Getting faster funding through a merchant cash advance (MCA) can make a real difference when a business needs working capital now, not weeks from now. Speed is often the deciding factor between landing or losing a client. But while MCAs are generally quicker than most business loans, delays can still happen. Between incomplete submissions and unnecessary steps, the process can stretch longer than expected. That’s where working directly with the right lender really shows its value.
Direct MCA lenders can speed things up because they cut through layers of back-and-forth. Instead of going through multiple channels, you deal with the source. This saves time and lowers the chances of miscommunication. When you’re trying to get approved fast and your client is asking for updates, you need things to move quickly and clearly. Here’s how working with direct MCA lenders can help make that happen.
Understand The Role Of Direct MCA Lenders
Direct MCA lenders are the actual funders providing the advance. These are the sources of capital, not brokers or middlemen. That matters because every extra step in between can slow things down. When you work with a direct lender, there’s no extra waiting for third parties to check, review, or forward your deal. The process stays in one place, which makes follow-ups, approvals, and responses happen faster.
Working with direct MCA lenders can help improve your turnaround time in a few key ways:
– Decisions are quicker because direct lenders follow their own guidelines and don’t need outside approvals.
– Communication is smoother. Updates come straight from the source without delays.
– Deals are cleaner. Fewer people involved means fewer chances for things to get lost or misunderstood.
– Funding is faster. Once underwriting is done, everything moves directly into the funding stage.
Let’s say you have a client who needs funding by Friday to meet payroll. A direct lender might be able to skip added compliance layers from third-party processors and make that deadline. Time saved here could help your client avoid disruptions.
While it’s never a sure thing that approvals will be instant, skipping middlemen takes away layers where delays often happen. That’s a major win when speed matters most.
Prepare Accurate And Complete Documentation
Even the fastest funder can’t do much if the paperwork is wrong or incomplete. A big reason some MCA deals get delayed is because required documents are missing or filled out incorrectly. That’s why getting everything right before hitting send is a huge time-saver.
Here’s what most direct MCA lenders usually ask for:
1. Last 3 to 6 months of business bank statements
2. A valid driver’s license from the business owner
3. A voided business check
4. A business license or proof of legal entity
5. A completed application with matching info across all documents
Before you submit, make sure everything is neat and matches up. For instance, if a business address on the application doesn’t match the one on the bank statements, that’s a red flag. If file uploads are blurry or unreadable, they may get ignored until a better version is provided.
Tips to speed up this step:
– Double-check the full submission before hitting send. A few extra minutes here can save days later.
– Use labeled folders or naming conventions to keep everything organized and reduce errors.
– Know what each lender likes before starting. Some may require different formats or additional forms, so it helps to check their lists beforehand.
Delays usually happen when things are inconsistent or confusing. Submitting a clean and complete file means underwriters can move forward quickly without going back and forth.
Improve Business Financial Health
While great paperwork helps, the real approval power often comes from your client’s financial health. Lenders are looking for stability, not surprises. Even if a business appears to be doing well, red flags like overdrafts or uneven monthly cash flow can slow things down.
Here are a few tips you can give clients to show financial consistency:
– Keep daily balances in the positive range.
– Avoid overdrafts and limit the number of non-sufficient funds fees.
– Hold off on filing during months with large sudden expenses that could lower average daily balances.
– Minimize personal transfers in and out of the business account.
For instance, a client might be ready to apply now, but their recent bank statements show four overdrafts in the past thirty days. It may be smarter to wait two weeks, keep the balance steady, and submit cleaner statements. That could be the difference between a quick approval or an automatic decline.
It’s not about having flawless financials. Lenders are realistic. But showing reliable patterns builds confidence and helps things move faster.
Build Strong Relationships With Direct MCA Lenders
The stronger your connections with direct MCA lenders, the faster you can expect action on your files. Every time you submit a deal, you’re showing lenders the kind of broker you are. Clean files, quick replies, transparency, and consistency all build trust over time.
Here are a few ways to build better lender relationships:
– Keep communication open. Respond quickly and follow through on requests.
– Be clear and honest about any gaps or weak points in a file.
– Pay attention to what each lender prefers. Some want a full story; others are fine with basics.
– Check in occasionally, even when you aren’t submitting, to keep relationships strong.
Imagine sending in a file with deposit entries listed only as “refunds.” That vague label could delay the process. But if you take a moment to provide context (such as showing they’re actually chargebacks from a vendor, supported by an email or invoice), the deal gets reviewed faster. These small efforts shape how lenders remember you and how they handle your submissions down the line.
Direct lenders tend to move faster on files from brokers they trust. Being reliable may help your deals reach the top of the stack without extra nudging.
Why Speed Can Make or Break a Deal
Speed has become one of the most valuable tools for brokers and funders alike. When clients need capital fast, every day counts. Delays can mean missing out on a big opportunity, failing to cover payroll, or falling behind on bills.
Working with direct MCA lenders gives you a major edge. When you reduce the number of approvals, people involved, and back-and-forth in the process, it’s easier to get clean deals approved fast. Once you lock in better habits around documentation, financial health, and communication, everything flows better.
Fast approvals aren’t just nice to have. They help you build a reputation, win more deals from clients, and scale your brokerage more effectively.
Want to simplify your submission process and get funded quicker? Working with direct MCA lenders through TMR Now can help you speed things up and avoid unnecessary delays. Start now.
