Should You Apply for an Equipment Financing Loan?

Can your business benefit from new equipment? Maybe it’s time to apply for an equipment financing loan. Here are some things you should consider first.

What is An Equipment Loan?

An equipment loan is a type of financing in which businesses can purchase new or used equipment. The purchased equipment secures the loan, and the term is typically for 3-5 years. Equipment loans are popular among small businesses because they provide a way to finance needed equipment purchases without having to dip into their working capital or risk their personal finances.

Benefits of Applying for an Equipment Loan

There are several reasons your business might benefit from applying for an equipment loan. Take a look at some of the most common.

Finance New or Used Equipment

With an equipment loan, your business can finance the purchase of new or used equipment. This can be a great way to upgrade your operations without using your working capital.

Tax-Deductible

The interest on an equipment loan is tax-deductible, which can help reduce your business’s tax burden. In addition, you can write the entire principal amount off as a business expense.

Fixed Interest Rate

Another benefit of an equipment loan is that it typically has a fixed interest rate. This allows you to budget your payments since you’ll know exactly how much to pay each month

Down Payment May Not Be Required

Some equipment loans don’t require a down payment, which can be helpful if you don’t have the cash on hand to make a large purchase.

No Prepayment Penalty

Most equipment financing solutions come with no prepayment penalty, which means if your business can pay off its equipment loan early, you won’t be charged extra. This can save you money in the long run.

Fixed Monthly Payments

Equipment loans have fixed monthly payments, which allow you to budget for your expenses.

Things to Consider Before Applying for an Equipment Loan

Before you apply for an equipment loan, make sure to consider the following.

Purpose of the Loan

The first question you should ask yourself is about the purpose of a loan. Will the equipment purchased with the loan help your business grow? Will it improve your bottom line? If you can’t come up with a legitimate reason fow how your business will benefit from an equipment loan, it may not be the right choice for you.

Can You Afford the Loan?

The next question you need to answer is whether you can afford the loan. An equipment loan is a form of debt, and you need to be sure you can make the payments each month.

Equipment Collateral

You can use the equipment your business purchases as collateral for the loan. If you default on the loan, your lender can seize the equipment. Make sure you’re comfortable with this before applying for a loan.

Length of the Loan

The loan term for an equipment loan is typically 3-5 years. This is the time you have to repay the loan. Be sure you are comfortable with this timeframe before committing to a loan.

Interest Rate

The interest rate on an equipment loan is typically fixed. This means that the interest rate will not change over the life of the loan.

The Bottom Line

Once you have considered the benefits and drawbacks of an equipment loan, it’s time to decide. If your business could benefit from the new or used equipment, an equipment loan might be the right financing option. Be sure to look into various lenders, or work with a fintech marketplace like National, to find solutions suitable to your needs.