Healthcare Business Loans: Merchant Cash Advances for Private Clinics — What You Need to Know

Quick answer — do we support MCAs for private clinics?

Yes. UK Business Loans can match private clinics that accept card payments with specialist lenders and brokers who offer merchant cash advances (MCAs). We act as an introducer — not a lender — and our enquiry form is used to find the most suitable providers for businesses seeking finance of approximately £10,000 and above.

If you want a fast, no‑obligation comparison, start with a Free Eligibility Check — Get Quote Now. The enquiry is not an application; it simply helps us match you to lenders who can provide quotes.

Why clinics ask about merchant cash advances

Private clinics often have funding needs that make MCAs attractive:

• Seasonal or fluctuating cashflow — treatments and appointments vary month to month.
• Urgent equipment purchases — lasers, diagnostic kits and other costly kit may be needed quickly.
• Refurbishment, lease deposits or hiring specialist staff to scale services rapidly.

MCAs appeal because repayments are normally taken as a percentage of card takings, so payments fall when card sales fall. If you take a significant proportion of your revenue on cards, an MCA can provide speed and simplicity — but there are trade-offs. Want to see how MCAs compare for your clinic? Get a Free Eligibility Check.

What is a merchant cash advance (MCA)?

An MCA is not a traditional loan. It is a lump‑sum advance repaid by diverting a percentage of your daily or weekly card transactions (or by fixed daily/weekly debits). Pricing is typically expressed as a factor rate or fixed fee rather than an APR.

Simple example (illustrative only): you receive an advance of £25,000 with a factor rate of 1.25. Total repayment = £25,000 × 1.25 = £31,250. If the provider takes 10% of daily card sales, and your monthly card takings average £30,000, the monthly repayment would be about £3,000 — the advance would be repaid in roughly 10–11 months, subject to seasonal variation.

Key points: MCAs are fast and document-light but can be substantially more expensive than traditional bank finance. Always request the full cost breakdown before agreeing.

Compare quick quotes — Get Quote Now

Does UK Business Loans “support” MCAs? Our role explained

UK Business Loans is a specialist introducer that connects your clinic with lenders and brokers who can discuss MCAs and other funding options. We do not underwrite or provide loans, and completing our enquiry form does not create a finance application — it provides the information lenders need to give accurate quotes.

What “support” means in practice:

• We ask for key details (business name, contact, estimated funding amount, average monthly card takings).
• We match you to lenders or brokers with experience in clinic and card‑taking businesses.
• You receive contact from matched providers to compare offers and decide which to proceed with.

Start matching now with a Free Eligibility Check.

Are merchant cash advances right for your private clinic? (Pros & Cons)

Deciding whether an MCA is suitable depends on your clinic’s cashflow, card turnover stability and appetite for cost. Below are common advantages and drawbacks.

Pros

• Very fast access to capital — decisions and funding can be within days.
• Repayments flex with card takings — useful during slow months.
• Accessible if credit history is imperfect but card turnover is strong.
• Minimal paperwork compared with some secured loans.

Cons

• Often higher effective cost than bank loans (factor rates can translate to high APR equivalents).
• Daily/weekly takebacks reduce available cash for payroll, supplies or rent.
• Contracts can include holdbacks, fixed fees, and early repayment or default penalties.
• Some MCA providers use merchant account arrangements that can be complex; ensure you understand the merchant service adjustments and reconciliation process.

Practical considerations for clinics:

• Analyse your average monthly card takings and how seasonal dips would affect repayment.
• Speak to lenders about holdback limits so day-to-day operations aren’t squeezed.
• Compare the total repayment cost and timeline with other funding options before deciding.

Need help weighing options? Get a no‑obligation quote and compare providers who work with clinics.

Safer or cheaper alternatives for clinics

If an MCA looks expensive or risky for your situation, consider alternatives that might be a better fit depending on your needs.

Traditional bank business loans and overdrafts

Lower cost for established businesses that can provide accounts, security or terms. Better for long-term investment rather than short-term spikes.

Asset / equipment finance

Spread the cost of medical equipment over its useful life — often secured against the asset rather than personal guarantees.

Invoice finance / debtor finance

If you invoice insurers, corporate clients or large referrers, invoice finance can unlock cash tied up in unpaid invoices.

Short-term business loans or bridging finance

Can be used for time-limited needs and sometimes cheaper than an MCA if repaid quickly.

Broker-facilitated tailored solutions

Specialist brokers can source hybrid structures or negotiated merchant terms that reduce cost. For sector-specific help, see our broader healthcare business loans page that outlines funding types for clinics.

Compare options side-by-side — Get Quote Now.

How MCA eligibility and underwriting work for private clinics

Eligibility focuses on your card turnover and trading history rather than just a credit score. Typical checks include:

• Average daily and monthly card takings (usually 3–6 months of statements).
• Length of trading and business bank statements.
• Merchant statements or processor reports showing card volumes and chargeback history.
• Director information — some providers will run basic background checks.

Because MCAs are repaid from card income, lenders model repayments against average takings and seasonality. Prepare tidy recent statements to speed a decision.

