Best Equipment Financing in December 2024

Equipment loans and leases can help you get essential equipment and machinery for your business. Financing options may be available for startups and businesses with bad credit.

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By Tara Mastroeni and Jill A. Chafin | Edited by Dawn Daniels | November 27, 2024

National Funding: Best for borrowers who want to lease equipment

$150,000

24 to 60 months

Not disclosed

Pros
  • Low minimum credit score requirement
  • Offers equipment leasing with no down payment or collateral requirements
Cons

Why we picked it

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Not all equipment financing lenders offer equipment leasing, which could make National Funding a good fit for businesses that don’t want to buy their equipment or machinery outright. If you choose to go this route, you could secure a competitive lease contract with its Guaranteed Lowest Payment program. Additionally, their minimum credit score is only 600, making it an option for fair credit borrowers.

How to qualify

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In order to qualify, you’ll need to meet National Funding’s criteria of:

  • Min. credit score: 600
  • Min. time in business: 6 months
  • Min. annual revenue: $250,000

Taycor Financial: Best for startup owners

$5,000,000

12 to 84 months

7.90%

Pros
  • Time in business requirement allows for startups
  • Low minimum credit score requirement
Cons
  • Interest rates may be in the double digits
  • A longer loan term could mean paying more interest over time

Why we picked it

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Taycor Financial is a great option for a startup business loan. You can borrow up to $5,000,000 with commercial equipment financing or explore other finance options, such as a business line of credit or working capital loan.

Taycor Financial also has an equipment leasing program, which provides 100% financing with first and last payments due in advance. However, interest rates can be steep.

How to qualify

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In order to qualify, you’ll need to meet Taycor Financial’s criteria of:

  • Min. credit score: 550
  • Min. time in business: None
  • Min. annual revenue: None

First Citizens Bank Equipment Finance: Best for business owners who need 100% financing

Up to 100% financing

12 to 72+ months

Not disclosed

Pros
  • Can receive funds as fast as one day
  • 100% financing available
Cons
  • No minimum time in business specified
  • Lack of transparency about minimum credit score requirements

Why we picked it

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First Citizens Bank Equipment Finance takes the lead when it comes to fast funding. The initial online application takes just a few minutes, with funds hitting your bank account as quickly as one business day after approval.

In addition to equipment financing, First Citizens Bank offers short-term business loans, long-term business loans, business credit cards, lines of credit and vendor financing.

How to qualify

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First Citizens Bank isn’t very transparent when it comes to disclosing its qualifying requirements. The company chooses not to publish its minimum credit score, annual revenue or time in business criteria.

iBusiness Funding: Best for business owners who want a dedicated account representative

$500,000

6 to 84 months

7.49%

Pros
  • Typically no effect on your personal credit score to apply
  • Low minimum annual revenue requirement ($50,000)
Cons
  • May require collateral
  • Doesn’t offer specific equipment loans

Why we picked it

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Although iBusiness Funding doesn’t offer specific equipment loans, you can borrow up to $500,000 with its business term loan and use the funds for almost any business-related expense — including equipment repairs and purchases. However, you may need to provide collateral to secure a iBusiness Funding loan.

In addition, a dedicated account manager will help guide you through the loan process from start to finish, ensuring you’re on the right track.

How to qualify

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In order to qualify, you’ll need to meet iBusiness Funding’s criteria of:

  • Min. credit score: 640
  • Min. time in business: 2 years
  • Min. annual revenue: $50,000

Bank of America: Best for existing Bank of America account holders

Starting at $25,000 (no published maximum)

Up to 60 months

6.25%

Pros
  • Offers a business rewards program with rate deductions
  • Ideal for in-person support and guidance
Cons
  • Requires $250,000 in annual revenue
  • Lack of transparency about minimum credit score requirements

Why we picked it

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Bank of America offers various financial services, including business lending, business bank accounts, credit cards and merchant services. With 3,800 branches nationwide, Bank of America can be an ideal choice if you prefer in-person support at any stage of your business’s financial journey.

To qualify, you need a minimum of $250,000 in annual revenue. You can also take advantage of rate perks with Bank of America’s Preferred Rewards for Business program. And if you have an existing business account with Bank of America, you may be eligible for a rate discount.

How to qualify

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

  • Min. credit score: Not disclosed
  • Min. time in business: 2 years
  • Min. annual revenue: $250,000

Commercial Fleet Financing: Best for buying commercial vehicles

$1,000,000

36 to 60 months

Not disclosed

Pros
  • Ideal for business owners with commercial transportation needs
  • Quick one-page application process
Cons
  • May require a down payment for borrowers with poor credit
  • Lack of transparency around average interest rates

Why we picked it

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Commercial Fleet Financing (CFF) specializes in commercial transportation equipment, like trucks and trailers. Since its opening in 1995, CFF has funded over $1 billion to business owners nationwide.

The approval process takes around two hours, with time to funding typically within 24 hours. However, CFF doesn’t disclose interest rates in advance, making it hard to compare against other small business lenders.

