Best Equipment Financing
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.
Best Equipment Financing
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.
What is equipment financing?
An equipment loan is a type of asset-based financing, meaning the equipment generally acts as collateral in a secured business loan.
โ๏ธ What Is Equipment Financing?
Equipment financing is a type of business loan designed specifically to help companies purchase essential equipment โ from laptops and office tech to trucks, manufacturing tools, or heavy machinery.
Instead of paying the full cost upfront, you get the equipment now and repay over time โ while it powers your business forward.
Whether youโre replacing outdated gear or expanding operations, equipment financing keeps your business moving without draining your cash flow.
Types of equipment financing
๐งฐ Equipment Financing vs. Leasing
Hereโs a close look at the similarities and differences between the three:
๐ก Feature
๐ Definition
๐ธ Payment Terms
๐ฆ Ownership
๐ฐ Down Payment
๐ ๏ธ Maintenance Responsibility
๐ Long-Term Cost
๐ณ Equipment Financing
You borrow funds to buy the equipment outright.
Fixed monthly payments over a term
โ You own the equipment once fully paid.
Typically required (10โ20%).
You handle all maintenance and repairs.
๐ฒ Lowest overall cost (you own the asset).
๐ค Equipment Leasing
You lease equipment for a fixed term.
Monthly lease payments over a set term.
โ Lender retains ownership
Usually not required.
Lessee is responsible unless otherwise stated.
๐ฒ๐ฒ Higher than financing due to interest and fees.
๐ ๏ธ How to Qualify for Equipment Financing
Getting approved for equipment financing is often easier than you think โ especially when the equipment itself serves as collateral. Still, lenders will review a few key factors:
๐น Personal Credit Score
Your credit history helps lenders assess your reliability. Many online lenders accept scores in the low 600s โ and some offer flexible terms for lower scores.
๐น Time in Business
The longer youโve been operating, the stronger your application. But donโt worry โ some lenders approve businesses with no minimum time requirement, while others may ask for 6 to 24 months in operation.
๐น Annual Revenue
Your business revenue helps determine how much you can afford to borrow. Requirements vary:
ย Some lenders can do: as low as $50,000/year
Some of them: up to $250,000/year
๐ก Tip: Online lenders often offer more flexible requirements than traditional banks โ and a faster approval process.
๐ Common Documents Needed for Equipment Financing
Before you hit submit on your equipment financing application, make sure you have these essentials ready โ most lenders will ask for them:
๐งพ Equipment Quote
A formal quote or invoice from the vendor showing what you plan to purchase.
๐ฆ Recent Bank Statements
Typically at least the last 3 month to show cash flow and financial stability.
๐ Sketch of business plan
Especially important for startups โ outlines how the equipment supports business growth.
๐ย Some lenders may request additionally tax returns (if applicable) Tax Returns
โ
Personal
โ
Business
Usually required for the last 1โ2 years to verify income and performance.
๐ณ Credit Score
Lenders will check your personal credit score to assess creditworthiness.
๐ชช Driverโs License or Government ID
To verify your identity and ownership.
๐ก Tip: Having all these documents ready upfront can speed up approval and increase your chances of getting funded fast.
๐ ๏ธ How We Chose the Best Equipment Financing
We analyzed over 25 lenders and selected the top 10 based on the following criteria:
๐ ๐ Competitive Rates & Terms
We prioritized lenders with low fixed rates, minimal fees, flexible repayment terms, and APR discounts.
๐ ๐ Time in Business Requirement
We included lenders that accept businesses with as little as two years or less in operation.
๐ค ๐ Customer Experience
We favored lenders known for: Transparent practices,ย Reporting to major credit bureaus,ย Strong customer support,Perks like early payoff discounts or flexible schedules.
๐ณ ๐ผ Loan Variety
Lenders offering diverse financing options, tailored to different industries and equipment types, ranked higher.
๐ Best Equipment Financing Options at a Glance
๐ข National Funding
Best for: Equipment leasing options
๐ Commercial Fleet Financing
Best for: Commercial vehicle equipment financing
๐ Taycor Financial
Best for: Startup-friendly equipment financing
๐ฏ First Citizens Bank Equipment Finance
Best for: 100% equipment financing availability
๐ค iBusiness Funding
Best for: Top-rated customer service
๐ Fora Financial
Best for: Borrowers with bad credit
๐๏ธ SBA 7(a) Loan
Best for: Large loan amounts for heavy equipment
โก OnDeck
Best for: Fast funding โ approvals in as little as 24 hours