Start your free eligibility check — it takes about 2 minutes and helps us match you to the right providers.

How our matching process works — quick, secure, no obligation

1. Complete a 2‑minute enquiry form (include estimated funding amount and average monthly card takings).
2. We match you to lenders and brokers experienced with clinics and merchant advance products.
3. Matched providers contact you directly with quotes and terms — usually within hours during business days.
4. You compare offers and proceed directly with your chosen provider; the enquiry is free and there’s no obligation to proceed.

We only share your details with selected partners who can assist your clinic — your data is handled securely. Get Matched With Lenders — Free Eligibility Check

Case study — how an aesthetics clinic used an MCA (anonymised)

A mid‑size aesthetics clinic with strong card sales needed £15,000 quickly to buy a new laser. The clinic’s bank loan application would have taken weeks. After a short enquiry, a broker arranged an MCA: next‑day funding, repayable at 12% of daily card takings, with a total factor rate equivalent to 1.20. The clinic installed the equipment immediately and — as sales grew — repaid early, shortening the effective term. This example is illustrative; your terms will differ.

Important compliance and risk information

We are an introducer and do not lend or provide regulated financial advice. MCAs can be higher‑cost than standard business loans and may not be suitable for every clinic. Before agreeing to any funding:

• Ask for the full cost breakdown (total amount repayable, fee structure and any default charges).
• Confirm how repayments are collected and the impact on daily cashflow.
• Check the provider’s credentials and read the contract carefully; obtain independent advice if you are unsure.

For a quick comparison across multiple providers, Get a Free Eligibility Check.

Frequently asked questions

Can a private medical clinic apply for an MCA?

Yes — clinics that accept card payments and have reliable card turnover are commonly eligible. We only introduce to providers who handle clinic-type businesses and funding requests of around £10,000 and above.

Will enquiring affect my credit score?

No. Submitting an enquiry through UK Business Loans is a preliminary match process and does not affect your credit score. Lenders may carry out checks if you proceed with an application.

How quickly can I get funds?

MCAs can be fast — some providers can fund within 24–72 hours after paperwork is submitted. Timing varies by provider and complexity.

How much does an MCA typically cost?

Costs vary widely. Providers usually quote a factor rate (e.g., 1.15–1.5) or fixed fees. Translate the factor into total repayment to compare options. Always ask for the total repayment figure and an example repayment schedule.

What will UK Business Loans ask for on the form?

We typically ask for: business name, business type (e.g., private clinic), contact name, telephone, email, funding amount required, and average monthly card takings. This helps us match you to the most relevant lenders and brokers.

Ready to compare merchant cash advance and loan options?

If your clinic needs fast capital and you accept card payments, we can match you with lenders or brokers who specialise in clinic funding. Our service is free, secure and no obligation — the enquiry form is used only to make suitable matches.

Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check

Trust & footer notes

• We are an introducer; we do not lend or provide regulated financial advice.
• Our service helps you compare multiple lenders and brokers quickly and confidentially.
• For more information, see our About Us, How It Works and Privacy Policy.

1. Can private clinics apply for a merchant cash advance (MCA)?
Yes — private clinics that accept card payments and have consistent card turnover are commonly eligible and UK Business Loans can introduce you to specialist MCA lenders and brokers.

2. How quickly can my clinic receive MCA funding?
MCAs are one of the fastest funding routes and can often be funded within 24–72 hours after required paperwork is supplied, though timing varies by provider.

3. How much does an MCA typically cost compared with a traditional bank loan?
MCAs are usually more expensive than bank loans and are priced using a factor rate or fixed fee rather than APR, so always request the total repayment figure and an example schedule.

4. Will submitting an enquiry via UK Business Loans affect my credit score?
No — completing our enquiry form is a soft, no‑obligation match process that does not affect your credit score, although lenders may perform checks if you proceed with an application.

5. What information will I need to provide to get matched with lenders?
You’ll typically need basic business and contact details, the funding amount required and average monthly card takings (plus recent statements) to help us match you quickly to relevant lenders.

6. Are MCAs suitable for clinics with seasonal or fluctuating cashflow?
They can be attractive because repayments flex with card takings, but high effective costs and daily/weekly takebacks can reduce available operating cash during slow periods.

7. What safer or cheaper alternatives should clinics consider instead of an MCA?
Consider traditional bank business loans or overdrafts, equipment/asset finance, invoice finance or short-term loans and broker-negotiated solutions, which may offer lower cost or better terms depending on your needs.

8. Do MCA providers typically require security or personal guarantees?
Many MCAs are structured without asset security but can include personal guarantees, merchant account arrangements or holdbacks, so check each provider’s contract carefully.

9. How are MCA repayments collected from card-taking clinics?
Repayments are usually collected as a percentage of daily or weekly card transactions or by fixed debits from your account, so payments fall and rise with card sales.

10. How does UK Business Loans match my clinic with lenders and am I obliged to accept any offer?
We securely share your enquiry with selected, experienced brokers and FCA-regulated lenders to obtain quotes — our service is free and there is no obligation to accept any offer.