Buying commercial equipment can require a significant amount of capital. Whether you need construction machinery, medical equipment, restaurant equipment, manufacturing tools, commercial vehicles, or technology, equipment financing can help spread the cost over time instead of using a large amount of cash upfront.

The best equipment financing company depends on the equipment type, purchase price, business history, credit profile, revenue, desired repayment period, and whether you prefer a loan or lease.

Current 2026 comparisons include providers such as National Funding, U.S. Bank, First Citizens Bank, JR Capital, Crest Capital, Triton Capital, and others. (NerdWallet)

Important: Rates, fees, loan amounts, approval requirements, and repayment terms vary by lender and borrower. A lender’s inclusion in this article does not guarantee approval or represent an endorsement. This article is for educational purposes and is not financial advice or a loan offer.

Quick Comparison: Best Equipment Financing Companies

Company	Best For	Maximum Financing*	Key Feature
Crest Capital	Flexible equipment financing	$500,000	Financing for new and used equipment
National Funding	Newer businesses	$150,000	Equipment financing with relatively accessible requirements
U.S. Bank	Established businesses	$1 million	Equipment financing plus banking services
First Citizens Bank	Customized financing	$3 million	Loan and lease structures
JR Capital	Large equipment purchases	$10 million	Large financing limits
Triton Capital	Specialized industries	$250,000	Restaurant, technology and medical equipment
Lendio	Comparing financing options	Varies	Marketplace approach
Crest Capital Leasing	Equipment leasing	$500,000	Leasing-focused option

*Maximum amounts shown are based on current published third-party or lender information and can vary by product and borrower. (NerdWallet)

1. Crest Capital

Crest Capital is a specialized equipment financing company that has been operating since 1989.

The company currently advertises equipment financing from $10,000 to $500,000, including financing for used equipment. Crest Capital also states that it can provide same-day decisions and that financial statements may not be required for financing up to $250,000. (Crest Capital)

Why consider Crest Capital?

It may be worth comparing if your business needs:

New equipment
Used equipment
Commercial machinery
Vehicles
Technology
Construction equipment
Equipment from private sellers

Crest Capital states that qualified businesses can receive up to 100% financing on eligible transactions. (Crest Capital)

Potential advantage

A specialized equipment lender may understand equipment transactions better than a general-purpose business lender.

Important consideration

The actual rate and terms depend on the applicant, equipment, transaction size, and underwriting.

2. National Funding

National Funding is another equipment-financing option frequently included in current small-business lending comparisons.

NerdWallet currently lists National Funding equipment financing with a maximum amount of $150,000, a minimum credit score of 600, and a minimum business history of six months. (NerdWallet)

Why consider National Funding?

It can be worth investigating for businesses that may not meet the longer operating-history requirements of some traditional banks.

Potential uses include financing:

Vehicles
Machinery
Technology
Restaurant equipment
Construction equipment
Other qualifying business equipment

Best suited for

Businesses looking for an equipment-financing provider with relatively accessible published qualification criteria.

However, easier qualification can sometimes come with a higher financing cost, so compare the complete repayment amount rather than focusing only on approval requirements.

3. U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank offers equipment financing alongside its broader business banking products.

NerdWallet currently lists U.S. Bank equipment financing with a maximum amount of $1 million. It also notes that the bank can provide up to 125% equipment financing in certain situations, allowing eligible financing to cover soft costs such as installation, taxes, and freight. (NerdWallet)

Why consider U.S. Bank?

This can be attractive for businesses that want:

Equipment financing
Traditional banking services
Larger equipment purchases
Structured repayment options
Financing for equipment-related soft costs

NerdWallet reports that U.S. Bank offers quarterly, semiannual, or annual repayment options for certain equipment financing. (NerdWallet)

Potential drawback

Qualification requirements and rates are not fully disclosed online, so businesses generally need to discuss their specific transaction with the bank.

4. First Citizens Bank

First Citizens Bank offers equipment loans and leases that can be structured around a business’s specific financing needs.

