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The Best Equipment Financing Companies For Small Businesses

If you need to purchase new equipment for your business, equipment financing offers competitive rates and long repayment terms. See which of the best equipment loans and leases are right for your business.

    Erica Seppala
  • Last updated onUpdated

  • Chelsea Krause
  • REVIEWED BY

    Chelsea Krause

    Lead Staff Writer

Our content reflects the editorial opinions of our experts. While our site makes money through referral partnerships, we only partner with companies that meet our standards for quality, as outlined in our independent rating and scoring system.

Equipment financing represents a specialized form of funding designed to get physical (or software) assets into the hands of businesses. If you’re looking for equipment financing, you’re looking for a loan that uses the equipment you’re buying as security, or you’re looking for a lease.

Because it’s a more niche form of financing, it can be a little more challenging to track down equipment financers than ones who deal in working capital. Let’s try to give you a head start with our picks for the best equipment financing companies.

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  • Equipment loans, equipment leases
  • APR: Undisclosed
  • FICO: Undisclosed
  • Equipment loans, equipment leases
  • APR: Undisclosed
  • FICO: Undisclosed

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  • SBA loans, bank term loans, LOCs
  • APR: 11.25%+ (SBA loans)
  • FICO: 650+
  • SBA loans, bank term loans, LOCs
  • APR: 11.25%+ (SBA loans)
  • FICO: 650+

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  • Equipment financing, SBA loans, conventional loans
  • APR: Undisclosed
  • FICO: Undisclosed
  • Equipment financing, SBA loans, conventional loans
  • APR: Undisclosed
  • FICO: Undisclosed

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  • Term loans, lines of credit
  • APR: 29.9%+
  • FICO: 625+
  • Term loans, lines of credit
  • APR: 29.9%+
  • FICO: 625+

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  • Equipment loans & leases, SBA loans, LOCs, & more
  • APR: Undisclosed
  • FICO: Undisclosed
  • Equipment loans & leases, SBA loans, LOCs, & more
  • APR: Undisclosed
  • FICO: Undisclosed

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  • Equipment loans, equipment leases
  • APR: Undisclosed
  • FICO: 625+
  • Equipment loans, equipment leases
  • APR: Undisclosed
  • FICO: 625+

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  • Equipment loans, equipment leases, working capital loans
  • APR: Undisclosed
  • FICO: Undisclosed
  • Equipment loans, equipment leases, working capital loans
  • APR: Undisclosed
  • FICO: Undisclosed

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The 7 Best Equipment Financing Companies

The best equipment financing companies offer multiple types of financing (such as equipment loans and leases), competitive rates, long financing terms, and easy application processes. Here are our top seven picks for the best equipment financing companies.

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The Best Equipment Financing Companies Compared

Funding TypeMax Borrowing AmountAPRCredit ScoreRepayment Terms
Crest CapitalEquipment loans & leases$1 millionUndisclosedUndisclosedUp to 7 years
SmartBizSBA loans, term loans, lines of credit$500KStarts at 11.25% (SBA loans)65010 years
ApplePie CapitalEquipment financing, SBA loans, conventional loansUndisclosedUndisclosedUndisclosedUp to 10 years
OnDeckTerm loans, lines of credit$250KStarts at 29.9%625Up to 2 years
TCF Capital SolutionsEquipment loans & leases, SBA loans, LOCs, MCAsUndisclosedUndisclosedUndisclosedUp to 7 years
CurrencyEquipment loans & leases$500KVaries625Up to 6 years
US Business FundingEquipment leases$50 millionUndisclosedUndisclosedUp to 6 years

Crest Capital: Best For Equipment Leases

Total Rating 3.8
Rates & Fees4.1

Services3.5

Eligibility Requirements3.4

Application4.5

Sales & Advertising Transparency3.6

Customer Service3.2

User Reviews4.8



Pros

  • Multiple types of equipment loans & leases available
  • Quick & easy application process
  • Same-day approval for some products

Cons

  • Nontransparent rates & fees
  • Doesn’t disclose credit score requirements

Why We Chose Crest Capital For Best Equipment Leases

Crest Capital offers a wide variety of equipment financing options for business owners, including equipment leases and equipment loans. The company offers up to $250,000 with a quick application that requires no financial statements and gives you same-day approval (in most cases) for fast funding. If you need to borrow up to $1 million, the process is a bit more involved.

