate the business.

Some programmes use a formal minimum trading period, while others consider the payment-processing history and account data available through their platform.

Businesses that recently switched from another card-payment provider may be asked to provide earlier processing records.

Business and Personal Credit Information

Merchant cash advance underwriting is not necessarily limited to a conventional credit score.

Providers may review business credit records, relevant owner or director information, payment history and existing financial commitments.

Dojo states that its YouLend funding eligibility enquiries involve a soft credit search.

Dojo Flex Funds also describes an initial soft credit check, while warning that additional credit reference checks may be performed and that taking funding may affect credit scores.

Applicants should confirm the type of credit search used during their specific application.

Financial Obligations

A provider may assess whether the business already has loans, merchant advances, overdrafts, outstanding supplier obligations or other financing commitments.

Existing liabilities may reduce the amount offered or affect eligibility.

A business with substantial card sales but insufficient operating liquidity may not be a suitable candidate for additional financing.

For general UK qualification requirements, read Merchant Cash Advance Eligibility UK.

Can You Use Dojo Card Machine Statements to Apply for Funding Elsewhere?

Potentially.

A Dojo merchant statement can provide useful evidence of card-processing activity when applying to a funding provider outside Dojo's own financing programmes.

However, whether a particular external provider accepts Dojo processing records depends on its underwriting requirements and collection arrangements.

Some independent providers may accept the transaction history as evidence of revenue.

Others may require an approved payment processor, specific collection integration or a separate bank-account collection mechanism.

Using Dojo does not automatically mean every UK merchant cash advance provider can collect repayments directly through your Dojo terminal.

Before applying to an external provider, confirm whether the business can continue using Dojo without disruption and whether any changes to its settlement or payment arrangements would be required.

What Information Should a Dojo Customer Prepare?

Useful information may include recent Dojo transaction records, settlement statements, business bank statements, company details and existing financing commitments.

It is particularly important to distinguish between:

Gross card transaction value.
Refunds and chargebacks.
Card-processing fees.
Net settlements received into the business bank account.
Revenue collected through other payment systems.

These figures are related but are not necessarily identical.

A provider assessing gross qualifying card activity may reach a different conclusion from one using net bank deposits or broader business revenue.

How Much Merchant Cash Advance Can Dojo Customers Get?

The available funding amount depends on the programme and individual underwriting assessment.

Dojo's YouLend-backed programme publishes an average funding range of approximately 0.8 to 1 times monthly card turnover.

The newer Dojo Flex Funds product advertises potential access to funding up to twice monthly sales.

These figures describe different products and must not be combined into a universal entitlement.

Consider two hypothetical UK retailers, each generating £30,000 in monthly card transactions.

The first has several years of trading, consistent revenue, manageable existing debt and stable cash flow.

The second has a recent decline in sales, substantial outstanding liabilities and limited cash remaining after operating expenses.

Even with identical headline card turnover, these businesses may receive very different funding assessments.

The first could qualify for a larger or more competitive offer, while the second could receive a smaller offer or be declined.

Funding capacity is not determined by card turnover alone.

How Do Dojo Merchant Cash Advance Repayments Work?

Merchant cash advance collections commonly operate as an agreed percentage of qualifying daily sales.

This means the amount collected can vary with business activity.

For example, suppose a restaurant agrees to allocate 10% of eligible daily card takings towards an advance.

On a day when the restaurant processes £2,000 in qualifying transactions, £200 would be collected.

On a quieter day with £500 in eligible transactions, £50 would be collected.

The proportion remains the same even though the amount varies.

This can be useful for businesses experiencing seasonal or weekly variations in trading.

However, it does not eliminate the cost or contractual obligations associated with the advance.

What Happens if Card Sales Fall?

A lower level of card sales generally results in lower percentage-based collections.

That can extend the period required to satisfy the outstanding contractual collection amount.

Businesses should check whether their agreement includes minimum collections, catch-up requirements, default provisions or other obligations.

Liberis publishes a minimum monthly collection provision for its Business Cash Advance product. Whether a particular condition applies to a Dojo Flex Funds arrangement must be confirmed from the actual contract.

Do not assume that reduced revenue automatically suspends all obligations.

Dojo Merchant Cash Advance Fees: What Does Funding Actually Cost?

Many merchant cash advances use a fixed funding charge rather than conventional interest charged over a fixed loan term.

The total funding cost is usually established before the agreement is accepted.

A fixed fee can make the total contractual collection amount easier to identify, but it does not necessarily make the financing inexpensive.

Example: £20,000 Merchant Cash Advance for a Dojo Customer

Consider a hypothetical UK business with average monthly qualifying card sales of £30,000.

The business requires £20,000 to purchase inventory and support operating expenses.

Assume it receives the following illustrative offer:

Advance received: £20,000.

