Declined primarily for insufficient collateral, not cash flow or payment history problems
Declined because business is under 2 years old, but meets MCA minimum of 6-12 months
Declined because loan amount was below bank minimum, and MCA starts at $15,000
Declined for thin credit file, not derogatory credit history
Business fundamentals are the first thing worth checking before referring a client, the same way a good counter conversation surfaces the basics.
Business Fundamentals
US-based, legally operating business with a verifiable physical address
$15,000 or more per month in business bank deposits (not personal account)
Business has been actively depositing into bank account for 6+ months
Has a specific, legitimate use for the funds: equipment, inventory, payroll, expansion
Cash Flow Health
Fewer than 3 NSFs in any single recent month (you have visibility into this from the application)
Deposits occur 3+ times per week, not one large monthly direct deposit
Average daily balance positive, not consistently running near zero or negative
No active wage garnishments, IRS levies, or court-ordered holds on the account
Existing Obligations
0 or 1 existing MCA positions currently deducting from the account
Existing MCA payments (if any) represent less than 20% of monthly deposits
Checking the disqualifiers last means the client has already cleared the fundamentals worth referring in the first place.
Disqualifiers: Check These Last
If any apply, do not refer at this time.
Declined for suspected fraud or documentation falsification
Active bankruptcy (Chapter 7 or 11)
3+ existing MCA positions currently deducting daily
Revenue has declined 30%+ in the last 90 days with no explainable reason
0 / 14
Qualification items confirmed
Complete the checklist to see your recommendation.
How to Use This Checklist
Making the Referral Conversation: A Script for Bankers
Once you've identified a client who scores positively on the checklist above, here's how to introduce the conversation naturally:
Opening (warm, not salesy)
"I was reviewing your situation and noticed that you're in a position where a working capital solution might help you [grow / bridge the gap / stabilize cash flow]. I partner with a business funding company, T.A.G. Business Funding, and they specialize in fast capital for businesses like yours. Would it be OK if I had them reach out?"
If they ask about cost
"It's more expensive than a bank loan, but T.A.G. works with businesses that can't get bank approval, and they're transparent about the full cost upfront before you sign anything. There's no obligation just to see what you qualify for."
If they say they don't need capital right now
"That's fine, it's good to know what you qualify for before you need it. Most business owners wish they'd applied before a crisis rather than during one. I can have T.A.G. do a soft pre-qualification with no impact to your credit if you want to know your options."
Disclosure Reminder
You receive a referral fee when T.A.G. funds your client. Best practice is to disclose this relationship when making the introduction: "I should mention, I have a referral partnership with T.A.G. and receive a commission if they fund your business. That said, I only refer clients I believe are a genuine fit." Transparency builds trust and protects you from any regulatory concerns.
500 FICO minimum. Bank declines OK. Revenue matters more than credit score. The funding provider sets the actual decision timeline after reviewing a complete file.
