Senior Writer & Content Strategist | Small business, business banking, business loans
Randa Kriss is a senior writer and NerdWallet authority on small business. She has nearly a decade of experience in digital content. Prior to joining NerdWallet in 2020, Randa worked as a writer at Fundera, covering a wide variety of small-business topics and specializing in the lending and banking spaces. Her work has been featured by The Washington Post, The Associated Press and Nasdaq, among others. Randa earned a bachelor's degree in English and Spanish at Iona University (formerly Iona College).
Senior Writer & Content Strategist | Small business, business banking, business loans
Randa Kriss is a senior writer and NerdWallet authority on small business. She has nearly a decade of experience in digital content. Prior to joining NerdWallet in 2020, Randa worked as a writer at Fundera, covering a wide variety of small-business topics and specializing in the lending and banking spaces. Her work has been featured by The Washington Post, The Associated Press and Nasdaq, among others. Randa earned a bachelor's degree in English and Spanish at Iona University (formerly Iona College).
Sally Lauckner has over a decade of experience in print and online journalism. Before joining NerdWallet, Sally was the editorial director at Fundera, where she built and led a team focused on small-business content. Her prior experience includes two years as a senior editor at SmartAsset, where she edited a wide range of personal finance content, and five years at the AOL Huffington Post Media Group, where she held a variety of editorial roles. She has a master's in journalism from New York University and a bachelor's in English and history from Columbia University. Email: slauckner@nerdwallet.com.
Sally Lauckner has over a decade of experience in print and online journalism. Before joining NerdWallet, Sally was the editorial director at Fundera, where she built and led a team focused on small-business content. Her prior experience includes two years as a senior editor at SmartAsset, where she edited a wide range of personal finance content, and five years at the AOL Huffington Post Media Group, where she held a variety of editorial roles. She has a master's in journalism from New York University and a bachelor's in English and history from Columbia University. Email: slauckner@nerdwallet.com.
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which products we review and write about (and where those products
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Senior Writer & Content Strategist | Small business, business banking, business loans
Randa Kriss is a senior writer and NerdWallet authority on small business. She has nearly a decade of experience in digital content. Prior to joining NerdWallet in 2020, Randa worked as a writer at Fundera, covering a wide variety of small-business topics and specializing in the lending and banking spaces. Her work has been featured by The Washington Post, The Associated Press and Nasdaq, among others. Randa earned a bachelor's degree in English and Spanish at Iona University (formerly Iona College).
Senior Writer & Content Strategist | Small business, business banking, business loans
Randa Kriss is a senior writer and NerdWallet authority on small business. She has nearly a decade of experience in digital content. Prior to joining NerdWallet in 2020, Randa worked as a writer at Fundera, covering a wide variety of small-business topics and specializing in the lending and banking spaces. Her work has been featured by The Washington Post, The Associated Press and Nasdaq, among others. Randa earned a bachelor's degree in English and Spanish at Iona University (formerly Iona College).
Sally Lauckner has over a decade of experience in print and online journalism. Before joining NerdWallet, Sally was the editorial director at Fundera, where she built and led a team focused on small-business content. Her prior experience includes two years as a senior editor at SmartAsset, where she edited a wide range of personal finance content, and five years at the AOL Huffington Post Media Group, where she held a variety of editorial roles. She has a master's in journalism from New York University and a bachelor's in English and history from Columbia University. Email: slauckner@nerdwallet.com.
Sally Lauckner has over a decade of experience in print and online journalism. Before joining NerdWallet, Sally was the editorial director at Fundera, where she built and led a team focused on small-business content. Her prior experience includes two years as a senior editor at SmartAsset, where she edited a wide range of personal finance content, and five years at the AOL Huffington Post Media Group, where she held a variety of editorial roles. She has a master's in journalism from New York University and a bachelor's in English and history from Columbia University. Email: slauckner@nerdwallet.com.
NerdWallet's content is
fact-checked for accuracy, timeliness, and relevance by humans.
It undergoes a thorough review process involving writers and editors to ensure
the information is as clear and complete as possible. Learn more by checking
our
Editorial Guidelines.
Content was accurate at the time of publication.
Why trust NerdWallet
250+ small-business products reviewed and rated by our team of experts.
80+ years of combined experience covering small business and personal finance.
50+ categories of the best business loan selections.
NerdWallet's small-business loans content, including ratings, recommendations and reviews, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in business lending. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, The Washington Post, MarketWatch, Nasdaq, Entrepreneur, ABC News, MSN and other national and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity to ensure accuracy and fairness in our coverage.