Crest Capital offers competitive rates and repayment terms up to seven years. It offers 100% financing to cover "soft costs" and doesn't have any hidden fees.

Crest Capital Services

Crest Capital offers a variety of equipment loan and leasing programs that provide borrowers with up to $1 million.

Crest Capital Rates & Fees

Crest Capital does not disclose its rates and fees online. However, you can submit a form for a quick quote in just seconds to get an idea of the rates available to you. The company does state that all rates are “highly competitive.”

Crest’s “Application Only” financing for less than $250,000 has repayment terms of 2-6 years. Larger amounts up to $1 million require a full application and have repayment terms of 2-7 years.

Crest Capital Eligibility Requirements

Unfortunately, Crest Capital does not list all eligibility requirements, although you can fill out a quick form to find out if you’re eligible. The company does state that borrowers who qualify generally meet these requirements:

  • Time in business of at least 2 years
  • Operate a profitable business
  • No bankruptcies or other credit issues

Choose Crest Capital If...

  • You want a fast loan or lease under $250K with no financial statements required
  • You want to choose between a variety of long-term equipment loan and lease options with competitive rates

Get Started With Crest Capital

Read our in-depth review

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SmartBiz: Best SBA Loans For Purchasing Equipment

Total Rating 4.7
Rates & Fees4.8

Services4.8

Eligibility Requirements4.8

Application4.5

Sales & Advertising Transparency4.9

Customer Service4.9

User Reviews3.5



Pros

  • Rates tend to be inexpensive
  • Long repayment terms
  • Multiple types of financing available

Cons

  • Funds can take a while to disburse
  • Some extra fees are charged

Why We Chose SmartBiz For Best SBA Loans For Purchasing Equipment

While not traditional equipment financing, SBA loans are an affordable way to purchase your business equipment. SmartBiz specializes in guiding businesses through the bureaucracy of applying for an SBA loan and making it as painless as possible. SmartBiz doesn't originate the loans, however, and instead will help connect you with a bank that does. Borrowers may be eligible to receive up to $500,000 with a low-cost SBA loan.

SmartBiz also offers bank term loans and lines of credit if those funding options seem to be a better fit. The application process is quick and easy, you'll be able to compare offers to find the best one for your unique situation, and although funds may take a while to disburse, it's well worth the wait for a low-interest, long-term loan.

SmartBiz Services

SmartBiz offers the following financial products that can be used to fund your equipment purchase:

  • SBA loans up to $500,000 with repayment terms up to 10 years
  • Bank term loans up to $350,000 with repayment terms of 2-5 years
  • Lines of credit up to $150,000

SmartBiz Rates & Fees

Rates for SBA loans range from 11.25% to 13.25%. Additional fees including bank fees and packaging fees may apply.

Bank term loans have interest rates starting at 9.99%. Additional fees may apply.

Lines of credit rates are Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) plus 9.99% to 29.99%.

SmartBiz Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for an SBA loan through SmartBiz, you must meet these minimum requirements:

  • At least 21 years old
  • Personal credit score of 650+
  • At least 2 years in business
  • No outstanding tax liens
  • No bankruptcies or foreclosures within the last three years
  • No recent charge-offs or settlements
  • No overdue payments on government loans

Choose SmartBiz If...

  • You have a good credit score and want to receive a low-cost, long-term SBA loan
  • Your business has been in operation for at least 2 years and you want a competitively priced loan

Get Started With SmartBiz

Read our in-depth review

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ApplePie Capital: Best Equipment Financing For Franchisees

ApplePie Capital


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Pros

  • Multiple financing options available
  • Application-only programs available
  • Financing designed for franchisees

Cons

  • Nontransparent rates & fees
  • Nontransparent borrowing requirements

Why We Chose ApplePie Capital For Best Equipment Financing For Franchisees

ApplePie Capital specializes in franchise funding. In addition to its ApplePie Core loans program for franchisees, the company also works with a network of lenders to provide SBA loans, conventional loans, and equipment financing. While the company doesn't disclose its rates and fees, it does promise highly competitive rates -- a claim that is backed by many satisfied reviewers.