Fixed funding charge: £4,000.

Total amount to be collected: £24,000.

Collection percentage: 10% of eligible card transactions.

With monthly qualifying card sales of £30,000, approximately £3,000 would be collected each month.

At that constant sales level, the full £24,000 would be collected in approximately eight months.

If qualifying revenue instead averaged £20,000 monthly from the start of the agreement, the same 10% collection rate would result in approximately £2,000 per month.

The collection period would then be approximately 12 months.

These examples assume that sales remain consistent, that no minimum-payment conditions apply and that there are no additional charges or other events affecting collections.

The £4,000 fee equals 20% of the original advance, but this is not a 20% annual percentage rate (APR).

Because the outstanding balance reduces as payments are collected, the effective annualised cost can differ significantly from a simple fee-to-advance percentage.

Businesses should compare financing offers using their expected cash flows, not simply the advertised funding charge.

This is an illustrative merchant cash advance calculation, not an actual Dojo, YouLend, Liberis or Mehmi Financial Group offer.

Does Dojo Flex Funds Charge the Same Fees?

Not necessarily.

Dojo Flex Funds advertises a fee-free portion of the first drawdown, together with a fixed charge on the remaining fee-bearing portion.

Businesses should compare the actual amount drawn, the fee applicable to that drawdown and any future drawdown conditions.

A fee-free portion does not mean that the entire advance or ongoing funding facility is free.

Which Businesses Using Dojo May Benefit From an MCA?

Businesses that receive a substantial proportion of income through card transactions may be relevant candidates for merchant funding.

Restaurants and Takeaways

Restaurants and takeaway operators often process regular card payments and may need working capital for food stock, kitchen equipment, packaging and supplier expenses.

However, businesses relying heavily on delivery-platform transactions should determine whether those receipts are included in qualifying sales.

Pubs and Bars

Pubs and bars may experience significant differences between weekday and weekend trading.

Sales-linked collections can reflect that variation, but owners must consider staffing, rent, supplier commitments and seasonal declines.

Convenience Stores and Off-Licences

Retailers may require short-term funding for stock purchases, refrigeration repairs or preparing for periods of increased customer demand.

Businesses with relatively low profit margins should carefully evaluate the proportion of revenue deducted.

Cafés, Coffee Shops and Bakeries

Cafés and bakeries often process frequent, relatively small customer card transactions.

An advance may support equipment repairs, inventory requirements or refurbishment.

However, the business must retain enough revenue for ingredients, wages and other operating expenses.

Garages and MOT Centres

Independent garages may use Dojo terminals for vehicle servicing, repairs, MOT testing and tyre purchases.

An MCA may be relevant where the garage receives sufficient qualifying card revenue.

Businesses relying primarily on insurance settlements and commercial fleet invoices paid by bank transfer may require different finance structures.

Salons and Barbershops

Hair salons, barbers and beauty businesses may consider sales-linked funding for equipment, refurbishment or short-term business expenditure.

Seasonality, appointment patterns and labour expenses should be reflected in the affordability review.

Do You Need to Switch Card Payment Providers to Get a Merchant Cash Advance?

Not necessarily.

An existing Dojo customer may be able to explore financing using the transaction data already generated through its payment-processing activity.

However, external providers use different underwriting and collection systems.

Some can work with transaction records from multiple payment processors.

Others may require specific arrangements or may not support Dojo settlements.

Before agreeing to any funding offer, ask whether the contract requires a particular payment processor, changes to bank settlement instructions, restrictions on switching processors or minimum transaction volumes.

Changing payment arrangements without understanding existing advance conditions could also create contractual problems.

A merchant cash advance should not require a business owner to make unnecessary changes to a functioning payment operation merely to submit an initial financing enquiry.

Can You Get Another MCA if You Already Have Dojo Business Funding?

Possibly, but additional financing requires particular care.

Dojo's YouLend programme advertises the possibility of subsequent funding or renewals for eligible businesses.

Dojo Flex Funds is designed around replenishing availability as collections are made.

These features do not establish that every business can obtain simultaneous advances from multiple companies.

An external provider may also need to assess the existing advance and any contractual restrictions.

If a business already allocates 12% of qualifying card sales towards one agreement, taking another agreement that collects an additional percentage could materially reduce available cash.

This is especially important where the business has substantial stock costs, payroll, rent or tax obligations.

Businesses should disclose existing advances and avoid accepting additional financing without understanding the combined collection burden.

Repeatedly obtaining new advances to cover payments on older agreements can indicate a more serious cash-flow problem.

Dojo Business Funding vs an Independent Merchant Cash Advance

Businesses should compare financing options rather than assume that an offer presented through their payment processor is automatically the cheapest or most appropriate.

Reasons to Consider Dojo Funding

Dojo already has access to relevant payment-processing information for eligible merchants.

