Best Semitruck Financing in July 2025

We compared lenders to find the best options for common commercial trucking needs. For personalized results, get matched from LendingTree's network of 30+ business lenders.

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Bank of America: Best for low starting rates

Starting at $25,000

6.50%

Up to 60 months

Pros
  • Low starting rates
  • Interest rate discounts for Preferred Rewards for Business members
  • Offers in-person support at more than 3,000 branches nationwide
Cons
  • Doesn’t disclose minimum credit score or maximum loan amount
  • Charges an 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 for your truck purchase.

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 your membership tier, and carrying a larger checking account balance can get you moved to a higher tier.

However, you’ll need to be an established business in operation for at least two years with a minimum annual revenue of $250,000 to qualify for the commercial truck financing program.

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 for specialized support

$15,000 to $1,000,000

8.25%

24 to 72 months

Pros
  • Specialized lender with a deep understanding of the trucking industry
  • Offers dealer, auction and private seller support
  • Simple application process with the potential for same-day approval
Cons
  • Doesn’t disclose annual revenue requirements
  • Though the lender advertises 0% down options, down payments may be required for borrowers with lower credit scores

Why we picked it

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If you’re looking for specialized support beyond what a traditional bank can offer, Truck Lenders USA may be one of your best options. With more than 40 years of experience in commercial truck financing, the lender has industry expertise that may benefit your business.

With Truck Lenders USA, dedicated service agents are available throughout your loan term, so you’ll always be able to reach someone who is familiar with your situation. This level of customer service can also be beneficial when you’re first navigating the loan process, with support available to guide buyers, dealers and private sellers through the process from beginning to end.

However, you’ll need to be in business for at least two years with a credit score of 650 or higher to qualify, so startups and bad credit borrowers will need to seek financing elsewhere.

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: 650
  • Minimum time in business: 2 years

Truck Lender USA does not disclose its minimum annual revenue requirements. For more information on how to qualify, contact the lender directly.

CAG Truck Capital: Best for purchasing used trucks

$20,000 to $250,000

8.90% APR

Up to 84 months

Pros
  • Runs extensive background checks on vehicles to ensure top quality
  • Builds engine overhaul options into semitruck financing
  • Has diesel technicians on staff to offer technical guidance and support
Cons
  • Down payments start at 20% and can reach up to 35%
  • Lower maximum loan amounts than other lenders on this list

Why we picked it

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If you’re looking to purchase a used semitruck, CAG Truck Capital may be your best option.

With over 40 years of experience in semitruck financing, CAG Truck Capital works with a variety of borrowers, offering hands-on support and expertise.

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 if you’re a new business owner, allowing you to feel more confident about your 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.

Live Oak Bank: Best for SBA loans

Up to $5,000,000

10.50% to 14.00% 14% for loans $50,000 or less
13.5% for loans $50,001 to $250,000
12% for loans $250,001 to $350,000
10.5% for loans above $350,000
Some borrowers may qualify for lower rates. Based on the current prime rate of 7.50% + a rate maximum set by the SBA.

12.50% to 15.50% 15.5% for loans $25,000 or less
14.5% for loans $25,001 to $50,000
13.5% for loans $50,001 to $250,000
12.5% for loans above $250,000
Some borrowers may qualify for lower rates. Based on the current prime rate of 7.50% + a rate maximum set by the SBA.

Up to 300 months

Pros
  • Offers SBA 7(a), SBA 504 and SBA Express loans
  • Fixed and variable interest rates are capped by the SBA
  • Lengthy loan terms give you up to 300 months to repay your debt
Cons
  • Doesn’t disclose eligibility requirements
  • Slower than other types of semitruck financing
  • You’ll need to contact a loan officer to apply

Why we picked it

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If you’re looking to finance an expensive truck and you’d like to have as much time as possible to pay off your debt, working with an SBA preferred lender like Live Oak Bank might be one of your best options. Live Oak Bank offers multiple types of SBA loans that can be used to purchase commercial trucks, including SBA 7(a), SBA 504 and SBA Express loans.

As the most popular option, SBA 7(a) loans offer up to $5,000,000 in working capital, which can be used to purchase heavy equipment like semitrucks. With lengthy loan terms, you may be given as long as 300 months to repay the loan. However, this option is not ideal for owner-operators looking to move quickly, as even with a preferred lender, SBA loans typically take a couple weeks to fund.

How to qualify

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Live Oak Bank doesn’t disclose the minimum credit score, time in business or annual revenue you’ll need to qualify. Contact the lender directly to find out if your business qualifies for an SBA loan.

U.S. Bank: Best for low upfront costs

Up to $2,500,000

Not disclosed

24 to 60+ months

Pros
  • Additional financing available to cover costs like tax and delivery
  • Flexible repayment options, including monthly, quarterly and annual payments
  • No down payment required
Cons
  • Online applications are only accepted for transactions up to $250,000
  • Doesn’t disclose starting rates or minimum eligibility requirements

Why we picked it

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While other lenders may require a hefty down payment to secure a semitruck loan, U.S. Bank does not, which can be helpful for borrowers looking to save on upfront costs. Plus, the lender offers additional financing — up to 25% of the truck cost — that can be used to cover tax and delivery fees.