Advertiser disclosure
You’re our first priority.
Every time.
We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with
confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or
financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance
we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are
objective, independent, straightforward — and free.
So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence
which products we review and write about (and where those products
appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or
advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our
partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products
or services. Here is a list of our partners .
Equipment leasing is available from banks, alternative and direct lenders, as well as commercial vendors. The top leasing companies can offer competitive rates and terms, industry expertise and transparent lease agreements.
The right option for your business will vary based on the type of equipment lease you’re looking for and your qualifications, among other factors.
Here are our picks for equipment leasing companies, as well as tips to help you choose the best provider for your needs.
Why trust NerdWallet
250+ small-business products reviewed and rated by our team of experts.
80+ years of combined experience covering small business and personal finance.
50+ categories of the best business loan selections.
NerdWallet's small-business loans content, including ratings, recommendations and reviews, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in business lending. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, The Washington Post, MarketWatch, Nasdaq, Entrepreneur, ABC News, MSN and other national and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity to ensure accuracy and fairness in our coverage.
How much do you need?
We’ll start with a brief questionnaire to better understand the unique needs of your business.
Once we uncover your personalized matches, our team will consult you on the process moving forward.
Offers loans to startups and borrowers with bad credit.
No collateral or down payment required.
Cons
Charges a factor rate that makes it more difficult to compare costs with other lenders.
Requires higher annual revenue than other online lenders.
Misleading website marketing: National Funding offers only short-term loans and equipment financing/leasing.
Charges an origination fee.
National Funding stands out as an online equipment financing option for startups and borrowers with bad credit — provided they have strong revenue. This lender offers equipment loans or leases for new and used equipment, and unlike some equipment lenders, doesn’t require a down payment. Funding can be available in as little as 24 hours.
Offers loans to startups and borrowers with bad credit.
No collateral or down payment required.
Cons
Charges a factor rate that makes it more difficult to compare costs with other lenders.
Requires higher annual revenue than other online lenders.
Misleading website marketing: National Funding offers only short-term loans and equipment financing/leasing.
Charges an origination fee.
National Funding stands out as an online equipment financing option for startups and borrowers with bad credit — provided they have strong revenue. This lender offers equipment loans or leases for new and used equipment, and unlike some equipment lenders, doesn’t require a down payment. Funding can be available in as little as 24 hours.
Flexible repayment options: monthly, quarterly, annually or semiannually.
Cons
Charges an origination fee.
Triton Capital stands out as an online equipment lender for borrowers with lower credit scores. Triton Capital can finance new or used equipment in a variety of industries. The lender offers competitive interest rates, long repayment terms and flexible payment options. You may be able to get approved and receive funding in as fast as one business day.
Minimum credit score: 580.
Minimum time in business: 24 months.
Minimum annual revenue: $150,000.
Triton Capital - Equipment financing
Best for Restaurant, technology and medical leasing
Flexible repayment options: monthly, quarterly, annually or semiannually.
Cons
Charges an origination fee.
Triton Capital stands out as an online equipment lender for borrowers with lower credit scores. Triton Capital can finance new or used equipment in a variety of industries. The lender offers competitive interest rates, long repayment terms and flexible payment options. You may be able to get approved and receive funding in as fast as one business day.
Flexible payment options available, including deferment options for certain industries.
No down payment required.
Can be used to build business credit.
Cons
Must have good credit to qualify for no prepayment penalties.
Charges an origination fee.
JR Capital stands out as a specialized equipment financing lender that can fund equipment in a variety of industries. The lender offers competitive rates and repayment terms, as well as flexible payment options. JR Capital also has higher funding maximum than other online competitors and doesn’t require a down payment.
Minimum credit score: 620.
Minimum time in business: Typically 24 months, but can prioritize industry experience in some cases.
Flexible payment options available, including deferment options for certain industries.
No down payment required.
Can be used to build business credit.
Cons
Must have good credit to qualify for no prepayment penalties.
Charges an origination fee.
JR Capital stands out as a specialized equipment financing lender that can fund equipment in a variety of industries. The lender offers competitive rates and repayment terms, as well as flexible payment options. JR Capital also has higher funding maximum than other online competitors and doesn’t require a down payment.
Minimum credit score: 620.
Minimum time in business: Typically 24 months, but can prioritize industry experience in some cases.
No minimum annual revenue requirement.