ApplePie Capital offers a variety of funding options suitable for purchasing equipment, with options that include no personal collateral requirements. The company also offers application-only financing that helps take the hassle and stress out of financing and helps you get funded quickly.

ApplePie Capital Services

ApplePie Capital offers the following through in-house programs and its network of lenders:

  • Equipment financing starting at $15,000
  • Conventional franchise loans
  • SBA loans

ApplePie Capital Rates & Fees

Unfortunately, ApplePie Capital does not disclose its rates and fees. The lender does note that its rates are competitive and that there are no prepayment penalties. Repayment terms are 5-10 years.

Fees including broker fees and origination fees may apply.

ApplePie Capital Eligibility Requirements

ApplePie Capital does not disclose its eligibility requirements. Instead, you will have to fill out a quick form to learn more.

While most of ApplePie Capital’s products are available to franchisees, equipment financing is available for businesses in some industries (although these industries are not disclosed — contact the lender for more information).

Choose ApplePie Capital If...

  • You operate a franchise and want to explore various loan options including equipment financing and SBA loans

Get Started With ApplePie Capital

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OnDeck: Best Financing For Businesses With Fair Credit

Total Rating 3.9
Rates & Fees4.6

Services2.9

Eligibility Requirements3.8

Application4.5

Sales & Advertising Transparency3.8

Customer Service4.1

User Reviews4.0



Pros

  • Same-day funding available
  • Multiple types of financing available
  • Low credit score requirements

Cons

  • Frequent repayments are required
  • Short repayment terms
  • Rates can be expensive

Why We Chose OnDeck Financing For Businesses With Fair Credit

OnDeck is an online lender that doesn't specifically advertise equipment financing. However, its loans and lines of credit can be used to purchase equipment for your business. If you don't want to go through the long process of traditional equipment financing, only need up to $250K, and have a credit score of at least 625, OnDeck is worth considering.

While terms may be shorter and rates a bit higher for these loans, what you get in return is a fast and easy application process and quick funding -- sometimes as quickly as the same day you're approved. This is ideal for businesses that need new equipment immediately and don't have time to navigate the traditional lending process.

OnDeck Services

OnDeck provides the following services:

  • Term loans up to $250,000 with repayment terms up to 24 months
  • Lines of credit up to $100,000 with repayment terms up to 12 months

Either of these options can be used to purchase equipment for your business.

OnDeck Rates & Fees

OnDeck’s rates start at 29.9%, although the lender does disclose that eligibility for the lowest rate is limited.

The lender’s average rate for term loans is 55.8%, while the average rate for lines of credit is 56%.

An origination fee of up to 4% of the loan amount may apply.

OnDeck Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for an OnDeck loan or line of credit, you must meet these requirements:

  • At least 1 year in business
  • Personal credit score of 625+
  • Annual revenue of $100,000+

Additionally, you must have a business checking account to get funded. You must also operate a business in an eligible industry. Ineligible industries include gambling businesses, adult entertainment businesses, and money services.

OnDeck funding is not currently available to borrowers in North Dakota.

Choose OnDeck If...

  • You want a fast loan that’s funded as quickly as the same day
  • You’re a new business or have fair credit and don’t qualify for equipment financing elsewhere

Get Started With OnDeck

Read our in-depth review

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TCF Capital Solutions: Best Loans & Leases For Established Businesses

TCF Capital Solutions


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Pros

  • Multiple types of financing available
  • Long repayment terms
  • Financing program for damaged credit available

Cons

  • Undisclosed rates & fees
  • Undisclosed borrowing requirements
  • Not suitable for new businesses

Why We Chose TCF Capital Financing For Established Businesses

TCF Capital has multiple equipment financing solutions for established businesses. The lender offers competitive rates, long repayment terms, and loans of over $500,000 to purchase the equipment you need for your business. There is even an option to receive 24-hour approval with no financial statements required for loans less than $150,000. Loan and lease programs are available.

TCF Capital also has special financing programs including its B, C, and D Credit Program for borrowers with damaged credit, as well as a Sale & Lease Buy Back Program. In addition to equipment financing, TCF Capital also has other forms of funding including MCAs, lines of credit, and accounts receivable financing.

