Best Of
Equipment financing are equipment loans available from banks and online lenders.
Equipment financing lets you finance up to 100% of the cost of new or used equipment for your business, such as ovens for a restaurant, machinery or heavy-duty trucks. You’ll want to compare your equipment loan options and find the most cost-effective way to finance the purchase.
In most cases, your decision will depend on your business needs, your budget and the state of your personal and business finances. Here’s a look at some equipment loans.
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Our picks for
Equipment loans for items under $50,000
9.00 - 99.00%
600
Pros
Cons
Qualifications:
19.99 - 24.99%
650
Pros
Cons
Qualifications:
Our pick for
Equipment loans for items $50,000 and over
12.18 - 36.00%
660
Pros
Cons
Qualifications:
| Lender | Best For | Est. APR | Min. Credit Score | Next Steps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
OnDeck - Online term loan | Best for Equipment loans for items under $50,000 | 9.00 - 99.00% | 600 | See Your Loan Options
with Fundera by Nerdwallet |
Credibility Capital - Online term loan | Best for Equipment loans for items under $50,000 | 19.99 - 24.99% | 650 | See Your Loan Options
with Fundera by Nerdwallet |
Funding Circle - Online term loan | Best for Equipment loans for items $50,000 and over | 12.18 - 36.00% | 660 | See Your Loan Options
with Fundera by Nerdwallet |
With equipment financing, the loan amount you qualify for depends on the value of the equipment you are purchasing. The equipment also serves as collateral for the loan, so the lender can seize it if you fail to repay the loan.
Traditional banks typically offer the most favorable interest rates and terms, but they have strict credit standards. Online small-business lenders are another equipment financing option, especially if you need to purchase equipment quickly or if your personal and business finances aren’t in excellent shape.
The size of the loan should match the price of the equipment you’re purchasing, while the loan term should match how long you expect to use the new equipment. If you’re buying commercial ovens that you expect to use for five years, get a loan with a five-year term. A shorter term may have you scrambling to make payments, and a longer term means you’ll be paying for the equipment after you stop using it.
Some lenders may require an equipment loan to finance heavy-duty vehicles, whereas others offer business auto loans or semi truck financing to cover such purchases. Compare options to find the best fit for your business.
PROS
CONS
Many vendors offer leasing as a financing alternative.
Equipment leasing can help reduce costs and maximize an investment. For instance, a piece of equipment becomes less valuable and productive as it gets older, so leasing it for a limited time may be a smart move.
Some financing companies also offer the option of buying the equipment at current market value.
Leasing generally is more costly than buying if you end up using the equipment for a long time. According to the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association, leasing is “likely the preferable option” for equipment you plan to use for 36 months or less. If you’ll use it for longer, it makes more sense to buy.
NerdWallet has created a comparison tool of the best small-business loans to meet your needs and goals. We gauged lender trustworthiness and user experience, among other factors, and arranged the lenders by categories that include your revenue and how long you’ve been in business.
To recap our selections...