Current NerdWallet information lists a maximum equipment-financing amount of $3 million and notes that First Citizens can provide up to 100% financing for new and used equipment. (NerdWallet)

Why consider First Citizens?

It may be a strong option for businesses that want:

Customized repayment structures
Equipment loans
Equipment leases
New equipment
Used equipment
Larger equipment purchases

NerdWallet also notes that financing can be structured around particular tax or accounting considerations. (NerdWallet)

5. JR Capital

JR Capital stands out for businesses seeking larger equipment-financing amounts.

NerdWallet currently lists financing of up to $10 million, with repayment terms ranging from 24 to 84 months. It also reports that JR Capital finances various types of business equipment, including trucks, trailers, construction equipment, and agricultural equipment. (NerdWallet)

Why consider JR Capital?

It may be particularly relevant for:

Heavy equipment
Construction businesses
Transportation companies
Agricultural equipment
Large machinery purchases
Businesses requiring higher financing amounts

The company may therefore be worth comparing when a standard $100,000 or $250,000 equipment loan is not sufficient.

6. Triton Capital

Triton Capital is another specialized equipment-financing provider.

Current NerdWallet information lists a maximum equipment-financing amount of $250,000. It identifies Triton as particularly relevant for industries such as restaurants, technology, and healthcare/medical businesses. (NerdWallet)

Potential financing uses

Restaurant equipment
Technology equipment
Medical equipment
Business machinery
Other qualifying equipment

Businesses in specialized industries may benefit from comparing a lender that has experience with the type of equipment they are purchasing.

7. Lendio

Lendio operates differently from a traditional direct equipment lender.

It is a financing marketplace that allows businesses to compare different financing options.

Current 2026 comparisons identify Lendio as an option for businesses that want to compare multiple equipment-financing products rather than approaching a single lender. (TechRepublic)

Why consider Lendio?

It may be useful when you want to compare:

Equipment loans
Business term loans
Lines of credit
SBA financing
Other business financing

Because offers can come from different providers, carefully review the actual lender, rate, fees, repayment schedule, and total financing cost.

8. Equipment Leasing Companies

Equipment leasing can be an alternative to purchasing equipment with a traditional equipment loan.

Current 2026 comparisons include providers such as Triton Capital, JR Capital, Taycor Financial, First Citizens Bank, Crest Capital, and Wells Fargo among equipment leasing options. (NerdWallet)

With a lease, the business generally makes payments for the right to use the equipment under the lease agreement.

Depending on the lease structure, the business may have an option to purchase the equipment at the end of the lease or may return it.

Leasing may be worth considering when:

You frequently upgrade equipment
Technology becomes outdated quickly
You want to preserve cash
You prefer predictable payments
You don’t want to own the equipment immediately

Always review the end-of-term purchase provisions and total lease cost before signing.

Equipment Loan vs. Equipment Lease

Feature	Equipment Loan	Equipment Lease
Ownership	Usually business owns equipment	Depends on lease structure
Upfront cash	May require down payment	Can sometimes reduce upfront cash
Payments	Principal + financing cost	Lease payments
Asset ownership	Generally yes after repayment	May require purchase option
Best for	Businesses wanting ownership	Businesses prioritizing flexibility
Used equipment	Often available	Depends on provider

Neither option is automatically better. The correct choice depends on how long you expect to use the equipment and whether ownership is important.

How Much Equipment Financing Can You Get?

There is no universal maximum.

Current lender comparisons show a wide range.

For example:

National Funding: up to $150,000
Triton Capital: up to $250,000
Crest Capital: up to $500,000
U.S. Bank: up to $1 million
First Citizens Bank: up to $3 million
JR Capital: up to $10 million

These figures are product-level maximums rather than guaranteed amounts for every borrower. (NerdWallet)

Your actual financing amount depends on:

Equipment price
Business revenue
Cash flow
Credit profile
Time in business
Equipment type
Equipment age
Down payment
Collateral
Lender underwriting

Equipment Financing Rates

Equipment-financing rates vary considerably.

