Understanding Your MCA Agreement: Don’t Get Stuck in the Fine Print

Here’s a breakdown of key elements you should absolutely understand in your MCA agreement:

• Daily or Weekly Payments: Unlike traditional loans with fixed monthly payments, MCAs often deduct repayments directly from your business’s daily or weekly sales. This can be helpful for cash flow, but be sure you understand the frequency and amount of these deductions. Can they fluctuate, and by how much? Let’s use the same $100,000, 1.3 buy rate and 6 month deal.

• Factor Rate: This isn’t an interest rate, but rather a fee disguised as a percentage of the advance. It determines the total cost of your MCA. Ensure you grasp how the factor rate is calculated and the total cost you’ll repay, not just the headline advance amount. The factor rate, typically ranging from 1.2 to 1.5, acts as a multiplier on the advance amount. For example, an advance of $100,000 at a 1.3 buy rate, to be paid off over 6 months means a repayment of $130,000. In fact, if you reverse-engineer the math, paying $30,000 of interest on a $100,000 loan over 6 months would have an APR of 96%. Understanding how these rates translate into actual costs is essential.

• Prepayment Conditions: Can you pay off your MCA early? Some agreements allow prepayment with a prepayment penalty, while others might incentivize it with a discount. Understand your options and any associated fees.

• Reconciliation Clauses: MCA statements can be complex. Reconciliation clauses outline how discrepancies in your debits and the funds advanced are handled. Knowing these can be crucial if you need to renegotiate repayment terms due to lower-than-expected sales.

Remember: An MCA agreement is a legally binding contract. Don’t hesitate to consult a lawyer if specific clauses seem unclear.

By understanding these key elements, you can ensure your MCA agreement works for your business, not against it.

Ready to embark on your own debt-free journey? Contact Coastal Debt Resolve today for your free consultation. There’s hope and financial freedom on the other side.

‍