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Many business owners are asking the same questions:
- Can I afford the equipment I need to grow my business?
- What if my application for financing gets rejected?
- Will the high interest rates hurt my cash flow?
According to a 2024 survey by Goldman Sachs, 77% of small business owners are concerned about their ability to access capital, and inflationary pressures have only made things worse.
71% also reported that inflation has significantly increased costs over the past three months alone.
Should this make you despair? No.
You’re not alone. More than three-quarters of U.S. businesses rely on financing through loans, leases, or lines of credit to purchase equipment.
The key is understanding the options available and positioning your business for approval.
Table of Contents
What is small business equipment financing?
Small business equipment financing is a loan or lease to purchase business-related equipment, such as essential tools, machinery, vehicles, or technology, without paying the full cost upfront.
Instead, businesses make regular payments over time while using the equipment to generate revenue.
The equipment often acts as collateral for the loan, meaning that if the borrower defaults, the lender can repossess the equipment.
This reduces the lender’s risk and can lead to more favorable interest rates than unsecured loans.
How to get equipment financing: Step-by-step guide
- Assess your equipment needs
- Review your financial health
- Compare lenders and loan options
- Prepare your loan application
- Review your loan offer and terms
#1: Assess your equipment needs
Before applying for equipment financing, the first and most crucial step is to assess your equipment needs clearly.
It’s tempting to jump straight into the financing process, but this will lead to overspending or financing unnecessary equipment.
To ensure you’re getting the most value, take a careful inventory of your business needs, how it will impact your operations, and how much it will cost.
Create a detailed equipment list
Start by making a comprehensive list of the equipment you need. You should be as specific as possible.
- Example: If you’re in the construction business, you might need heavy machinery like an excavator or a concrete mixer. Write down the exact model, features, and any necessary attachments that are crucial for your projects.
- Example: If you run a small bakery, your needs include ovens, industrial mixers, refrigeration units, and packaging equipment. Each item should be listed with its size, capacity, and energy efficiency features to ensure it matches your production needs.
Research the costs thoroughly
Once you have a list of the equipment, the next step is to research the exact costs, including all the “hidden” ones that might come with it.
- Installation Fees: Some equipment requires professional installation, adding several thousand dollars to your costs. For instance, a commercial oven might cost $15,000, but installation could add an extra $2,000.
- Training Costs: If the equipment is complex, you might need to pay your staff to be trained to operate it efficiently. For example, industrial printing machines often require specialized training to ensure they are used safely and correctly.
- Maintenance and Repairs: You’ll need to account for routine maintenance and possible repairs over the equipment’s lifetime. Some businesses, like restaurants, may need regular servicing for refrigeration units or ovens.
Make sure to factor in long-term costs, such as warranties, service agreements, and eventual upgrade expenses.
A solid estimate of these costs upfront will help you avoid financial surprises later and ensure that you’re asking for the right amount of financing.
Decide whether to buy or lease
Next, decide whether purchasing or leasing the equipment makes more sense.
This decision depends largely on how long you plan to use the equipment and how quickly it might become outdated.
- Buying: Buying is often better if you invest in long-lasting equipment critical to your business operations and has a long lifespan (e.g., a bakery oven or construction vehicle). You’ll own the equipment outright at the end of the loan term, which adds value to your business’s assets.
- Leasing: On the other hand, if the equipment you need tends to become outdated quickly, like computer servers or medical technology, leasing is more cost-effective. For example, a medical clinic needing diagnostic equipment could opt for leasing to keep up with technological advancements every few years.
Look at the ROI (return on investment)
Ask yourself, how will this equipment impact your business’s profitability?
Will it increase production speed? Allow you to take on more clients? Reduce labor costs?
- A manufacturer investing in an automated machine may produce twice the volume in the same amount of time, enabling them to increase their orders and profits.
- A small delivery business purchasing a more fuel-efficient vehicle could significantly save monthly operational costs.
A clear idea of how this equipment will pay for itself through increased efficiency or revenue will also help you create a stronger case when applying for financing.
Thoroughly assessing your equipment needs upfront ensures you only finance what’s necessary, avoiding the risk of over-borrowing.
Plus, lenders will appreciate seeing that you’ve done your homework. It strengthens your application and improves your chances of securing favorable terms.
#2: Review your financial health
After assessing your equipment needs, the next step is to evaluate your business’s financial health.
Lenders scrutinize various aspects of your finances to determine your eligibility for equipment financing. Understanding these factors upfront will help you improve your chances of approval and secure better loan terms.