How to qualify

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

  • Min. credit score: 640 or higher is preferred, though you may be able to get a loan with a credit score under 640 if you provide additional information
  • Min. time in business: Not disclosed
  • Min. annual revenue: Not disclosed

Fora Financial: Best for business owners with bad credit

$1,500,000

4 to 18 months

Factor rates from 1.15 to 1.40

Pros
  • Low minimum credit score requirement
  • Offers prepayment discounts
Cons
  • Charges a 3.00% origination fee
  • Limited funding options

Why we picked it

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Fora Financial offers small business loans between $5,000 and $1,500,000 for any business expense — including equipment repairs, upgrades or leases. Fora Financial is one of our top picks for a bad credit business loan since its credit score requirement goes as low as 570. However, you need a minimum of $20,000 monthly revenue to qualify.

If you want a speedy application process, Fora Financial claims you can get funded within 24 to 48 hours. While other lenders may charge prepayment penalties for business loans, Fora Financial offers a prepayment discount.

How to qualify

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In order to qualify, you’ll need to meet Fora Financial’s criteria of:

  • Min. credit score: 570
  • Min. time in business: 6 months
  • Min. annual revenue: $240,000

SBA 7(a) loan: Best for business owners borrowing a large amount

$5,000,000

120 months

10.75% to 14.25%  14.25% for loans $50,000 or less
13.75% for loans $50,001 to $250,000
12.25% for loans $250,001 to $350,000
10.75% for loans above $350,000
Some lenders may charge lower rates. Based on the current prime rate of 8.00% + a rate maximum set by the SBA.

12.75% to 15.75%  15.75% for loans $25,000 or less
14.75% for loans $25,001 to $50,000
13.75% for loans $50,001 to $250,000
12.75% for loans above $250,000
Some lenders may charge lower rates. Based on the current prime rate of 7.75% + a rate maximum set by the SBA.

Pros
  • Capped interest rates
  • Long repayment terms
Cons
  • Collateral and/or a personal guarantee may be required
  • Potentially longer processing time depending on the lender

Why we picked it

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If you need to purchase or upgrade equipment to keep your business running, an SBA 7(a) loan provides the most significant amount — up to $5,000,000. An SBA 504/CDC loan is another option when looking for a heavy equipment loan. You can use the funds for general equipment and inventory, like computers, restaurant appliances, office furniture, technology systems, medical equipment and more.

The Small Business Administration guarantees a portion of every SBA loan, allowing lenders to offer affordable rates to small business owners. The SBA recommends a FICO Score of 680 or higher to improve your chances of approval.

How to qualify

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In order to qualify, you’ll need to meet the SBA’s criteria of:

  • Min. credit score: Typically 680
  • Min. time in business: Typically 2 years
  • Min. annual revenue: Varies by lender

OnDeck: Best for business owners who need money quickly

$5,000 to $250,000

Up to 24 months

27.30%  This rate reflects the estimated starting APR offered to at least 5% of OnDeck customers. It doesn’t reflect the minimum APR offered by the company.

Pros
  • Same-day funding available
  • Shorter time in business requirement
Cons
  • Doesn’t disclose minimum interest rate
  • Low borrowing cap

Why we picked it

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If you need to finance only a small amount to buy your equipment, OnDeck may be a good option. The company offers short-term business loans of up to $250,000 with the possibility of receiving same-day funding. Plus, OnDeck is transparent about its eligibility requirements, so it’s easy to know if you’ll qualify.

That said, this lender does impose a $100,000 annual revenue requirement, and while that’s lower than some candidates on this list, it may not be a fit for every business.

How to qualify

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

  • Minimum credit score: 625
  • Minimum time in business: 1 year
  • Minimum annual revenue: $100,000

U.S. Bank: Best for business owners who need flexible payment options

$1,000,000

Not disclosed

Starting at 24 months

Pros
  • Flexible payment options (monthly, quarterly or annually)
  • Finance up to 125% of equipment cost
Cons
  • Lack of transparency around loan terms
  • Equipment is used as collateral for the loan

Why we picked it

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U.S. Bank may not be the most transparent lender when it comes to disclosing its loan terms, but for those who can qualify, it offers some unique perks that make it worth considering. For example, borrowers have the option to choose their payment schedule. Also, it allows you to finance up to 125% of your equipment costs in order to cover added fees, like taxes or installation.

Still, you should be aware that your equipment will be used as collateral for the loan. This means that if you’re unable to keep up with your payments, the lender has the right to repossess any equipment that you purchased with the loan funds.

How to qualify

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U.S. Bank chooses not to disclose its annual revenue, credit score or time in business requirements.

What is equipment financing?

Equipment financing is a business term loan that enables companies to purchase equipment needed to operate their businesses — such as computers, vehicles or large machinery.

An equipment loan is a type of asset-based financing, meaning the equipment generally acts as collateral in a secured business loan.

Types of equipment financing

There are a few different types of equipment financing to choose from.

True equipment financing allows you to finance the cost of buying the equipment outright, while equipment leasing allows you to contract to use the equipment for a set period of time. Newer businesses or those with short-term needs may also want to consider renting equipment, which is like a short-term version of leasing, with maintenance costs included in your contract.

