MCA Underwriting

In the world of merchant cash advance, everything moves fast. Merchants want capital now, ISOs are submitting files at lightning speed, and funders are racing each other to send approvals first.

But here’s the thing: fast doesn’t always mean smart.

And if you’re the one doing the underwriting, you’ve probably asked yourself this more than once:
Can I move fast and still be accurate—or is something always going to give?

Let’s talk about it.

Why Everyone’s Obsessed with Speed

Let’s be honest—speed wins deals.

If you’re not one of the first to return with an offer, that file’s probably gone. The merchant’s talking to five other companies, and someone else will jump in while you’re still reviewing line 3 of the bank statement.

Funders feel it. Brokers feel it. ISOs feel it. It’s a pressure cooker.

But when everything’s go-go-go, important things get missed. And that’s where things get messy.

What Rushing Gets You

Ever approved a deal that looked solid but defaulted in week 3?

Yeah… probably because something slipped through the cracks. Maybe it was a stack hidden behind weird ACH codes. Maybe the NSF count was higher than you thought. Maybe the merchant was running a seasonal business and had no cash flow in the off-months.

Whatever the reason, it happens. And often, it’s because speed overpowered caution.

So, Is There a Middle Ground?

Here’s the good news: you can move fast without blowing up your portfolio. But it takes intention.

Here’s how smart MCA teams are making it work:

1. Automation Is a Tool—Not the Decision Maker

Look, underwriting software is helpful. It saves time and makes organizing data easier. But it’s just that—a tool.

You still need someone to look at the big picture. Ask questions. Catch weird stuff. Spot inconsistencies. Machines don’t do gut checks.

2. Outsource the Work, Not the Judgment

If your in-house team is buried in files, accuracy is going to take a hit—no matter how good they are. That’s where outsourced underwriting support comes in.

You get the speed of a larger team, without asking your closers to double as analysts. The key is finding a partner who understands the MCA space, not just someone checking boxes.

3. Tier Your Files

Not every deal needs a full 45-minute review. Some renewals or low-risk merchants can move quicker. Others—especially new submissions or tricky bank statements—need more time.

Create levels: quick-check, standard, deep-dive. You’ll still be thorough, but you won’t waste time where you don’t have to.

4. Use a Checklist

Sounds basic, but it works. When you’re moving fast, it’s easy to skip steps. A simple underwriting checklist keeps things consistent.

Things like:

• Checked for stacks?
• Reviewed 90 days of balances?
• Confirmed business type and address?

Simple. Effective.

The Bottom Line

You don’t have to choose between speed or accuracy—you just need the right workflow. Get help where it makes sense. Use tools that support your team, not replace them. And never forget the goal: smart deals, not just fast ones.

At Procizo, we help MCA brokers and funders move faster without compromising quality. Our team knows what to look for—and how to keep the wheels turning without skipping the essentials.

Let’s talk.
👉 procizo.com