Business Financing

How Do Equipment Loans Work for Small Businesses?

Published June 2026

The Short Answer

Equipment loans use the equipment itself as collateral. Lenders finance 80% to 100% of the purchase price, with terms tied to the useful life of the asset (typically 2 to 7 years). Rates run 6% to 25% APR depending on credit, time in business, and equipment type. Because the asset secures the loan, approval is faster and credit requirements are softer than for unsecured term loans.

Equipment Loan Terms by Lender Type

Lender Type% of Equipment FinancedTerm LengthTypical APR
SBA 7(a)Up to 90%Up to 10 yearsPrime + 2 to 4.75%
SBA 504Up to 90% (combined)10 to 25 years5% to 7% fixed (CDC portion)
Bank equipment loan80% to 100%2 to 7 years7% to 13%
Online equipment lender100%2 to 6 years8% to 25%
Captive lender (manufacturer)100%2 to 7 years0% to 12% (promo rates)
Equipment leasing100% (lease)2 to 7 yearsEffective 6% to 30%

Sources: lender published rate tables, SBA program guidelines, and industry data as of June 2026. Rates and qualification criteria change frequently. Confirm with each lender before applying.

Why This Matters

Equipment financing is one of the easiest business loan categories to qualify for because the asset secures the debt. Lenders care less about FICO and more about the resale value of what you're buying. Used equipment, specialized machinery, and titled vehicles all qualify, though terms vary. Equipment lenders publish rate sheets that move with the broader rate environment, so comparing 2 or 3 live quotes is the only reliable way to know current pricing.

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