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Interactive qualification checklist for merchant processors. Use your processing data to screen merchant clients for MCA eligibility before making a referral.

Merchant Processor Referral Program

Merchant Qualification Checklist

Use your processing data to pre-screen merchants before referring. Items marked "From processing data" you can verify without asking the merchant.

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Merchant Processor Partner Resources

Verdict scoring bands out of 13 qualifying checklist items A single bar from 0 to 13 divided into three bands: 0 to 6 confirmed items is Weak Candidate (red), 7 to 10 is Marginal (amber), and 11 to 13 is Strong Candidate (green). Any disqualifier checked overrides the score. 0-6: Weak 7-10: Marginal 11-13: Strong 0 items confirmed 13 / 13 confirmed Any disqualifier checked overrides the score to Disqualified, regardless of band
Processing Volume Signals
Monthly processing volume is $15,000 or more From processing data
Transactions occur daily or near-daily (not just weekly batches) From processing data
6+ months of consistent processing history with your company From processing data
Volume is stable or growing (no sustained 30%+ decline in 90 days) From processing data
Risk Signals
Chargeback rate is under 2% From processing data
No holds, freezes, or rolling reserves on the account From processing data
Account is in good standing, no recent disputes about fees or account terms
Business Fundamentals
Business operates a commercial bank account (not just personal)
Business is legally registered (LLC, corp, or DBA)
Merchant owner appears to be a stable, long-term operator (not a pop-up or seasonal-only)
Opportunity Signals
Merchant mentioned needing equipment, inventory, or working capital
Volume growth suggests expansion opportunity (20%+ increase in 90 days) From processing data
Merchant asked about lower processing fees (cost-conscious = open to financial conversation)
Disqualifiers: Check If Present
Account on hold, frozen, or in collections with your processor DISQUALIFIER
Chargeback rate above 4% DISQUALIFIER
Monthly volume under $4,000 DISQUALIFIER
Active or pending bankruptcy DISQUALIFIER
3 or more existing MCA positions (known) DISQUALIFIER
Checklist item counts by section Bar chart of the 18 total checklist items by section: Processing Volume Signals 4 items, Risk Signals 3 items, Business Fundamentals 3 items, and Opportunity Signals 3 items (all 13 counted toward the qualification score), and Disqualifiers 5 items shown separately in red since checking any one overrides the score. 4 3 3 3 5 Processing Vol. Risk Signals Business Fund. Opportunity Disqualifiers
How to Use This Checklist
Shop assistant holding a card terminal while a customer pays by tapping a phone
You already see the processing volume before anyone applies for anything, which is exactly why this checklist starts with data you already have.

Making the Referral Conversation: A Script for Merchant Processors

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.

Full Merchant Processor Partner Guide →
Shop assistant passing paper bags across a counter to two customers in a boutique
A steady flow of orders like this one is the pattern worth flagging, not a guess about whether the merchant would qualify.

Merchant Looks Qualified?

Register as a partner to get your referral link, then make the introduction.

Get Your Referral Link → See Introduction Scripts

T.A.G. Business Funding

See If Your Business Qualifies

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.

Apply Now → Call 330-238-3003
✓ No obligation ✓ Soft pull to start ✓ Free to apply ✓ Bank declines welcome

500 FICO minimum  ·  $4K-$6K+/month revenue  ·  Funding timing is set by the funding provider after review