Merchant cash advance (MCA) applications can move fast, but only if everything is ready to go. Many brokers and business owners think they’ll get quick approvals, but the reality often includes delays. These wait times frustrate clients and stall deals. Whether it’s missing documents or unclear communication with funders, small setbacks can quickly become big issues.

Speeding things up isn’t only about quicker funding. It’s about running a cleaner operation, keeping clients happy, and making each day more efficient. When you cut down the time from submission to funding, you keep your pipeline flowing. It often just takes a few small changes to avoid the usual headaches.

Organize Documentation Efficiently

One of the biggest causes of MCA delays is incomplete or disorganized paperwork. Without the right documents upfront, deals slow down or fall apart. Having a reliable system to collect and organize paperwork can save time and cut out unnecessary back-and-forth.

Here are the standard documents most funders expect:

1. Recent bank statements
2. Credit card processing statements if applicable
3. Business license or proof of registration
4. Government-issued photo ID
5. Voided check or bank verification details
6. Lease agreement or proof of business location
7. Profit and loss statement

To keep this process smooth, set up a shared folder or secure upload link for clients. This gives them one spot to upload everything instead of sending files via email, which often causes confusion. File names should be clear and specific. “ABC Deli Bank Statement Sept 2025” is much more helpful than “bankstatement1.pdf.”

Accuracy is another big factor. If a document is outdated or contains errors, you’ll likely waste time going back to the client or funder. Always double-check names, figures, and dates before submitting. For example, if a bank statement covers only part of the month or a P&L file is missing a major revenue line, the funder might stop the process until it’s corrected.

Being thorough from the start avoids many common issues. Funders know when a file has been put together with care. Submitting that kind of clean, complete application shows professionalism and gets faster responses.

Leverage Technology for Faster Processing

Trying to manage deal submissions through emails and spreadsheets eats up more time than you realize. Manual work leaves room for missteps and small overlookings that slow everything down.

Using an MCA submission platform simplifies the entire workflow. It brings all parts of a deal into one space where nothing slips through the cracks.

Here are a few common benefits:

1. Autofill forms using existing client data
2. Clearly flag missing files or incomplete fields
3. Real-time updates on deal status
4. Automatic reminders for pending actions
5. Instant messaging or file sharing within the system

Automating pieces of your workflow doesn’t mean you’re removing the personal side. It just lets you skip the tasks that don’t need constant attention. With submission systems in place, you’re not stuck chasing emails or trying to remember who sent what. You focus your time on actually closing deals.

Having access to past submissions also saves time. Let’s say a client comes back for more funding months later. If you used the same platform, their info is already stored and easy to update. Instead of starting from scratch, you make a few edits, then move forward.

MCA submission platforms also reduce the risk of human error. When data carries over correctly and submission steps are clearly laid out, you spend less time fixing mistakes and more time moving the deal along.

Communicate Clearly With Funders

One of the most overlooked parts of the process is communication. A slow reply or a missed update can turn a quick deal into a stalled one. Keeping things clear and timely with your funding partner builds trust and shortens turnaround times.

Set a regular cadence, whether that’s a quick end-of-day summary or a few updates a week. It prevents misunderstandings about what’s been submitted or what still needs attention. You don’t have to overdo it, but don’t assume the funder knows what’s happening unless you tell them.

If you’ve sent a document they requested, follow up with the name of the file and the date you sent it. Confirm everything has been received, even when it’s been sent already. These small habits prevent delays and show responsibility.

It’s also smart to keep a log of conversations or notes summarizing calls. This way, if another team member needs to step into the file, they won’t miss a beat. When communication gaps shrink, deals close faster.

Pre-Screen Applicants To Save Time

Not every situation is a good fit for an MCA. Submitting every deal that comes through without a second look may create more problems. A little time spent filtering applicants upfront can prevent a long waiting game on deals that were never strong to begin with.

Here are some helpful questions to ask early:

1. Has the business operated for at least 3 to 6 months?
2. Do monthly deposits meet general funding thresholds?
3. Are recent bank statements full of NSFs or low balances?
4. Are there existing MCAs or other loans open?
5. Does the client have a record of making timely payments on past advances?

If the answers raise concerns, spend extra time helping the client improve their file or wait until their position is stronger. Sending weak applications is a waste of energy for everyone.

Pre-screening also builds stronger relationships. Being honest about their chances shows clients you’re focused on successful outcomes, not just volume. That kind of transparency keeps clients coming back when they’re better suited for funding.

You’ll also protect your pipeline. Submitting deals that are more likely to fund means fewer declines, less time patching broken submissions, and a better reputation as a broker who delivers clean files.

Building Momentum With Better Processes

Speed doesn’t have to mean rushing. Well-organized files, thoughtful pre-checks, steady communication, and tech tools all come together to help brokers move faster in a smart way. Most delays aren’t big roadblocks. They’re small road bumps that, if ignored, build up and slow everything down.

Clean files submitted the right way from the beginning keep deals from getting stuck. Spending a little more time upfront pays off later when you don’t have to go back and fix things. Shield yourself from repeat mistakes by improving your process one step at a time.

This approach means fewer surprises. If your team knows what to expect and what to look for, clients get clearer timelines and funders get cleaner files. By taking charge of your MCA submission process now, you set yourself up for faster closes and lighter workloads down the road.

Streamline your MCA application process today with TMR Now’s MCA submission platform. Our comprehensive system is designed to help brokers seamlessly organize and submit flawless files, drastically reducing delays and enhancing efficiency. 

Empower your business operations by implementing effective processes that not only save time but also improve your funding outcomes. Let TMR Now assist you in achieving faster approval speeds and boosting overall productivity.