This may simplify certain parts of the application and verification process.

Its funding products also integrate sales-linked collection arrangements with existing payment activity.

For qualifying businesses, the simplicity of receiving and managing an offer through an existing payment provider can be useful.

Reasons to Consider Independent Funding

An external provider may assess the business differently or offer another funding structure.

This could be relevant if the Dojo offer is insufficient, the business has additional revenue outside Dojo or the requested expenditure would be better financed over a longer period.

However, an external offer is not necessarily cheaper or more flexible.

Independent providers may have different documentation requirements, collection mechanisms, security provisions and costs.

What Should You Compare?

Before accepting any offer, establish the actual advance amount, fixed funding charge, total amount to be collected, percentage deducted from eligible sales and any minimum collection requirements.

Also review guarantees, security provisions, settlement restrictions, the consequences of business closure or reduced trading, and the rules governing additional drawdowns or renewals.

The objective is to identify a financing structure that addresses a genuine business requirement without placing unreasonable pressure on operating cash flow.

Alternatives to Merchant Cash Advances for Dojo Customers

An MCA is only one potential funding option.

Unsecured Business Loans

An unsecured business loan may provide scheduled repayments over an agreed period.

This can be useful where a business prefers predictable payments and has sufficient financial strength to qualify.

However, fixed repayments remain due during periods of reduced sales.

Business Lines of Credit

A revolving credit facility may be appropriate for recurring working-capital requirements.

Businesses can potentially draw funds as required, subject to the facility's limits and contractual conditions.

Interest and charges differ between products.

Equipment Leasing

Businesses purchasing commercial ovens, refrigeration systems, machinery or specialist equipment may benefit from comparing equipment leasing or asset finance.

The repayment period can potentially be aligned more closely with the useful life of the asset.

Invoice Financing

Businesses receiving substantial revenue through commercial invoices rather than card transactions may wish to consider invoice finance.

The availability of finance depends on the quality, eligibility and collectability of outstanding receivables.

For additional provider information, read Merchant Cash Advance Companies UK.

How to Apply for a Merchant Cash Advance as a Dojo Customer

The application process depends on whether the business is applying through YouLend, Dojo Flex Funds or an independent provider.

Step 1: Review Your Dojo Payment History

Calculate your average monthly card-processing volume and consider any recent changes in sales.

Identify refunds, chargebacks, significant seasonal fluctuations and revenue processed through other payment platforms.

Step 2: Check Available Dojo Funding Offers

Review the relevant Dojo funding information or speak with Dojo about current eligibility.

For its YouLend-backed product, Dojo advertises applications through its online and app-based funding process.

For Dojo Flex Funds, Dojo currently directs applicants to a Payments Consultant, who submits an application for Liberis assessment.

Step 3: Identify the Amount You Need

Determine whether the funds are required for stock, equipment repairs, payroll, refurbishment or another defined commercial expense.

Avoid requesting more funding than the business reasonably needs.

Step 4: Assess Affordability

Calculate the effect of the proposed collections on available operating cash.

Consider what happens if revenue falls while fixed business expenses remain unchanged.

Step 5: Compare the Full Funding Offer

Review the total cost rather than focusing only on the cash received or how quickly the application can be completed.

For Flex Funds, examine the applicable fee structure and rules for future drawdowns.

Step 6: Complete Verification

The provider may request business identification, credit information, bank statements or other supporting documents.

Dojo Flex Funds applications involve verification and underwriting by Liberis.

Step 7: Review and Accept the Agreement

Only accept financing after understanding the full contractual obligations.

Approval amounts, final terms and funding timelines remain subject to the relevant provider's decision.

For more information, see Merchant Cash Advance Application UK.

Is Dojo Merchant Cash Advance Funding Regulated in the UK?

The regulatory position depends on the legal structure of the funding agreement and the activities involved.

Many commercial merchant cash advances are structured as purchases of future receivables rather than conventional loans.

Liberis states that its Business Cash Advance is receivables finance, not a loan, and that Liberis is not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for that product.

However, not every business finance product has the same legal classification.

Business owners should review the specific agreement and check which regulatory protections, complaint arrangements and obligations apply.

A business should not assume that the Financial Ombudsman Service or Financial Services Compensation Scheme covers an unregulated merchant cash advance.

Independent legal advice may be appropriate for complex or substantial arrangements.

Frequently Asked Questions About Merchant Cash Advances for Dojo Customers

Does Dojo Offer Merchant Cash Advances in the UK?

Yes. Dojo offers qualifying business funding through partnerships with YouLend and Liberis.

The available product depends on the individual business and current programme eligibility.

How Much Funding Can I Get Through Dojo?

Dojo's YouLend programme states that average funding is approximately 0.8 to 1 times average monthly card turnover.