Here’s a close look at the similarities and differences between the three:

Equipment financingEquipment leasingRenting equipment
DefinitionThe borrower finances the cost of buying the equipment outrightThe lessee signs a contract that gives them the right to use the equipment for a specified period of time.The renter signs a contract that grants them the right to use the equipment for a period of time, which is usually shorter-term than a lease
Payment termsEquipment loans cover the costs of equipment in exchange for periodic repayments over a specified termThe borrower makes periodic payments to rent equipment over a specified termThe borrower makes regular payments over a specified term that is usually shorter than a lease
OwnershipBorrower owns the equipmentLender owns the equipment but may give the lessee the option to buy it at the end of the lease termLender owns the equipment, and borrower must return it at the end of the rental term
Down paymentTypically requiredNot typically requiredNot required
MaintenanceThe borrower is responsible for any maintenance on the equipmentThe lessee is responsible for any maintenance on the equipmentThe cost of maintenance is typically included in the rental contract.
CostsCosts less in the long termCosts more in the long termHighest cost of all in the long term
DepreciationTypically tax deductibleMay be tax deductible depending on the lease typeTypically tax deductible

Capital lease vs. operating lease

  • A capital lease allows you to rent equipment with the option to buy at the end of the lease term. On the downside, you can’t cancel a capital lease.
  • An operating lease is similar to a conventional rental agreement: You make regular payments but will never own the equipment. However, as the lessee, you can usually cancel the lease with adequate prior notice.

How to get equipment financing

To qualify for equipment financing, lenders will typically look at the following:

  • Personal credit score: Lenders will examine your personal credit score to determine eligibility. Many online lenders, including Commercial Fleet Financing, have minimum credit score requirements in the 600s.
  • Time in business: Some lenders have a minimum time in business requirement of two years, but certain online lenders only require six months or less in operation. For example, Taycor Financial has no minimum time in business requirements.
  • Annual revenue: Traditional banks may require minimum annual revenues, which vary greatly. For example, iBusiness Funding requires $500,000, whereas Bank of America requires $250,000.

Key Info Commonly required equipment financing documents

When applying for equipment financing, the lender may require the following:

  • Equipment quote
  • Recent bank statements
  • Business plan
  • Personal and business tax returns
  • Personal credit score
  • Driver’s license

How to compare equipment financing

It’s important to shop around for equipment financing in order to ensure that you’re securing the best rate and terms available to you. Here’s a look at five factors to consider while weighing your options.

Interest rate: The interest rate you’re given can greatly impact your cost of borrowing and, as a rule of thumb, picking the loan with the lowest interest rate will help you save money. Business loan interest rates can vary greatly between lenders, so be sure to gather loan offers from multiple lenders before making your decision.

Repayment term: Your equipment financing loan offers may come with different repayment terms. In general, longer repayment terms come with lower monthly payment amounts, while shorter repayment terms cost more each month but offer lower interest charges over the life of the loan.

Funding time: Funding times can also vary between lenders. Some lenders offer same-day funding while others can take a few days or weeks to complete a funding request. Do your best to choose a lender whose funding schedule suits your needs.

Additional fees: Some lenders charge extra fees, like origination fees or prepayment penalties. Be sure to read the fine print of your loan agreement so that you’ll be prepared for any fees that come your way.

Loan purpose: Some equipment financing loans come with restrictions on what you can buy with the funds. Check to ensure that the loan you choose is a match for your business type and intended purchase. If not, don’t be afraid to explore other options.

Pros and cons of equipment financing

ProsCons

 Fast funding: Online lenders offer fast equipment loans (typically within two business days).


 Interest rate: Since equipment loans are secure, you’ll benefit from comparatively lower business loan interest rates.


 Fixed payments: You can spread your cost over time with fixed payments.

 Down payments: Equipment loans may require large down payments (typically 20%).


 Extends equipment lifetime: Loan terms increase the life of the equipment, which may become obsolete.


 Lien or personal guarantee: With equipment loans, lenders typically require a lien and personal guarantee in addition to collateral.

How we chose the best equipment financing

We reviewed more than 25 lenders to determine the overall best 10 equipment financing loans. To make our list, lenders must meet the following criteria:

  • Minimum time in business requirement of two years or less
  • Rates and terms: We prioritize lenders with more competitive fixed rates, fewer fees and greater options for repayment terms, loan amounts and APR discounts.
  • Repayment experience: For starters, we consider each lender’s reputation and business practices. We also favor lenders that report to all major credit bureaus, offer reliable customer service and provide any unique perks to customers, like interest rate discounts or flexible repayment schedules.

Best equipment financing summary

Frequently asked questions

An equipment loan is designed to help you purchase or repair machinery and equipment for your business. Additionally, you can use other types of small business loans to finance equipment.

Equipment loans generally require regular payments with accruing interest. Payment plans vary by lender and loan type but can include daily, weekly, monthly, seasonal or deferred options.

No, leasing means you’re renting the equipment. With equipment financing, you are borrowing money to buy the equipment outright instead.

Yes, some equipment lenders only require six months in business to qualify for equipment financing — and some don’t have any time-in-business requirements. This allows startups to finance any necessary equipment within their first year of business.