Let’s break this step down.
Check your business and personal credit scores
One of the first things a lender will look at is your credit score, both business and personal (if applicable).
A higher credit score will open the door to better interest rates and favorable terms.
- Business Credit Score: If your business is established, lenders will look at your business credit score to assess your ability to manage debt. Tools like Nav and Dun & Bradstreet allow you to check and monitor your business credit score. Ideally, your business credit score should be at least 680 for equipment financing for better loan terms. But some providers like Triton Capital offer financing for businesses with bad credit scores — minimum credit score of 575.
- Personal Credit Score: Many lenders, especially for small businesses or startups, also check the personal credit scores of business owners. If your business credit is low, improving your personal credit score (aiming for 700+) will strengthen your application. You can check your personal score through services like Experian or Credit Karma.
If your score is low, improve it by paying down debt, reducing your credit utilization rate, and paying all bills on time.
Analyze your cash flow
Lenders need to know that your business generates enough cash flow to cover the monthly loan payments.
This is one of the most critical aspects of their decision-making process because it directly indicates whether your business can sustain debt.
Review your financials and ask:
- Do you have enough revenue to cover the monthly loan payments comfortably?
- For example, if you’re applying for a $50,000 loan with a 5-year term, your monthly payment could be around $900 to $1,200, depending on the interest rate. Ensure your monthly revenue minus expenses leaves enough margin to handle this payment comfortably.
To demonstrate this to lenders, have your profit and loss and cash flow statements readily available. Many lenders will ask for up-to-date financials going back at least one year (or more if available).
Gather financial documents
You’ll need a comprehensive set of financial documents to support your application.
These documents provide lenders with insight into your business’s performance and stability:
- Profit and Loss (P&L) Statements: Show how much revenue your business generates versus its expenses.
- Balance Sheets: Highlight your business’s assets and liabilities, giving lenders a clear snapshot of your financial health.
- Tax Returns: Lenders often request business and personal tax returns to verify your income. Depending on the lender, you may need to submit two to three years of tax returns.
Assess your debt-to-income ratio (DTI)
Your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio measures your total debt compared to your income.
A high DTI indicates that a significant portion of your income is already tied up in debt, which can be a red flag for lenders.
Most lenders prefer to see a DTI ratio below 50%.
To calculate your DTI, use this formula:
DTI = (Total Monthly Debt Payments/Monthly Income) * 100
For instance, if your business brings in $10,000 per month but already has $4,000 in debt payments, your DTI would be 40%, which is acceptable for most equipment financing lenders.
Prepare a strong business plan
Lenders want to know how the equipment will benefit your business and how you plan to use it to generate revenue.
A well-crafted business plan that explains:
- How will the equipment boost productivity or increase revenue?
- Projections: Include financial projections showing how the equipment will impact your income, ideally over the next 2-5 years. This demonstrates to lenders that you have a clear plan for the future.
Back your claims with solid data. For example, if you’re applying for financing to purchase a new delivery vehicle, show how adding the vehicle will help you expand your delivery zones, thus increasing sales.
#3: Compare lenders and Loan options
Now that you’ve evaluated your financial health, the next critical step is to compare lenders and the various loan options available to find the best fit for your business.
Equipment financing options vary in terms, interest rates, and requirements depending on the lender.
We’ll walk you through how to strategically compare lenders so you can secure the most favorable terms.
Research different types of lenders
Multiple types of lenders offer equipment financing. Know your options so you can choose the one that best suits your business’s needs.
- Traditional banks: These include major banks such as Wells Fargo, Chase, American Express, and Bank of America. They offer lower interest rates, but the application process is often more rigorous and can take longer to get approved. You’ll need excellent credit and strong financials to qualify for loans from these institutions.
- Credit unions: Credit unions provide more competitive interest rates and personalized service. However, they may have more stringent membership requirements, and some only offer equipment financing to certain industries. They are also affordable.
- Alternative lenders: These include online lenders such as OnDeck and Fundera. They offer faster approvals and more lenient credit requirements, making them a good option for businesses that may not qualify for traditional bank loans. However, their interest rates tend to be higher.
For example, a construction business with excellent credit and stable revenue might benefit from a bank loan with low interest rates. On the other hand, a startup bakery needing a quick turnaround for new ovens might find an online lender like SBG Funding to be a better fit due to their faster approval process.
Compare interest rates and fees
One of the most important factors to compare is the interest rate you’ll be charged.
Even a slight difference in interest rates will significantly affect your overall cost of financing.
