126% APR? Unmasking the True Cost of Merchant Cash Advances

The Silent Killer: Why Fast Cash From an MCA Can Cripple Your Business

Many small business owners run into a cash flow gap and need capital now. In a hurry, they often turn to the fastest-appearing solution: the Merchant Cash Advance (MCA). These offers look straightforward, but they harbor a crippling secret.

At Mak Global Corp, we often see customers caught in this cycle. We want to be clear: an MCA is not a traditional loan. It’s an advance against your future sales. While it provides quick money, the way its cost is calculated is designed to mask an astonishingly high Annual Percentage Rate (APR).

1. The Hidden Math: How a Factor Rate Becomes 126% APR

When you take an MCA, you are given a “factor rate,” not an interest rate. This is usually presented as a decimal, like 1.25. If you borrow $20,000 with a 1.25 factor rate, you owe $25,000$back. Simple, right?

The trap lies in the repayment speed. Because MCAs demand daily or weekly payments, the effective cost skyrockets.

The Reality Check: We recently reviewed a contract where the factor rate worked out to a Nominal Annual Rate of 126.6%. This is not an exaggeration—it’s the true cost when you factor in the short, rigid repayment term. That cash meant to help your business immediately becomes a massive liability.

Key Takeaway: If a lender uses a factor rate and demands daily/weekly payments, you are highly likely entering a high-interest trap.

Gemini generated image gd6x5fgd6x5fgd6x

2. The Death Cycle: Draining Your Cash Flow Day by Day

The high true interest rate is only half the problem; the repayment schedule is the other. Traditional equipment loans offer monthly payments that align with your cash flow cycle. MCAs demand daily or weekly withdrawals from your bank account.

This creates a self-fulfilling negative cycle:

  • Cash Flow Crunch: Consistent daily withdrawals make it impossible to build up a healthy cash reserve. Every payment forces you back into a shortage.
  • No Flexibility: Payments are usually fixed, regardless of whether you had a slow week or a boom week. If sales dip, the payment still comes out, putting you at risk of default or overdrafts.
  • The Second MCA: When cash runs low, the only option seems to be taking out another MCA (called “stacking”) just to cover the payments of the first one. This is the death cycle that permanently cripples a small business.
Gemini generated image uip8f6uip8f6uip8

3. The Smarter Path: Transparent Financing Built for Growth

At Mak Global Corp, we believe your financing should be a tool for expansion, not an obstacle to survival. That’s why our slogan is: Beyond Your Bank.

We focus on transparent, fixed-term financing designed to match the lifespan and earning potential of your equipment.

Why Transparent Financing Wins:

FeatureMerchant Cash Advance (MCA)Mak Global Corp Financing
CostFactor Rate (often >100% APR)Simple, fixed-rate term loan
Payment ScheduleDaily or Weekly WithdrawalsPredictable Monthly Payments
Impact on BusinessCripples Cash Flow; Forces StackingSupports Growth; Builds Equity & Credit

If you are considering an MCA or have one right now, stop. Please talk to a reputable lender before you sign anything. Whether you choose us or a transparent alternative, do not pay 126% interest.

Gemini generated image gz6e8hgz6e8hgz6e

Final Thoughts: Choose Partnership, Not Predation

You work too hard to let hidden interest rates erode your profits. Smart, strategic financing is available, and it’s the only way to fund your future without risking your foundation.

Talk with our team today about an option that is transparent, flexible, and built to help your business—not drain it.

👉 Apply now or talk with our team today. Smarter growth is waiting.

Disclaimer: All financing is subject to credit approval and other underwriting requirements. Terms, conditions, and eligibility criteria may vary and are subject to change without notice. Mak Global Corp does not guarantee approvals or specific timelines. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, legal, or tax advice.

Previous Blogs

Ready to secure the equipment you need?

Whether you’re expanding operations or tackling a major project, our flexible financing solutions are designed to meet your needs. Let’s work together to make your goals a reality.