With loan amounts reaching up to $2,500,000, U.S. Bank offers significant financial assistance for all your trucking business needs. You can apply online for loans up to $250,000. Anything larger will require 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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U.S. 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 commercial truck financing.

Taycor Financial: Best for startups

$500 to $5,000,000

7.99%

12 to 84 months

Pros
  • Offers 100% equipment financing with no down payment required
  • No tax returns required to apply for loan amounts up to $400,000
  • Also offers equipment leasing options
Cons
  • Charges a documentation fee
  • May require a personal guarantee

Why we picked it

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If your business is new, you might want to consider a semitruck loan from Taycor Financial. The lender sets no specific minimums for annual revenue or time in business, making this an ideal option for startup companies looking to break into the trucking industry. Loan amounts range from $500 to $5,000,000 and there is typically no down payment required.

In addition to semitruck financing, Taycor Financial also offers semitruck leasing options. However, documentation fees may apply for both financing and leasing, which could increase the overall cost of borrowing.

How to qualify

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

  • Minimum credit score: 600
  • Minimum time in business: None
  • Minimum annual revenue: None

Commercial Fleet Financing: Best for fast funding

$10,000 to $1,000,000

Not disclosed

Up to 108 months

Pros
  • Minimal documentation required to apply
  • Fast lending decisions — as quickly as within a few hours
  • Offers fast funding with loan funds available in as little as 24 hours
Cons
  • Doesn’t disclose interest rates, fees or minimum annual revenue requirements
  • May require a down payment, depending on your credit score

Why we picked it

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If you need fast funds, you might be able to get approved for semitruck financing within just a few hours of submitting an 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. However, Commercial Fleet Financing does not disclose its interest rates or fees, so you’ll need to apply to compare loan costs with other lenders.

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 startups and borrowers with fair to bad credit.

How does semitruck 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 is 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 charge origination fees and require a down payment for semitruck loans.

Commercial truck financing vs. leasing

Many lenders offer semitruck financing and leasing. While both options can help you save on the upfront costs of a commercial truck, there are some key differences to be aware of.

For example, while commercial truck financing will result in full ownership of the vehicle, semitruck leasing essentially means paying to use the truck for a certain period of time. The right option for you will depend on several factors, including how the truck fits into your short- and long-term business plans.

To decide whether it makes more sense to purchase or lease a semitruck, consider the following factors:

Semitruck financingSemitruck leasing
DefinitionThe owner-operator finances the cost of buying the commercial truck outrightThe owner-operator signs a contract giving them permission to use the commercial truck for a set period of time
Payment termsSemitruck loans are typically repaid, with interest, in monthly installments over a set termSemitruck leases are usually repaid in weekly or monthly installments over a specified term
OwnershipBorrower owns the semitruckLender owns the semitruck
Down paymentTypically required, though some lenders may offer financing with no money down for creditworthy borrowersNot typically required
CostsHigher upfront costs, but generally costs less over timeLower upfront costs, but generally costs more over time
DepreciationTypically tax deductibleMay be tax deductible depending on the type of lease

Semitruck 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% for borrowers with poor credit. However, there are some lenders that don’t require a down payment at all.
  • 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 more 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. However, signing a personal guarantee also puts your personal assets at risk.
  • 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 startups 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 startups.
  • 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.
  • Direct lenders: These are lenders with extensive expertise in trucking, such as Truck Lenders USA and CAG Truck Capital, that work specifically with semitruck financing. These lenders tend to work with a variety of borrowers, potentially including those with less-than-stellar credit.
  • 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 offer a personal guarantee, along with your new truck, as collateral.

Is it better to finance a new or used semitruck?

Commercial truck financing can be used to purchase new or used semitrucks, but most lenders have specific criteria trucks will need to meet to be eligible for financing. This criteria dictates the age, condition and mileage of trucks that can be financed.

Different lenders may set different criteria, but in general, purchasing a truck that is more than 10 years old with more than 700,000 miles will be difficult. This is because the truck is used as collateral to secure the loan, and older trucks have a higher risk of breaking down.

However, used semitrucks that are only a few years old may be a good investment, especially if they’re in good condition. While newer trucks may come with more advanced features, they also have a higher price tag, costing up to $250,000+ depending on the make and model. By comparison, used semitrucks generally cost $100,000 or less. Used trucks may also be easier to finance for startups and borrowers with bad credit.

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 plus the money you have saved up.

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 eligibility criteria with each lender to understand which products you might qualify for.

If you already have a truck in mind to purchase, you’ll also need to pay attention to commercial truck requirements with each lender. For example, some lenders set specific criteria for the type of truck being purchased, and others only work with a limited list of truck vendors.

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 interest 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 84 months with some lenders extending it even longer.