- Fixed vs. variable interest rates: Some lenders offer fixed interest rates, which remain the same throughout the loan term. Others provide variable rates, which change based on market conditions. Fixed rates provide stability, while variable rates sometimes offer lower initial costs but introduce uncertainty.
- APR (Annual Percentage Rate): The APR is the best way to compare loan costs because it includes both the interest rate and additional fees (like origination or processing fees). Be sure to ask for the APR rather than just the interest rate when comparing lenders.
- Additional fees: Some lenders charge additional fees, such as origination fees, application fees, or prepayment penalties. Make sure to account for these costs when comparing loan offers. For instance, if you expect to pay off the loan early, check if there are prepayment penalties.
Always look at the total cost of the loan, not just the monthly payment, when comparing offers. A low monthly payment might look appealing, but it could mean you’re paying much more in interest over the life of the loan.
Evaluate repayment terms
The repayment terms dictate how long you must repay the loan and how much your monthly payments will be.
Lenders offer varying terms depending on the loan amount and the type of equipment you’re financing.
- Shorter Terms: Shorter loan terms come with higher monthly payments but lower overall interest costs. This is ideal if you want to save money in the long run and have sufficient cash flow to handle higher payments.
- Longer Terms: Longer terms reduce your monthly payments, which helps with cash flow, but you’ll pay more interest over time. This might be a better option for businesses with tight monthly budgets.
For example, if you’re financing a $30,000 piece of equipment, you might be offered a 3-year term with monthly payments of $900 or a 5-year term with payments of $600. While the lower payment might seem attractive, the 5-year term will likely cost more in total interest.
Look for flexibility in Loan options
Some lenders provide more flexible terms, such as allowing seasonal payment structures or the option to adjust payment schedules based on your revenue cycles.
This flexibility can be beneficial if your business has fluctuating cash flow, such as a landscaping company that makes most of its revenue in the spring and summer.
- Seasonal Payment Plans: These plans allow businesses with seasonal revenue (such as agriculture or tourism) to make larger payments during peak seasons and smaller payments during off-seasons.
- Deferred Payments: Some lenders offer the option to defer payments for a few months, which could help if you’re purchasing equipment that takes time to generate revenue (e.g., buying new machinery that needs installation and setup).
Consider customer service and support
While interest rates and fees are important, don’t overlook a lender’s customer service and support.
This can make a big difference if you run into any issues during the loan term, such as adjusting your payment schedule or facing financial difficulties.
- Direct communication: Look for lenders that offer accessible customer support. Some lenders are known for better customer service and ongoing support throughout the loan period. For example, a lender that assigns a dedicated loan officer can help ensure smoother communication if any challenges arise.
#4: Prepare your loan application
Now, it’s time to prepare your loan application. A well-prepared application will significantly increase your chances of approval.
It ensures all the necessary documentation is in place to help you avoid delays or rejections.
Here’s how to tackle this step:
Gather essential financial documents
Lenders will require various documents to evaluate your business’s financial health and determine your loan repayment ability.
Having these documents ready ahead of time will streamline the application process.
- Profit and Loss (P&L) Statements: These statements, often required for the last two to three years, show your business’s revenues, expenses, and overall profitability. They provide a snapshot of how well your business is performing.
- Balance Sheets: A balance sheet lists your assets, liabilities, and equity, giving lenders an idea of your business’s financial standing. Lenders use this to assess if you have enough assets to back the loan.
- Tax Returns: Be prepared to submit business and personal tax returns for the past two or three years, depending on the lender’s requirements. Lenders use these documents to verify your income and check for any inconsistencies in your reported earnings.
- Bank Statements: Many lenders request at least three to six months of business bank statements. This lets them analyze your cash flow and ensure you can handle the loan’s monthly payments. For instance, an alternative lender might require fewer months of bank statements but will scrutinize cash flow more heavily.
Make sure these documents are up-to-date and accurate. Lenders will likely reject your application if there are discrepancies between your tax returns, bank statements, and other financial documents.
Draft a clear business plan
Your business plan will be crucial in convincing lenders that your business is a viable candidate for equipment financing.
It should explain:
- Why the equipment is necessary: Detail how the equipment will help your business generate more revenue or improve operational efficiency. For example, if you have a manufacturing company, explain how upgrading machinery will double your production capacity.
- Financial projections: Include realistic projections demonstrating how the new equipment will affect your business’s bottom line. These projections should cover at least the next two to five years and show that your business will have the means to repay the loan.
- Market analysis: Lenders want to know that you understand your industry well. Include data that shows your market position and growth potential.