Dojo Flex Funds advertises potential access to up to twice monthly sales.

These are different programmes. Individual offers depend on underwriting and do not necessarily follow those averages or advertised limits.

What Is the Minimum Turnover for Dojo Flex Funds?

Dojo's current Flex Funds page advertises a £1,000 monthly card-revenue minimum.

However, Liberis' February 2026 launch announcement cited £60,000 in annual revenue.

Because the published thresholds differ, applicants should confirm the applicable criteria directly with Dojo or Liberis.

Can I Qualify With Four Months of Trading?

Dojo's current Flex Funds page advertises a four-month trading minimum.

Its launch announcement described a 12-month threshold, so confirmation of the current requirements is important.

Meeting a published minimum does not guarantee approval.

Does Dojo Check Your Credit Score?

Dojo describes an initial soft credit check for its financing programmes.

However, other checks may apply, and entering into a financing agreement can affect credit information.

The relevant provider should explain the checks involved.

Can I Use My Dojo Statements to Apply Elsewhere?

Potentially. Dojo processing statements may help verify business revenue for another funding provider.

Whether they are accepted and whether that provider can support collections while the business continues using Dojo depend on the provider's requirements.

Can I Get a Merchant Cash Advance With Bad Credit?

Possibly.

Some providers consider business performance and card revenue alongside credit information.

However, serious defaults, arrears, insolvency concerns or unsustainable debt obligations can prevent approval.

Can a New Dojo Customer Get Funding?

Dojo Flex Funds advertises funding access for eligible new Dojo customers after seven days of transacting, subject to approval and completion requirements.

The business must also meet the applicable trading-history and performance conditions.

Do Dojo Repayments Increase When Sales Increase?

Under a percentage-of-sales collection structure, the amount collected generally increases as eligible card revenue increases.

Likewise, the amount generally decreases when sales fall, subject to any other contractual requirements.

Does Dojo Flex Funds Have a Fixed Repayment Term?

Dojo describes Flex Funds as having no fixed term, with payments linked to eligible daily sales.

Its YouLend-backed Business Funding programme has different published terms, including a typical collection period of six to nine months.

Can I Repay Dojo Flex Funds Early?

Dojo's current Flex Funds FAQ states that lump-sum payments are not supported.

The normal agreed percentage collections continue until the relevant balance is satisfied.

Other Dojo financing arrangements may have different early settlement conditions.

Are Dojo Flex Funds Completely Fee-Free?

No.

Dojo advertises a fee-free portion of the first drawdown, but a fixed fee applies to the remainder.

Customers should examine the exact offer and all conditions before accepting.

Can I Apply for More Funding Before an Existing Advance Is Cleared?

Potentially, depending on the product and available balance.

Flex Funds provides replenishing availability as collections occur.

The YouLend programme also advertises renewals or additional funding for eligible merchants.

Neither feature guarantees further funding.

Final Thoughts: Is a Merchant Cash Advance Right for Dojo Customers?

UK businesses processing regular card transactions through Dojo may have access to merchant cash advance funding based on their trading performance.

Dojo's YouLend-backed Business Funding programme and Liberis-backed Flex Funds offer different approaches to accessing working capital.

The newer Flex Funds programme may be relevant to businesses interested in a replenishing funding balance, while a conventional single advance may better suit a clearly defined expenditure.

However, neither option should be selected solely because of application convenience or advertised funding speed.

A business must still evaluate the full financing cost, the percentage of future sales committed, existing liabilities and the consequences of reduced revenue.

Businesses using Dojo can also investigate independent financing, provided the alternative provider supports the relevant transaction history and collection arrangements.

The right funding structure is the one that meets a genuine business need while leaving sufficient cash flow to operate sustainably.

Explore Business Funding Options With Mehmi Financial Group

Already using Dojo for your business card payments and looking to compare working-capital financing options?

Mehmi Financial Group is an independent commercial financing brokerage that helps business owners evaluate financing requirements and explore potential third-party funding introductions.

Our UK services are subject to applicable local requirements, participating providers and confirmation that a suitable financing or referral route is available.

If you are considering merchant funding, share your business type, location, length of trading, average monthly Dojo card sales, existing financing commitments and required amount.

Our team can review the initial enquiry and determine whether an appropriate next step is available.

Explore Your Business Funding Options — Contact Mehmi Financial Group

Mehmi Financial Group is not Dojo, YouLend or Liberis and does not issue or control their funding offers. Contacting Mehmi does not constitute a Dojo funding application. We are not a direct lender, and independent financing introductions are subject to provider availability, underwriting and applicable requirements. Referral or brokerage compensation may apply and should be disclosed as appropriate.

This article is for general commercial finance education and does not constitute financial, legal or tax advice. Published provider terms may change. All illustrative figures are hypothetical.

Sources and Further Reading

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