TCF Capital Services

TCF Capital offers the following services:

  • Equipment loans and leases up to $500,000+
  • Business lines of credit up to $500,000
  • Merchant cash advances up to $200,000
  • Accounts receivable financing
  • Purchase order financing
  • SBA 7(a) and 504 loans
  • Franchise financing

TCF Capital Rates & Fees

Unfortunately, TCF Capital does not disclose its rates and fees. You will need to call or email the lender to get more information. However, for its loans and leases, the lender states that it offers excellent interest rates. These rates are reserved for the most qualified borrowers.

TCF Capital Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the highest borrowing limits and best rates, you must own an established business that’s been in business for at least two years.

A special program for borrowers with damaged credit is available, although rates and terms will not be as favorable.

Choose TCF Capital If...

  • You have an established business that needs a long-term equipment loan or lease with competitive rates
  • You need a funding program that allows you to receive equipment financing with damaged credit

Get Started With TCF Capital Solutions

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Currency: Best For Heavy Equipment Financing

Total Rating 3.7
Rates & Fees3.6

Services4.3

Eligibility Requirements4.0

Application3.0

Sales & Advertising Transparency4.0

Customer Service3.1

User Reviews3.8



Pros

  • Low credit score requirements
  • Same-day funding available
  • Equipment loans & leases available

Cons

  • Nontransparent rates & fees
  • Not suitable for new businesses

Why We Chose Currency For Best Heavy Equipment Financing

Currency is a third-party loan aggregator connecting businesses to lenders by way of its lending platform. If you need financing for heavy equipment, Currency is worth a look.

This company specializes in connecting borrowers to funding up to $500,000 for farm equipment, trucks and trailers, construction equipment, RVs, and even aircraft. Currency promises competitive rates, low or no down payments, and even same-day financing.

Currency Services

Currency is a loan aggregator that connects borrowers to equipment loans and leases up to $500,000.

Currency Rates & Fees

As Currency is a loan aggregator and not a direct lender, rates and fees vary by network lender.

Currency Eligibility Requirements

While Currency works with a network of lenders, it does give a general overview of borrowing requirements for commercial funding:

  • Time in business of 2+ years
  • Personal credit score of 625+
  • Business credit history
  • Funds must be used for essential business use

Choose Currency If...

  • You have an established business and want to compare loan/lease options
  • You want fast approval and funding for heavy equipment purchases

Get Started With Currency

Read our in-depth review

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US Business Funding: Best Equipment Financing With High Borrowing Limits

US Business Funding

Total Rating 3.6
Rates & Fees3.0

Services4.3

Eligibility Requirements4.1

Application4.5

Sales & Advertising Transparency2.8

Customer Service2.0

User Reviews3.8



Why We Chose US Business Funding For Financing With High Borrowing Limits

Some of the lenders on this list only provide up to $500,000, which may not be enough to cover your equipment needs. US Business Funding can help by offering equipment loans and leases up to $50 million with the completion of a full funding package. Don't need that much cash? US Business Funding has a simple one-page application for borrowers who need up to $75,000 and an App-Only Program for borrowers who need less than $200,000.

Additionally, US Business Funding has a variety of lease types suitable for any business. While most programs require a time in business of at least two years, US Business Funding can help newer businesses that have been in operation for at least six months get funded.

US Business Funding Services

US Business Funding specializes in equipment leases, offering such programs as:

  • Fair Market Value
  • Dollar Buyout
  • Sale Lease Back
  • Fixed Percentage Purchase
  • EFA/Equipment Finance Agreement
  • Business Expansion
  • Refinance
  • New Business

US Business Funding Rates & Fees

US Business Funding does not disclose its rates and fees. However, the best rates and terms are reserved for established businesses with solid credit profiles.

US Business Funding Eligibility Requirements

US Business Funding does not disclose much about its eligibility requirements, including minimum credit score. However, the company does note that most programs require a time in business of at least 2 years. However, there are some special funding programs available for businesses that have been in operation for at least six months.

Choose US Business Funding If...

  • You want to choose between multiple types of equipment leases
  • You need equipment financing up to $50 million

Get Started With US Business Funding

Read our in-depth review

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Business Loan & Funding Products Review Methodology

We spend hours researching and evaluating each business loan and funding product that we review at Merchant Maverick, placing special emphasis on key characteristics to generate our ratings.