If you need help drafting a business plan, many resources are available online, such as SCORE and SBA.gov, which provide free templates and guidance.
Be ready to offer collateral
Depending on the lender and the amount you’re applying for, you may need to offer collateral to secure the loan.
Equipment often serves as collateral for equipment financing, one reason why these loans are easier to qualify for than unsecured loans.
- For example, if you’re financing a fleet of vehicles, those vehicles would serve as the collateral for the loan. If your business defaults on the loan, the lender could repossess the vehicles.
If additional collateral is needed, this could include assets like real estate, inventory, or accounts receivable. Be prepared to detail the value of these assets, as the lender will assess them to determine how much collateral is required.
Prepare for a personal guarantee
In many cases, especially for smaller businesses or startups, lenders require a personal guarantee from the business owner(s).
If the business cannot repay the loan, the owner(s) will be personally responsible for covering the debt.
- What to Expect: Most lenders ask for a personal guarantee if you own 20% or more of the business. While this increases the lender’s confidence, it also puts your personal assets (like your home or savings) at risk in the event of a default.
Submit your application and wait for approval
Once you’ve gathered all your documentation, drafted a solid business plan, and prepared to offer collateral and/or a personal guarantee, you can submit your loan application.
The waiting time will vary depending on the lender:
- Traditional banks: Approval can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the complexity of your application and the lender’s process.
- Alternative lenders: These lenders often approve applications much faster. Some offer decisions within 24 to 48 hours, and others, like Blue Bridge Financial, give you a decision in 4 hours.
Stay organized and keep all documents readily available if the lender requests additional information during the review process.
#5: Review your loan offer and terms
After submitting your application and getting approved, you’re almost done.
However, before you sign the documents, thoroughly review the loan offer and terms.
You should fully understand what you agree to and that no hidden surprises could impact your business’s finances.
Follow this checklist:
Examine the interest rate and APR (Annual percentage rate)
By now, you likely have a good idea of the interest rate offered, but review it carefully in the final loan offer.
The APR is a more accurate reflection of the total cost of the loan because it includes the interest rate and any associated fees (like origination fees or closing costs).
- Fixed vs. Variable Rate: Make sure you know whether the rate is fixed (remains constant) or variable (can fluctuate based on market conditions). If it’s a variable rate, understand how much it could increase over the loan term.
- For example, if your loan is $50,000 at a fixed APR of 8%, your monthly payment will remain consistent throughout the term. However, that 8% could increase or decrease with a variable-rate loan, impacting your payment schedule.
Understand the Loan terms and repayment schedule
The loan term refers to how long you have to repay the loan.
Most equipment loans range from 1 to 10 years, depending on the type of equipment and the lender’s policies.
- Shorter terms: You’ll pay less in interest over the life of the loan but have higher monthly payments.
- Longer terms: Your monthly payments will be lower, but you’ll pay more interest over time.
Additionally, make sure you’re clear on your repayment schedule:
- Are payments due monthly or quarterly?
- Does the lender allow for early repayment without penalty? Some lenders charge fees for paying off your loan early, while others allow it without additional costs.
Look for flexibility in the repayment terms. Some lenders allow seasonal or deferred payments, which can help if your business has fluctuating revenue cycles.
Check for additional fees and penalties
Carefully review the loan offer for any additional fees. These significantly affect the total cost of the loan.
Common fees include:
- Origination Fees: This is a processing fee charged by the lender when the loan is issued, usually between 1% to 5% of the loan amount.
- Prepayment Penalties: Some lenders penalize you if you repay the loan early. This is important if you expect to pay off the loan beforehand to avoid interest.
- Late Payment Fees: Understand the consequences of missing a payment or being late, and ensure the terms are reasonable.
Evaluate the collateral and personal guarantee terms
If your loan is secured by collateral, such as the equipment itself or another business asset, make sure the collateral terms are clearly outlined.
Lenders will outline:
- What happens if you miss payments or default on the loan (equipment repossession)?
- Whether additional collateral is required beyond the equipment being financed.
Additionally, review the personal guarantee terms carefully, especially if you’re personally liable for the loan. Why? Because your personal assets (such as your home or savings) could be at risk if your business defaults on the loan.
Negotiate if necessary
Don’t be afraid to negotiate! If you feel the loan terms are unfavorable, negotiate aspects like the interest rate, repayment schedule, or even the amount of collateral required.
- For example, if you’ve been offered a loan with a higher interest rate than you expected, you can use offers from other lenders as leverage to negotiate a better deal with your preferred lender.