Taycor Financial - Equipment leasing
Best for Borrowers with bad credit
Max loan amount
$5,000,000
Min. credit score
550
Min. annual revenue
$100,000
Pros
Equipment leases with customizable terms, structures and even payment deferral options.
No prepayment penalties; savings available for paying early.
Smaller funding requests and well-qualified customers are eligible for a streamlined, one-page application process.
Cons
Interest rate information not available on website.
Taycor Financial stands out as an equipment leasing option for borrowers with lower credit scores. The lender offers flexible leases with customizable terms, structures and even payment deferral options. You may even be able to access savings if you pay your lease early. Taycor also provides multiple ways for you to purchase your equipment at the end of your lease.
Minimum credit score: 550.
Minimum time in business: Typically two years, but Taycor has a new business program for companies with less than two years in operation.
Minimum annual revenue: $100,000.
Taycor Financial - Equipment leasing
Best for Borrowers with bad credit
Max loan amount
$5,000,000
Min. credit score
550
Min. annual revenue
$100,000
Pros
Equipment leases with customizable terms, structures and even payment deferral options.
No prepayment penalties; savings available for paying early.
Smaller funding requests and well-qualified customers are eligible for a streamlined, one-page application process.
Cons
Interest rate information not available on website.
Taycor Financial stands out as an equipment leasing option for borrowers with lower credit scores. The lender offers flexible leases with customizable terms, structures and even payment deferral options. You may even be able to access savings if you pay your lease early. Taycor also provides multiple ways for you to purchase your equipment at the end of your lease.
Minimum credit score: 550.
Minimum time in business: Typically two years, but Taycor has a new business program for companies with less than two years in operation.
Loan or lease terms can be structured to meet specific tax or accounting needs.
Funding available as fast as one day.
Cons
Loan payments and other services may not be available at branch locations.
First Citizens Bank offers customizable equipment financing that can be structured to meet your individual tax or accounting needs. The bank provides up to 100% financing for both new and used equipment — and can fund equipment loans or leases faster than other bank lenders.
Loan or lease terms can be structured to meet specific tax or accounting needs.
Funding available as fast as one day.
Cons
Loan payments and other services may not be available at branch locations.
First Citizens Bank offers customizable equipment financing that can be structured to meet your individual tax or accounting needs. The bank provides up to 100% financing for both new and used equipment — and can fund equipment loans or leases faster than other bank lenders.
Minimum credit score: 640.
Minimum time in business: Two years.
Minimum annual revenue: Undisclosed.
Must have a tax identification number.
Crest Capital - Equipment leasing
Best for Fast equipment leasing
Max loan amount
$1,000,000
Min. credit score
650
Min. annual revenue
Undisclosed
Pros
Several different options for equipment leases.
Customized payment structures available.
Can fund applications in as little as 24 hours.
Cons
Interest rate information not available on website.
Startups and borrowers with bad credit can’t qualify.
Crest Capital stands out as a fast and flexible online equipment leasing company for established businesses. The lender offers several different options for leases and can finance almost any type of new or used equipment. Crest can fund applications in as little as 24 hours. You’ll need good credit and multiple years in business to qualify.
Minimum credit score: 650.
Minimum time in business: Two years.
Minimum annual revenue: Undisclosed.
Must be a profitable company with no previous bankruptcies.
Crest Capital - Equipment leasing
Best for Fast equipment leasing
Max loan amount
$1,000,000
Min. credit score
650
Min. annual revenue
Undisclosed
Pros
Several different options for equipment leases.
Customized payment structures available.
Can fund applications in as little as 24 hours.
Cons
Interest rate information not available on website.
Startups and borrowers with bad credit can’t qualify.
Crest Capital stands out as a fast and flexible online equipment leasing company for established businesses. The lender offers several different options for leases and can finance almost any type of new or used equipment. Crest can fund applications in as little as 24 hours. You’ll need good credit and multiple years in business to qualify.
Minimum credit score: 650.
Minimum time in business: Two years.
Minimum annual revenue: Undisclosed.
Must be a profitable company with no previous bankruptcies.
Offers lease options in a diverse array of industries.
Can provide specialized customer experience.
Cons
Qualification requirements and interest rate information not available on website.
Will likely have to visit a branch location to apply.
Wells Fargo offers a range of financing and leasing options for more established businesses that want a personalized lending experience. Through its commercial financing division, Wells Fargo can fund vehicles, equipment, technology and aircrafts, as well as solar and marine initiatives. To get one of these products, you connect with a Wells Fargo equipment financing professional and talk to them about your business needs.