Your financing cost can depend on:

Credit score
Business history
Annual revenue
Equipment type
Equipment age
Loan amount
Loan term
Down payment
Whether the transaction is a loan or lease
Market conditions

Some current market comparisons publish starting rates, but a starting rate should never be interpreted as the rate every borrower will receive. For example, Merchant Maverick currently lists Crest Capital’s equipment leasing rates starting at 5%, while other providers may not publish rates publicly. (Merchant Maverick)

The most useful comparison is the total cost of financing, including interest, fees, and any purchase or residual obligations.

What Equipment Can Be Financed?

Equipment-financing companies can support a wide range of business assets.

Examples include:

Construction Equipment

Excavators
Bulldozers
Cranes
Loaders
Concrete equipment

Manufacturing Equipment

CNC machines
Industrial machinery
Production equipment
Packaging machines

Transportation Equipment

Commercial trucks
Trailers
Delivery vehicles
Fleet equipment

Restaurant Equipment

Commercial ovens
Refrigeration
Food-processing equipment
Commercial kitchen systems

Medical Equipment

Diagnostic equipment
Dental equipment
Medical devices

Technology

Servers
Networking equipment
Specialized computer systems

Eligibility varies by lender.

What Do Equipment Financing Companies Look For?

1. Credit Score

Your personal and/or business credit history may affect approval and pricing.

2. Time in Business

Some lenders work with newer companies, while traditional banks may prefer established businesses.

Current NerdWallet comparisons show minimum time-in-business requirements ranging from six months for some providers to around two years for several bank and specialized financing products. (NerdWallet)

3. Revenue

Lenders may evaluate whether the business generates sufficient revenue to support the proposed payments.

4. Equipment Value

The equipment itself can be an important part of the underwriting process.

5. Equipment Condition

Some lenders finance used equipment, while others may have restrictions on equipment age or condition.

6. Cash Flow

Even when equipment serves as collateral, lenders may evaluate the business’s ability to make payments from operating cash flow.

Documents You May Need

Depending on the lender, prepare:

Business tax returns
Personal tax returns
Profit-and-loss statements
Bank statements
Balance sheets
Equipment quote or invoice
Equipment specifications
Business formation documents
Ownership information
Existing debt information
Proof of revenue
Personal financial statement

Some specialized lenders may require less documentation for smaller transactions.

For example, Crest Capital states that financial statements may not be required for certain financing transactions up to $250,000. (Crest Capital)

How to Choose the Best Equipment Financing Company

Don’t choose a lender based only on the advertised rate.

Instead, compare:

Loan amount + interest rate + fees + repayment term + down payment + collateral + personal guarantee + prepayment terms + total repayment

Also consider whether the lender finances the exact equipment you need.

Ask these questions:

What is the maximum financing amount?
Do you finance new and used equipment?
What equipment types are eligible?
What credit score is required?
How long must my business be operating?
Is a down payment required?
What interest rate can I expect?
Are there origination or documentation fees?
Is a personal guarantee required?
Can I finance installation, freight, or taxes?
Are there prepayment penalties?
What happens at the end of a lease?
How quickly can funding occur?
Do you finance equipment purchased from private sellers?

Equipment Financing for Startups

Startups can have more difficulty obtaining traditional equipment financing because they have limited operating history.

However, some lenders specifically work with newer businesses.

Current comparisons identify National Funding and certain specialized equipment lenders as options for businesses with shorter operating histories. (NerdWallet)

A startup should be prepared to demonstrate:

Strong personal credit
Industry experience
Available capital
Detailed business plan
Equipment quote
Revenue projections
Ability to make payments

Startup financing can be more expensive than financing available to established businesses, so compare the total cost carefully.

Equipment Financing for Bad Credit

Businesses with weaker credit profiles may still find financing options, but the choices can be more limited.

Alternative lenders may have more flexible credit requirements than traditional banks, although this can come with higher rates or fees.

For example, current 2026 comparisons list certain equipment-financing providers with minimum credit scores below those commonly required by major banks. (NerdWallet)

If your credit profile is weak, compare several offers and avoid focusing solely on approval.

