Key Takeaways
- Merchant cash advances (MCAs) are generally accessible to AOS EAD holders — no immigration status restriction
- MCAs are expensive: effective APRs of 40–150% vs Bankable's more competitive revenue-based pricing
- Bankable's revenue-based funding offers similar AOS accessibility and speed as MCAs at significantly better economics
- MCAs are appropriate for genuine short-term emergencies — not for growth capital or recurring working capital
- AOS holders should exhaust Bankable and revenue-based options before resorting to MCA for business needs
Merchant cash advances are often the first product AOS business owners discover when traditional lending is unavailable — and they are accessible to AOS holders because MCA providers evaluate credit card and bank receipt volume, not immigration status. The problem is cost: MCAs carry effective annual percentage rates of 40–150%, compared to Bankable's significantly more favorable revenue-based pricing. For AOS entrepreneurs, understanding when an MCA makes sense — and when Bankable is the better option — is crucial to managing business financing costs.
How MCAs Work for AOS Holders
A merchant cash advance is technically not a loan — it is a purchase of future receivables at a discount. You receive a lump sum today in exchange for a percentage of your future daily sales until the advance plus fees is fully repaid. MCA providers do not report to credit bureaus (positive or negative), do not check immigration status, and can fund in 24–48 hours. The accessibility is real — but so is the cost.
MCA vs Bankable for AOS Holders
| Factor | Merchant Cash Advance | Bankable |
|---|---|---|
| AOS Eligible | Generally YES | YES |
| Decision Time | 24–48 hours | 48 hours |
| Effective Cost | 40–150% APR equivalent | More favorable |
| Max Amount | Usually $500K | $5M |
| Credit Building | No | Business credit reporting |
| Repayment | % of daily card receipts | % of daily revenue |
When to Use Each
MCA: True emergencies where Bankable's 48-hour timeline cannot be met, or for businesses with very high card receipt concentration that makes MCA the most natural fit.
Bankable: Growth capital, working capital, equipment, expansion — any business need where you want the best available terms and credit-building benefits alongside the AOS accessibility.
Check your Bankability Score before signing an MCA agreement. Our SBA 7(a) guide explains what AOS holders lost in March 2026 and why Bankable is now the primary recommended alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Bankable does not differentiate between EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, family-sponsored, diversity visa, or humanitarian AOS categories. A valid EAD and qualifying business revenue are all you need.
At least $25K in average monthly business revenue over 3–6 months of bank statements.
5 minutes to submit. Decisions within 48 hours. Funding within 3–5 business days of approval.
No. Your priority date, visa category, or years in AOS status have no bearing on Bankable's revenue-based decision.
All valid EAD categories including C09 (pending I-485), C35, C36, and others. The specific EAD category does not affect eligibility.
No. Bankable is a private commercial lender and does not share customer information with immigration authorities.
LLCs, C-Corps, partnerships, and sole proprietorships. S-Corps are not eligible for AOS holders.
Nothing changes. Becoming a permanent resident does not affect your Bankable loan terms.