Wells Fargo does not specify qualification requirements on its website, but like all bank financing products, you’ll likely need to meet strict eligibility criteria to qualify.
Offers lease options in a diverse array of industries.
Can provide specialized customer experience.
Cons
Qualification requirements and interest rate information not available on website.
Will likely have to visit a branch location to apply.
Wells Fargo offers a range of financing and leasing options for more established businesses that want a personalized lending experience. Through its commercial financing division, Wells Fargo can fund vehicles, equipment, technology and aircrafts, as well as solar and marine initiatives. To get one of these products, you connect with a Wells Fargo equipment financing professional and talk to them about your business needs.
Wells Fargo does not specify qualification requirements on its website, but like all bank financing products, you’ll likely need to meet strict eligibility criteria to qualify.
How to choose an equipment leasing company
You’ll want to research several equipment leasing companies before deciding which option is right for your business. As you compare companies, consider these factors:
Funding availability
Leasing companies will have different maximum financing amounts and may restrict the type of equipment you can lease. You should confirm that the equipment you need falls within a lender’s requirements.
Cost of borrowing
Banks will typically offer the lowest interest rates, however, equipment leases from a bank can be difficult to qualify for. Online lenders will have more flexible qualifications, but higher rates. Ultimately, the interest rates you’re eligible to receive can vary based on your business’s qualifications, the type of equipment you’re leasing, the industry you're in, and the nature of your lease agreement.
You should always ask a lender about any additional fees they might charge and factor those fees into your borrowing costs as well.
Repayment terms on equipment funding can range anywhere from one to five years or more. Leases can generally offer lower monthly payments (compared with loans used to finance your equipment purchase), but you should make sure that you’re not still paying for the lease past the working life of the equipment.
Equipment leasing companies may offer different types of leases, such as a $1 purchase agreement or fair market value option. These options dictate how you make payments over the course of your lease, as well as what happens to the equipment once the lease ends. You should determine what type of lease works best for your needs and find a lender that can offer that agreement.
Qualification requirements
Like other types of business lenders, equipment leasing companies will typically look at your personal credit score, length of time in business and annual revenue when evaluating your financing application. They'll also consider the value of the equipment you’re looking to lease, as well as any additional collateral or down payment you can offer.
To qualify for equipment leasing from a bank, you’ll need to be an established business with a strong credit and financial history. Online lenders will be more flexible, and some may work with startups or borrowers with bad credit.
Speed of funding and application process
If you need funding fast, online and alternative leasing companies may be able to offer you an equipment lease in just 24 hours. These lenders generally have simple application processes with minimal documentation. More traditional lenders, on the other hand, will be slower to fund.
The best equipment leasing companies will have experience in your industry and be able to offer guidance through all stages of the funding process. Ideally, your leasing company will provide a range of ways for you to access customer support and will be able to address any questions or concerns you have about your leasing agreement.
Reading reviews and talking to other business owners can help you verify the reputation and trustworthiness of an equipment leasing company. Watch out for companies that make red-flag promises such as “no credit check equipment financing” or “guaranteed approval.”
Frequently asked questions
What is an equipment leasing company?
An equipment leasing company is a financial company that allows you to rent the equipment that you need for your business in exchange for periodic payments. Some equipment leasing companies allow you to rent the equipment from them directly, whereas others facilitate the financing process for you to rent equipment from another vendor.
What credit score do you need to lease equipment?
Some equipment leasing companies can accept borrowers with a minimum credit score of 550. A stronger credit score, however, will help you qualify for a wider variety of options, as well as access lower interest rates.
Is it better to lease equipment than to buy it?
Equipment leasing can be a good choice if you want to keep your monthly payments as low as possible and you plan to use the equipment for 36 months or less. If you plan to use the equipment for longer, on the other hand, financing a purchase might be a better option.
Last updated on April 10, 2024
Methodology
NerdWallet’s review process evaluates and rates small-business loan products from traditional banks and online lenders. We collect over 30 data points on each lender using company websites and public documents. We may also go through a lender’s initial application flow and reach out to company representatives. NerdWallet writers and editors conduct a full fact check and update annually, but also make updates throughout the year as necessary.
Our star ratings award points to lenders that offer small-business friendly features, including: transparency of rates and terms, flexible payment options, fast funding times, accessible customer service, reporting of payments to business credit bureaus and responsible lending practices. We weigh these factors based on our assessment of which are the most important to small-business owners and how meaningfully they impact borrowers’ experiences.