Working capital finance for SA small businesses.
Capital up front, repaid as a fixed percentage of your daily or monthly revenue until the full amount plus the lender’s fee is settled. Quiet months mean smaller repayments; busy months mean faster payoff. In SA this usually shows up as a merchant cash advance against card turnover, or an advance against total monthly revenue.
Is Revenue-based a fit?
Green flags
- You have steady card or EFT revenue the lender can read in your statements.
- Seasonality makes fixed monthly instalments painful.
- You want the repayment to flex with sales rather than sit on the 1st of each month.
Red flags
- Margins are thin — the slice off every sale hurts more than it helps.
- You’re using it to fund something slow-burning that won’t lift sales soon.
- Total cost (not rate — total cost) is higher than alternatives you qualify for.
Lenders on Frank's revenue-based panel
Merchant Capital
✓ VerifiedRevenue-based funding repaid as a percentage of your daily card sales.
Bridgement
✓ VerifiedShort-term business finance with flexible repayment.
FAQ
What is revenue-based in South Africa?+
Capital up front, repaid as a fixed percentage of your daily or monthly revenue until the full amount plus the lender’s fee is settled. Quiet months mean smaller repayments; busy months mean faster payoff. In SA this usually shows up as a merchant cash advance against card turnover, or an advance against total monthly revenue.
Who does revenue-based typically fit?+
You have steady card or EFT revenue the lender can read in your statements. Seasonality makes fixed monthly instalments painful. You want the repayment to flex with sales rather than sit on the 1st of each month.
How fast can I get revenue-based?+
Speeds vary by lender — anything from same-day to a few weeks. Frank shows you the typical decision time per lender on the panel, and your specific application can go faster or slower depending on the docs you already have in hand.
Do I need to be registered with CIPC?+
Most SA lenders want to see a registered entity (PTY or CC) that's been trading for a minimum period — usually 6-12 months, occasionally less. Sole traders have fewer options, but Frank still shows what's available.
Does Funded by Frank charge a fee?+
No. Frank is free to use for businesses. We earn a referral fee from the lender if your application is successful — that doesn't change the rate or terms you get from them.
Is Funded by Frank a registered FSP?+
No. We're a funding guide — we explain products and introduce you to lenders. We do not provide financial advice as defined by the FAIS Act. Any credit agreement is directly between you and the lender.
Other funding types
Not sure if this is the right fit? Let Frank walk you through it.
Answer a few quick questions about your business and Frank will show the funding shapes that typically fit — with the lenders who offer them.
See your funding options