Side-by-side guide
Find the funding that fits your business
A merchant cash advance is not the only way to fund a business, and it is not right for every situation. Pick what you need most and see how our options compare side by side.
What do you need most?
Choose an option above to highlight the best match, or scroll down to compare everything.
Side-by-side comparison
| Merchant Cash Advance | Line of Credit | Equipment Financing | Asset-Based Financing | Home Equity Line (HELOC) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| How fast | Offers usually in 1 to 5 hours. Funding usually 24 to 48 hours from application. | Funding usually within 24 to 48 hours. | Usually about 5 business days. | Varies by asset and partner. | Depends on the appraisal and title work. |
| How much | $10,000 to $5,000,000 | Set by the partner lender | Based on the equipment you choose | Based on the value of the asset | (Home value x 0.85) minus existing liens, up to $750,000 |
| Typical term | Typically up to 10 months, sometimes up to 15 (up to 18 through our marketplace program) | Up to 12 months | Up to 10 years | Up to 10 years | Line of credit secured by your home |
| How you pay | Fixed daily or weekly payment | Interest per draw, only on what you borrow | Equipment loan or lease payments | Per the partner agreement | Rate of 8% to 12%, depending on credit |
| Collateral | Not required for our Direct MCA product (a personal guarantee or UCC-1 filing may still apply) | Per the partner | The equipment itself | Assets such as a house, vehicle or boat | Your home |
| Flexibility | One lump sum for any business use | Draw as needed, pay interest only on what you use | Funds the equipment you pick | Lump sum secured by an asset | Initial draw sets the line amount for the life of the line |
| Fees | Factor rate plus fees. In-house fees are typically 5% to 10%. See Transparent Terms. | Per the partner | Per the partner | Per the partner | Origination 1.99% to 4.99% added to the line. Advisory fee of 6% deducted when funds are added. |
| Best for | Fast working capital for inventory, payroll, marketing or an opportunity | Ongoing or uneven cash needs | Buying, replacing, repairing or upgrading equipment | Business owners with valuable assets to pledge | Owners with home equity who want larger, longer-term capital |
| Credit check | Soft credit pull only. Minimum credit score 500. | Varies by partner | Varies by partner | Varies by partner | Rate depends on credit |
| Who provides it | Smart Business Funding (direct) or our marketplace | Our line of credit partners | Our equipment finance partners | Our partners | Our partners |
Not sure which fits? Call 1-866-737-6278 (866-Re-Smart) or try our funding calculator.
Important: This comparison is general information, not an offer or advice. A merchant cash advance is the purchase of future receivables and is not a loan. Line of credit, equipment financing, asset-based financing and HELOC products are provided through third-party partners, and their amounts, terms, rates, fees and timing vary by partner and applicant. All financing is subject to underwriting and approval. Both of our direct and marketplace programs require at least 1 year in business. Smart Business Funding (Collins Cash Inc.), 2420 NE 186th Street, Suite 401, North Miami Beach, FL 33160.