Even small changes in the interest rate or repayment schedule can lead to significant savings over the loan’s life.
Lastly, sign the agreement and secure the funding
Once you’re confident that the loan terms are favorable and you’ve clarified all potential fees and conditions, you can sign the loan agreement.
Depending on the lender, funds will be disbursed within a few days (or even sooner if you work with an alternative lender).
Keep a copy of the loan agreement and all related documentation in case you need to refer to them later.
Common mistakes to avoid when securing equipment financing
Many entrepreneurs make mistakes along the way that lead to poor financing terms or even loan rejection.
Knowing what to avoid helps you get the best deal and set your business up for success.
The most common mistakes to watch out for when applying for equipment financing include:
1. Not knowing your exact equipment needs
The most frequent mistake is not clearly understanding what equipment they need and why.
Without specific details, you could end up financing equipment that doesn’t fully meet your business’s needs or costs more than expected. Before applying for financing, ensure you’ve researched the following:
- The type, model, and specifications of the equipment.
- The total cost includes taxes, installation, and ongoing maintenance.
For example, a restaurant might need new ovens, but financing a model that doesn’t fit the space or requires expensive modifications will lead to unnecessary costs down the line.
2. Focusing only on monthly payments
Securing low monthly payments might seem smart, but focusing exclusively on this can increase overall loan costs.
Lenders often extend loan terms to lower monthly payments, meaning you’ll pay more interest over time.
- Solution: Always evaluate the total cost of the loan, including interest and fees, rather than just the monthly payment amount. A shorter loan term with slightly higher payments can often save you money in the long run.
3. Overlooking the true cost of financing
Many business owners fail to account for the additional costs that come with financing, such as:
- Origination fees
- Early repayment penalties
- Late fees
Not fully understanding these additional costs will result in paying much more than anticipated. Read the loan agreement’s fine print and ask about any hidden fees or penalties.
Calculate the APR (Annual Percentage Rate), which includes all fees and interest and gives you the true cost of the loan.
4. Not shopping around for the best terms
It’s easy to choose the first lender that offers financing, but failing to shop around can cost you significantly.
Different lenders offer different interest rates, terms, and fees.
- For example, one lender might offer you a 7% interest rate on a 5-year loan, while another offers 5% for the same term. That small difference in interest rates can save you thousands of dollars over the loan’s life.
So, before deciding, get quotes from multiple lenders, including traditional banks, credit unions, and alternative lenders.
5. Ignoring your credit score
Your credit score plays a huge role in determining your loan terms.
Ignoring or failing to work to improve your credit before applying for financing will result in higher interest rates or even rejection.
Check both your business and personal credit scores before applying. If your score is below 680, improve it before pursuing financing.
You can do this by paying down existing debt, avoiding new debt, and ensuring all payments are made on time.
6. Failing to understand loan repayment terms
Business owners often don’t realize how repayment terms affect their cash flow, especially if they don’t account for seasonality or other revenue fluctuations.
Understand whether the loan requires monthly, weekly, or even daily payments, and make sure your business’s cash flow can handle those payments. If your business is seasonal, look for lenders that offer seasonal payment plans.
7. Not preparing a solid business case
Lenders want to see that you have a clear plan for how the equipment will generate revenue or improve your operations.
Submitting a weak or poorly thought-out business plan will lead to loan rejection or less favorable terms.
Prepare a strong business plan that outlines the following:
- Why the equipment is necessary.
- How will it improve your operations or increase profits?
- Financial projections showing how your business can afford to repay the loan
8. Forgetting to negotiate loan terms
Many business owners don’t realize that loan terms, including interest rates, fees, and repayment schedules, are often negotiable.
Accepting the first offer without negotiation could mean paying more than needed.
- Solution: Negotiate for better terms, especially if you’ve received multiple loan offers. You can use competing offers as leverage to lower interest rates or eliminate certain fees.
How to improve your chances of approval for small business equipment financing
Securing equipment financing for your small business can sometimes be challenging if you don’t have the best credit or a long business history.
For example, to qualify for equipment financing with Bank of America, you must have been in business for at least two years under existing ownership and generate at least $250,000 in annual revenue.
However, you can take several steps to improve your chances of approval and secure better loan terms.
1. Improve your credit score
Your credit score is one of the first things lenders check when evaluating your application. A higher score can open doors to lower interest rates and better terms.
If your business is established, lenders will look at both your business and personal credit scores. If your business is newer, your personal credit score will play a bigger role in determining your eligibility.
