Best Semitruck Financing in December 2024

The best commercial truck financing can fund your business with high borrowing amounts and low interest rates.

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Bank of America: Best semitruck financing for low starting rates

Starting at $25,000

6.25%

Up to 60 months

Pros
  • Online application
  • Interest rate discounts for Preferred Rewards for Business members
  • Funds are typically available within 10 business days
Cons
  • Not transparent about credit score requirement or maximum loan amount
  • Origination fee of 0.50%

Why we picked it

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Bank of America already offers a low starting interest rate for semitruck financing, but with the additional discount of 0.25% to 0.75% offered through the free Preferred Rewards for Business program, you may be able to secure an even more favorable rate as long as you’re enrolled in the program when you apply for a loan.

To be a Preferred Rewards member, you’ll need to have a business checking account with Bank of America. The rate discount you get is based on what tier of membership you have – carrying a larger checking account balance can get you moved to a higher tier.

How to qualify

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In order to qualify, you’ll need to meet Bank of America’s criteria of:

  • Minimum time in business: 2 years
  • Minimum annual revenue: $250,000

Bank of America doesn’t disclose the minimum credit score you’ll need to qualify. Apply online or contact the lender directly to find out if your business qualifies for a loan.

Truck Lenders USA: Best semitruck financing for fair credit

$15,000 to $1,000,000

8.25%

24 to 60 months

Pros
  • Short application with same day approval for some loans
  • Only first page of the last three months of bank statements are needed to apply for up to $125,000
Cons
  • Down payments and 10% to 15% residuals may be required
  • May need to provide additional information for loans larger than $125,000

Why we picked it

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Applicants with fair credit can be approved for semitruck financing with Truck Lenders USA. The application process can be short and only requires the first page of the last three months of your bank statements.

However, borrowers looking to get more than $125,000 may need to provide additional information about their financial history to be considered for a loan. Truck Lenders USA’s website is unclear about the loan requirements for loans above the $125,000 threshold.

How to qualify

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In order to qualify, you’ll need to meet Truck Lenders USA’s criteria of:

  • Minimum credit score: 675
  • Minimum time in business: 2 years

While Truck Lenders USA also requires an active bank account in your personal or business name, it does not disclose its minimum annual revenue requirements. For more information on how to qualify, contact the lender directly.

CAG Truck Capital: Best semitruck financing for start-ups

$20,000 to $250,000

8.90% APR

Up to 84 months

Pros
  • Financing available for start-ups
  • Offers engine overhaul financing loans and engine overhaul options built into purchase loans
  • Has diesel technicians on staff
Cons
  • Down payments start at 20% and can reach up to 35%
  • Higher interest rate than others on the list

Why we picked it

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With over 40 years of experience in semitruck financing, CAG Truck Capital works with a variety of borrowers, including start-ups, those with bad credit and even applicants who have gone through bankruptcy.

Although these loans can come with down payments as high as 35%, this extra investment can come in handy should you need to finance the overhaul of your engine down the road. If your engine fails, CAG Truck Capital will use your down payment to finance the overhaul with the service company, allowing you to keep your monthly payments the same.

Plus, CAG has diesel technicians on staff who can look at your truck, its engine history and warranty before underwriting the loan. This may be particularly beneficial for new business owners, allowing them to feel more confident about their commercial truck purchase.

How to qualify

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CAG Truck Capital is a specialty direct lender that offers more flexible loan requirements than traditional lenders. Minimum credit score, time in business and annual revenue requirements do not apply, though borrowers will need to be prepared to pay a down payment to secure their funds.

First Capital Business Finance: Best semitruck financing for bad credit

$5,000 and $2,000,000

Not disclosed

24 to 60 months

Pros
  • Approval as quickly as within 24 hours
  • Borrowers with bankruptcies can be approved
  • No-money-down financing options
Cons
  • Most financing options require 1 to 2 months payments due at closing
  • Must complete application over the phone

Why we picked it

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First Capital Business Finance has a wide selection of commercial and semitruck financing programs, including options designed specifically for new businesses that haven’t been operating long enough to build credit and business owners with poor credit.