Weighted Rating Breakdown

Rates & Fees 20%
Services 20%
Eligibility Requirements 20%
Application 15%
Sales & Advertising Transparency 10%
Customer Service 10%
User Reviews 5%

When rating lenders and funding providers, we use a 31-point rubric that looks at rates and fees, services, eligibility requirements, application, sales and advertising transparency, customer service, and user reviews. We weigh each section differently to calculate the total star rating. This rubric is applied to traditional term loans, as well as short-term loans, start-up loans, lines of credit, online lending products, merchant cash advances, and equipment financing products.

  • Rates & Fees: 20% of the total star rating
  • Services: 20% of the total star rating
  • Eligibility Requirements: 20% of the total star rating
  • Application: 15% of the total star rating
  • Sales & Advertising Transparency: 10% of the total star rating
  • Customer Support: 5% of the total star rating
  • User Reviews: 5% of the total star rating

Each section is further broken down into granular, weighted subsections, in which we examine specific attributes like terms lengths, conditions of repayment, credit score and revenue requirements, ease of application, length of time to funding, the ethics involved in promoting the lending product, customer support, and the overall reputation of the lender or funding provider.

Read more about how we rate small business lenders.

How To Choose The Right Equipment Financer

Equipment financing can be one of the more complicated forms of funding, so let’s try to demystify how you go about finding a financer.

Decide If You Want To Lease Or Buy

One of the most significant factors to weigh before you look at equipment financers is whether or not you want to eventually own the equipment or simply use it for a few years and then return it.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both ownership and renting. Points to consider include:

  • The Longevity Of The Equipment: Will you be using it for a year, a couple of years, or indefinitely? How quickly will it become obsolete?
  • Taxes & Bookkeeping: Whether the equipment appears on your balance sheets or your financer’s has significant tax ramifications. Some businesses prefer to write off their equipment costs as operating expenses, whereas others might prefer to write the asset off as a purchase. Talk to your accountant to figure out which.
  • Maintenance Responsibilities: Depending on your lease agreement, you may or may not be responsible for maintaining the equipment for the duration of your lease.
  • Some Leases Are Effectively Purchases: Capital leases, while still technically leases, are designed to transfer ownership to the lessee. The main difference between capital leases and loans is that the former usually doesn’t have a down payment (beyond the first and maybe last month’s payment), and it’s more likely to cover soft costs, such as shipping. Loans, however, will generally have lower interest rates.

Learn more about the differences between equipment leases and loans in our comprehensive guide to equipment financing.

Find A Financer That Works With Your Industry

One of the easiest ways to rule potential financers in or out is by checking to see which industries they’re willing to work with. Almost every financer has restrictions on the industries they’ll lend to. In most cases, you can find these online on the funder’s website, though in some cases, you may have to call.

Captive Lessors Are An Option For Specific Brands

If you have a specific brand in mind, especially vehicles and farm equipment, you may have an additional funding option in the form of a captive lessor. In essence, these are financers owned by the equipment manufacturer to help sell their equipment.

While they’re convenient, don’t automatically assume you’re getting the best deal from a captive lessor; you’ll still want to compare your options.

Final Thoughts On The Best Equipment Financing Companies

One of the downsides of equipment financing companies is that most aren’t very transparent in terms of rates, fees, and eligibility requirements. This is why it is so important to do your due diligence to ensure you get the best financing for your situation.

Many equipment financing companies — including the ones on this list — have instant quotes or quick forms that can be filled out to get more information. We recommend doing your research, asking questions, and using prequalification tools (that only perform soft credit checks) whenever possible to find the right funding product for your business.

Looking for more loan options? If you operate a restaurant, take a look at the best commercial kitchen equipment leases. The best lines of credit can be used to purchase equipment, cover payroll expenses, or for emergencies. You can also explore our top picks for best small business loans for your other business financing needs.

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Erica Seppala

Erica Seppala

Editor & Senior Staff Writer at Merchant Maverick
Erica began writing on small business topics in 2008. She joined Merchant Maverick in 2018 and focuses on loans, accounting, and POS. She is a Certified ProAdvisor for QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Payroll. She has been cited in MSN, Reader's Digest, Vox, U.S. News & World Report, and Real Simple. She is a graduate of Limestone University and resides in Greenville, South Carolina.
Erica Seppala
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