- How to Improve: Pay any outstanding debt, avoid taking on new debt before applying, and ensure all bills are paid on time. Even a small increase in your credit score can make a difference in the loan terms you’re offered.
2. Build a strong cash flow record
Managing your business’s cash flow is essential to improve your chances of securing financing.
Lenders want to ensure your business generates enough cash flow to make loan payments comfortably.
Before applying, focus on improving your cash flow by increasing sales or reducing expenses.
Create a cash flow statement for the last 6 to 12 months to demonstrate consistent revenue. If your business is seasonal, apply for financing during your peak season to show stronger cash flow at the time of the application.
3. Prepare a detailed business plan
Lenders want to see that you have a clear strategy for using the equipment to generate revenue and grow your business.
This includes:
- Equipment Justification: Explain why the equipment is essential for your operations.
- Financial Projections: Include realistic revenue forecasts showing how the new equipment will impact your bottom line and how you plan to repay the loan over time.
- Market Analysis: Demonstrate that you understand your industry and how the equipment will help you compete more effectively
4. Offer collateral
Many equipment loans are secured, meaning the equipment itself serves as collateral.
However, offering additional collateral, such as real estate or inventory, can improve your chances of approval and help you secure better terms.
Clearly outline the value of any collateral you’re offering. This lowers the lender’s risk and can lead to a lower interest rate.
5. Demonstrate a solid debt-to-income ratio
Lenders use your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) to assess how much of your income is already committed to paying off debt.
A lower DTI shows that you can handle additional loan payments.
- How to Calculate DTI: Divide your total monthly debt payments by your monthly income. Most lenders prefer a DTI of less than 50%.
- Tip: If your DTI is too high, pay off some debt or boost your income before applying.
6. Show consistent revenue growth
Lenders prefer to see steady or growing revenues. If your revenue has been inconsistent or declining, it may raise concerns about your ability to repay the loan. Focus on:
Stabilize your revenue and document consistent growth. Providing financial statements that show growth over the last year can help mitigate concerns about your ability to handle the loan.
7. Apply for financing at the right time
Timing your loan application strategically can improve your chances of approval.
For example, applying during your business’s peak season will demonstrate stronger cash flow and make you a more attractive borrower.
Avoid applying when your business is experiencing a cash flow crunch or when you’re taking on new debt. Lenders prefer to see a stable financial position when making loan decisions.
8. Consider a co-signer
If your business is new or your credit score is low, having a co-signer can improve your chances of approval.
A co-signer with strong credit provides additional security to the lender, which can result in better loan terms.
9. Work with a lender that fits your business profile
Different lenders have different requirements. Traditional banks require higher credit scores, while alternative lenders offer more lenient terms but charge higher interest rates.
Choose a lender that matches your business’s size, industry, and credit profile.
Look for lenders that specialize in your industry or equipment financing. They may have more favorable terms and better understand your business needs.
Conclusion: Take the right steps to secure equipment financing
The next step is to take action. The key is to approach it strategically.
You’ve got all the tools you need, but the first step you should take right now is to evaluate your equipment needs in detail.
Make a specific list of the equipment you need, research costs, and calculate the potential ROI. Once you’ve done that, you’ll be ready to enter the financing process confidently.
Don’t wait. Start by making that detailed list today, and soon, you’ll be one step closer to acquiring the equipment that will drive your business growth.
Frequently asked questions
What credit score is needed for an equipment Loan?
Depending on the lender, you can qualify for an equipment loan with a credit score of 575 to 680 or higher. Alternative lenders may approve lower scores but with higher interest rates. Traditional banks prefer scores of 680+ for more favorable terms.
What are typical terms for equipment financing?
Equipment loans have repayment terms of 2 to 7 years. Interest rates range from 4% to 45% APR, depending on the borrower’s creditworthiness and the loan amount.
Are equipment loans easier to get?
Yes, equipment loans are easier to get than other business loans because the equipment itself often serves as collateral, reducing the lender’s risk. This makes approval more accessible, even for businesses with lower credit scores or limited financial history.
How long can you finance equipment for?
You can finance equipment for 1 to 10 years, with the term aligning with how long the equipment will remain useful. The length of equipment financing depends on the equipment’s expected lifespan and the lender’s policies.
Can you write off an equipment Loan?
Yes, you can write off an equipment loan. Businesses can deduct the interest paid on equipment loans. They may also qualify for Section 179 deductions, allowing them to write off the full purchase price of qualifying equipment in the year it’s purchased.