But your business history, credit score and finances will affect how much of a down payment you’ll need. They have lower down payment options available for credit scores above 540, but if you have a prior bankruptcy or a score below 540, you may need up to 50% down.

How to qualify

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In order to qualify, you’ll need to meet First Capital Business Finance’s criteria of:

  • Minimum credit score: None (with a large down payment)
  • Minimum time in business: 6 months

Although the lender’s website does not disclose the annual revenue needed for loan approval, it specifically states that demonstrating consistent monthly revenue will be crucial during the application process, especially for new businesses. For more information on how to qualify, contact the lender directly.

US Bank: Best semitruck financing for no down payment

Up to $1,000,000

Not disclosed

24 to 60+ months

Pros
  • 125% financing available to cover costs like tax and delivery
  • Flexible payment options
  • No down payment required
Cons
  • Application-only process can only be used for transactions up to $200,000
  • Eligibility requirements are not clearly stated on the website

Why we picked it

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While other lenders may require a hefty down payment to secure a loan, US Bank does not, helping borrowers save on upfront costs. Plus, with loan amounts reaching up to $1,000,000, you can get significant financial assistance for all your trucking business needs.

You can use US Bank’s application-only process, which is an online application that requires little financial information from the borrower, as long as you borrow no more than $200,000. Anything larger requires a more extensive application that is not available online, so you’ll need to contact the lender directly to apply.

How to qualify

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US Bank doesn’t disclose minimum credit score, time in business or annual revenue requirements. Apply online or contact the lender directly to determine if your business qualifies for equipment financing.

Truist: Best semitruck financing for multiple funding options

Up to $250,000

Not disclosed

Up to 84 months

Pros
  • Lengthy repayment terms available
  • 110% financing available to cover costs like taxes and delivery
Cons
  • Limited visibility into loan qualification requirements

Why we picked it

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By offering small business auto loans, commercial vehicle loans and equipment loans, Truist provides multiple funding options to borrowers. Plus, term lengths can go as long as 84 months, giving you more time to repay your loan. However, it’s worth noting that longer repayment terms can lead to paying more in interest overtime.

How to qualify

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Truist does not publicly share the specific requirements for loan eligibility, including minimum credit score, time in business or annual revenue requirements. To find out if your business qualifies, apply online or contact the lender directly.

Commercial Fleet Financing: Best semitruck financing for fast funding

$10,000 to $1,000,000

Not disclosed

60 months

Pros
  • Fast approval, as quickly as within 2 hours
  • Fast funding in as little as 24 hours
  • Don’t need excellent credit for approval
Cons
  • Interest rates and minimum annual revenue requirements are not disclosed online
  • May require a down payment

Why we picked it

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Looking for fast funds? Borrowers may be able to get approved for semitruck financing within two hours of submitting a one-page application to Commercial Fleet Financing, with some borrowers receiving their funds within 24 hours of loan approval.

This is an impressively quick turnaround time compared to traditional lenders, who may take more than a week to process and disperse funds.

How to qualify

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In order to qualify, you’ll need to meet Commercial Fleet Financing’s criteria of:

  • Minimum credit score: 640
  • Minimum time in business: 2 years

You’ll also need to meet the company’s annual revenue requirements, which are not publicly available. Apply online or contact Commercial Fleet Financing directly to find out if you qualify for financing.

What is a commercial truck loan?

A commercial truck loan, also referred to as semitruck financing, is a loan borrowers use to purchase a commercial truck.

A commercial truck loan is similar to equipment financing, allowing you to break up the cost of the truck over regular installments to be paid back over time. Since it’s a form of asset-based financing, the truck will act as collateral if you default on the loan.

Banks, direct lenders and online lenders can offer commercial truck loans, with some willing to work with start-ups and borrowers with fair to bad credit.

How does semi-truck financing work?

Semi-truck financing is similar to a small business term loan. Borrowers receive a lump sum of money upfront to help pay for a commercial truck. A repayment term, usually ranging from 24 to 60 months, will be determined with fixed payments that include interest and principal. Payments are typically made monthly, but some lenders are more flexible.

Similar to a personal auto loan or a business equipment loan, commercial truck financing uses the vehicle as collateral to secure the loan. If you fail to pay the loan, the lender could repossess your commercial truck.

