A combined holdback is the total percentage of your daily deposits withdrawn across all active MCA positions. See the full MCA stacking guide for the mechanics, warning signs, and exit strategies if your combined holdback is already unsustainable.
Enter Your Active (or Proposed) Positions
Assumes 22 business days/month. Risk tiers: ≤20% sustainable, 20-35% tight, 35-50% insolvency risk, over 50% rapidly insolvent -- from the published survivability thresholds on the MCA Stacking Guide. Educational estimate only.
Baseline Example: 2 Positions at 15% Each
The default example above, shown as a static table for crawlers and non-JS readers:
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Position 1 / Position 2 holdback | 15% / 15% |
| Combined holdback rate | 30% |
| Daily / monthly withdrawn (22 business days) | $900/day / $19,800/month |
| Monthly deposits / remaining for operations | $66,000 / $46,200 |
| Margin vs. $40,000 fixed costs | +$6,200 |
| Risk assessment | Tight but manageable |
*Risk tiers reflect the published survivability thresholds on the MCA Stacking Guide: combined holdback ≤20% is sustainable, 20-35% is tight but manageable, 35-50% carries insolvency risk, over 50% is rapidly insolvent for most businesses. Educational estimate only, not a guarantee of your specific cash flow outcome.
Already Over the Line? Consolidation, Not Another Advance
If your combined holdback comes back as insolvency risk or rapidly insolvent, taking on another advance is the wrong move -- it compounds the exact problem this calculator is meant to catch. The honest next step is retiring positions, not adding one.
→ See the full 5 exit strategies on the MCA Stacking Guide.
→ Model a consolidated buyout with the MCA Payoff Calculator.
→ Read the full 5-step roadmap: How to Consolidate Multiple MCAs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What combined MCA holdback is sustainable?
A combined holdback under 20% of average daily deposits is generally sustainable for most businesses. 20-35% is tight but often manageable if fixed costs are low relative to revenue. Above 35% carries real insolvency risk, and above 50% is rapidly insolvent for most businesses -- there typically isn't enough left after the daily withdrawal to cover rent, payroll, and suppliers.
How many MCA positions is too many?
No more than two open MCA positions simultaneously is the practical maximum for most businesses, and only if the combined holdback stays under 20-25% of daily deposits. Three or more positions is almost always unsustainable -- at 15% holdback each, three positions consume 45% of every deposit before any operating expense is paid.
What should I do if my combined holdback is already unsustainable?
Taking on another advance is the wrong move at this point. Consolidation (retiring all positions into a single new advance or term loan), a negotiated settlement, or a holdback modification agreement with existing funders are the honest next steps -- see the full exit strategies on the MCA Stacking Guide and the MCA Payoff Calculator.