Key Takeaways
- YES — visa holders with SSN can get MCAs through Bankable
- MCA structure (future revenue purchase) bypasses citizenship requirements embedded in traditional loans
- All visa types (H-1B, DACA, TN, L-1, EAD, TPS) qualify with active business and SSN
- MCAs are especially suited to high-volume daily sales businesses like restaurants and retail
- Factor rates for visa holders identical to citizen-owned businesses at equivalent revenue levels
Can Visa Holders Get a Merchant Cash Advance? addresses a critical segment of the non-citizen business lending market. Bankable serves all SSN-holding non-citizens across this topic area — evaluating businesses based on revenue merit rather than immigration status.
The March 1, 2026 SBA rule change eliminated government-backed lending for all non-citizens. Bankable's revenue-based programs fill this gap with speed (48 hours), scale (up to $5M), and universal non-citizen acceptance. Your SSN and business revenue are all that matter to our underwriting team.
SBA Loans vs. Traditional Banks vs. Bankable
The March 1, 2026 SBA rule change eliminated all non-citizen, non-national applicants from SBA 7(a) and 504 programs. Here is how your options compare:
| Factor | SBA 7(a) (Pre-2026) | Traditional Bank | Bankable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Card Required? | No (changed Mar 1, 2026) | Usually yes | Never |
| Citizenship Required? | Yes (as of Mar 1, 2026) | Sometimes | No |
| SSN Accepted? | N/A (citizenship required) | Rarely alone | Yes — primary requirement |
| Decision Speed | 30-90 days | 30-60 days | 48 hours |
| Max Funding | $5M (if eligible) | Varies | Up to $5M |
| Collateral | Required | Required | Revenue-based, minimal |
| Min. Revenue | Varies | $500K+ | $120K annual |
Qualification at a Glance
- SSN from any legal work authorization: H-1B, DACA, TN, L-1, EAD, TPS, OPT, asylum — all accepted
- Minimum 6 months business history with active revenue deposits
- $10,000+ monthly revenue visible in your business bank statements
- Personal credit score 580+ for standard products
- US business bank account in the business entity's name
Check your Bankability Score today for a personalized funding assessment. 48-hour decision, no green card required. For more on SBA loan alternatives, see our comprehensive comparison guide for non-citizen business owners in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
MCAs are structured as a purchase of future receivables — not a loan. This commercial structure falls outside many of the regulatory frameworks that drive citizenship requirements in bank lending. Private funders like Bankable set their own MCA eligibility criteria based on business performance, not citizenship.
All of them. H-1B, L-1, TN, O-1, E-2, H-4 EAD, F-1 OPT, DACA, TPS, AOS EAD, asylum status — any category that issues an SSN qualifies for Bankable's MCA products.
Typically 100-150% of average monthly revenue. A business processing $40,000/month qualifies for approximately $40,000-$60,000 in an MCA. Higher revenue enables larger advances.