A loan that is easy to obtain may still create significant pressure on business cash flow.

SBA Financing for Equipment

SBA financing can also be relevant when equipment is part of a broader business financing project.

The SBA 7(a) program can support qualifying equipment purchases as part of eligible business financing.

For larger fixed-asset projects, SBA 504 financing may also be worth investigating depending on the project and eligibility.

The appropriate SBA program depends on the transaction, business, equipment, and other project details.

Equipment Financing vs. Business Line of Credit

Feature	Equipment Financing	Business Line of Credit
Primary purpose	Equipment purchase	Ongoing working capital
Funding	Usually tied to equipment	Flexible draws
Collateral	Equipment may secure loan	May be secured or unsecured
Repayment	Scheduled payments	Payments based on balance/terms
Best for	Large equipment purchases	Recurring short-term expenses

If you know exactly which equipment you need, equipment financing may provide a more targeted solution.

If you need flexible access to money for different operating expenses, a business line of credit may be more appropriate.

How to Apply for Equipment Financing

Step 1: Choose the equipment

Get a detailed quote from the seller.

Step 2: Determine the total cost

Include:

Equipment price
Delivery
Installation
Taxes
Training
Maintenance
Other acquisition costs

Step 3: Review your financial profile

Check your credit, revenue, cash flow, and available capital.

Step 4: Compare financing companies

Consider banks, specialized equipment lenders, SBA lenders, and financing marketplaces.

Step 5: Request multiple offers

Comparing offers can help you identify differences in rates, fees, terms, and collateral requirements.

Step 6: Review the agreement

Pay attention to the total repayment amount and all additional charges.

Step 7: Complete funding

After approval and documentation, the lender can fund the equipment purchase according to the agreed structure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best equipment financing company in the USA?

There is no single best provider for every business. Crest Capital, National Funding, U.S. Bank, First Citizens Bank, JR Capital, Triton Capital, and other providers serve different borrower profiles and equipment needs. (NerdWallet)

What is the easiest equipment financing company to qualify for?

Qualification depends on your credit, revenue, time in business, equipment, and other factors. Some alternative lenders have less restrictive published requirements than traditional banks, but potentially higher financing costs should be considered. (NerdWallet)

How much can an equipment financing company lend?

Maximum amounts vary widely. Current published comparisons range from around $150,000 for some products to $10 million for JR Capital. (NerdWallet)

Can I finance used equipment?

Yes. Several equipment lenders finance used equipment, although equipment age, condition, seller type, and valuation can affect eligibility. Crest Capital, for example, currently advertises financing for used equipment. (Crest Capital)

Can startups get equipment financing?

Potentially. Some lenders accept relatively young businesses, while others require two years or more in operation. (NerdWallet)

Is equipment financing better than leasing?

It depends on your priorities. Financing generally leads to ownership, while leasing can provide greater flexibility depending on the contract. Compare the total cost and end-of-term conditions before deciding.

Can I finance heavy equipment?

Yes. Specialized lenders offer financing for construction, agricultural, transportation, and other heavy equipment. JR Capital, for example, currently lists trucks, trailers, construction equipment, and farming equipment among eligible equipment categories. (NerdWallet)

Can equipment itself be used as collateral?

In many equipment-financing structures, the financed equipment serves as collateral. The exact security arrangement depends on the lender and loan agreement.

Final Thoughts

The best equipment financing company depends on the equipment you need, financing amount, business history, credit profile, cash flow, and preferred repayment structure.

For flexible equipment financing, Crest Capital is worth comparing. For businesses with shorter operating histories, National Funding may be relevant. U.S. Bank and First Citizens Bank are options for businesses seeking traditional bank financing, while JR Capital stands out for larger equipment-financing requirements. (NerdWallet)

Businesses should also compare equipment leasing and SBA financing when appropriate.

Most importantly, don’t compare lenders only by advertised rates or maximum loan amounts. Evaluate the actual offer, including interest, fees, down payment, repayment schedule, collateral, personal guarantees, and total financing cost.