Some lenders can charge origination fees and require a down payment for semitruck loans.

Semi-truck financing requirements

Requirements for semitruck financing will vary by lender. However, there are certain criteria you’ll want to aim for when applying.

  • Down payment: The most common down payment requirement for financing is 20% but it can be higher, often reaching up to 30% or 40%. However, there are some lenders that don’t require a down payment.
  • Credit score: Lenders typically like to see a credit score at least in the high 600s, but some may approve a loan with poor credit as low as 500. Higher credit scores usually come with better rates and flexible terms.
  • Personal guarantee: Borrowers with a personal guarantee are personally responsible for their debt if the loan should default. If you’re willing to sign a personal guarantee, lenders might look at your application more favorably, especially if you don’t have a solid business credit history.
  • Time in business: Many lenders have minimum requirements for how long you’ve been in business. Most require at least two years, but others who work with start-ups may only require six months or less of business history.

Lenders that offer semitruck financing may also have specific requirements about the truck being purchased, including its condition, age and mileage.

Types of commercial truck loans: Banks vs. direct lenders vs. online lenders

Borrowers can get commercial truck loans from several different types of lenders. Here are the most common sources for semitruck financing:

  • Banks: As the most traditional financing option, bank loans tend to come with lower interest rates but higher eligibility standards that include an excellent credit score and high annual revenue. Banks also tend to lend to established businesses more often than start-ups.
  • Direct lenders: These are lenders with extensive expertise in trucking, such as CAG Truck Capital, that work specifically with semitruck financing. These lenders tend to work with a variety of borrowers, including those with less-than-stellar credit.
  • Online lenders: In contrast to banks, online lenders tend to be more lenient with eligibility requirements and provide fast approval and funding. However, these types of lenders can also come with higher interest rates and shorter repayment periods.
  • SBA lenders: You may be able to use SBA loans for commercial trucks. These working capital loans can come with longer terms and capped interest rates, but you’ll likely need a high credit score to be approved. Plus, you may need to use existing equipment, along with your new truck, as collateral.

How to finance a semitruck

Borrowers looking for a semitruck financing solution can follow a few simple steps to get started.

1. Find a truck.

Financing a semitruck begins with finding a commercial truck to purchase. Once you know the cost of the vehicle, you can determine what you can afford by estimating your projected profits, then look for lenders who can help with financing.

2. Plan for a down payment.

While some lenders may require a down payment, others may not. However, even if it is not required, a down payment could make you look more attractive to lenders if you have less than excellent credit. A down payment can also lower your monthly payments and shorten the loan’s repayment term.

3. Compare lenders and apply.

When shopping for lenders, it’s important to compare rates, terms and loan amounts. You’ll also want to learn about the qualification requirements with each lender to understand which products you might be eligible for.

Once you find a lender, you’ll need to gather certain documents to apply, which can include bank statements, a bill of sale of the truck and your commercial driver’s license.

How we chose our picks

We reviewed more than a dozen lenders to determine the best commercial truck financing options. To make our list, lenders had to meet the following criteria:

  • Rates and terms: We prioritized lenders with competitive rates, flexible loan amounts and terms lasting a minimum of 12 months.
  • Repayment experience: We considered each lender’s reputation and business practices, favoring lenders that report to all major credit bureaus and offer reliable customer service.
  • Other perks and features: We gave additional points to banks, lenders and alternative providers offering unique perks that provide additional value to borrowers, such as quick turnaround times, financing for engine overhauls and more.

Frequently asked questions

Lenders typically favor borrowers with a credit score of at least 640. However, some lenders provide semitruck financing to borrowers with bad credit, though rates may be higher and the loan might come with a hefty down payment.

Leasing a semitruck may be a good option if you don’t have a lot of money to put down and don’t want to wait too long for a loan to be approved.

In contrast, financing may require a down payment, but you will be the owner of the truck rather than leasing it. You’ll also likely make monthly payments with a loan rather than weekly installments during your lease.

The repayment term will depend on the lender and your financial history. Typically, semitruck financing can have a repayment term of up to 60 months with some lenders extending it even longer.