Equipment financing, explained

Straight answers to the questions business owners actually ask before financing a piece of equipment — written by people who place these deals every day.

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Latest guides

$1 Buyout Lease vs Fair Market Value Lease: Which One Fits Your Business?

November 5, 2026 · 6 min read

A $1 buyout lease ends with you owning the equipment. A fair market value lease has a lower payment and a decision at the end. Here is who each one fits, and how to compare what they really cost.

What Is a TRAC Lease, and How Does It Work for Trucks and Trailers?

November 3, 2026 · 7 min read

A TRAC lease sets a residual value on the truck at the start, and at the end the truck's real sale price is settled against it. Here is how the true-up works, who carries the risk, and when a TRAC lease fits.

How to Check an Equipment Finance Company Before You Sign

November 2, 2026 · 7 min read

Reviews tell you how other people felt. A short checklist tells you whether the company and the contract are what they claim to be. Here is what to check before you sign with anyone.

The Bank Said No Because the Equipment Is 10 or More Years Old. What Now?

November 1, 2026 · 4 min read

An age limit is one lender's rule about the equipment, not a ruling on your deal. Some lenders have no age limit and look at condition and value instead. Here is what they want to see.

The Bank Said No Because You Are Rebuilding Credit. What Now?

November 1, 2026 · 4 min read

A low score ends the conversation at many banks, but not at every lender. Here is what other lenders weigh while you rebuild, what a bigger down payment changes, and what usually stops a deal.

The Bank Said No Because You Have Under 2 Years in Business. What Now?

November 1, 2026 · 4 min read

A bank's two-year rule is that bank's rule, not a verdict on your business. Other lenders look at newer businesses, and they weigh different things. Here is what they look at and what helps.

No Credit Check Equipment Financing: What It Really Means, and What Works Instead

November 1, 2026 · 7 min read

Almost every equipment lender checks credit, whatever the ad says. The real ways around a low score are a deal approved on the business's own credit, or a large down payment. Here is how each works, and how to spot the offers to walk away from.

Every guide, by topic

Quick answers

Finance terms, defined

Credit and approval

When the bank says no

New businesses and startups

Down payment, terms, paperwork and taxes

Trucks and trailers

Construction equipment

Medical, dental and veterinary

Farm equipment

Manufacturing and material handling

Restaurants and technology