Key Takeaways
- O-1 holders qualify for equipment financing using the equipment as collateral
- Lower effective rates than unsecured working capital due to asset security
- SBA barred for all O-1 holders since March 2026
- Medical, restaurant, manufacturing, transportation, and tech equipment all covered
- 48-hour decisions, no green card required
Equipment financing is the most accessible form of business capital for O-1 holders because the equipment itself serves as collateral — reducing lender risk and making the underwriting less dependent on credit score or immigration status. When a qualified asset backs the loan, visa type is an even smaller factor in the decision. Bankable funds O-1 equipment financing across all business categories — medical, restaurant, manufacturing, transportation, construction, and tech infrastructure. Check your Bankability Score.
How Equipment Financing Works
Equipment financing provides capital specifically for purchasing business equipment, with the equipment itself serving as collateral. Key terms: loan-to-value ratio (typically 80-100% of equipment value), term length (matched to the equipment's useful life), and interest rate (lower than unsecured capital because of the collateral). Bankable evaluates the equipment's condition, age, market value, and useful life alongside the business's revenue history.
Types of Equipment Bankable Finances
- Restaurant and food service: Commercial ovens, refrigeration, espresso systems, POS hardware
- Medical: Imaging systems, surgical equipment, diagnostic tools, EMR infrastructure
- Manufacturing: CNC machines, injection molding, industrial presses, quality testing equipment
- Construction: Excavators, cranes, concrete equipment, specialty tools
- Transportation: Commercial trucks, vans, refrigerated trailers
- Technology: Server infrastructure, specialized workstations, production equipment
New vs. Used Equipment
Both new and used equipment qualify for financing through Bankable. New equipment carries the full manufacturer's value; used equipment is evaluated based on current market value (blue book, recent auction prices, or appraisal for specialty equipment). Used equipment financing typically requires a higher down payment (10-20%) and carries slightly higher rates than new equipment, reflecting the higher depreciation risk. For equipment under 5 years old in good condition, rates and terms are comparable to new equipment financing.
Equipment Financing vs. Working Capital: Which to Use
Use equipment financing when: you are purchasing a specific piece of equipment with a long useful life (5+ years) and you want the equipment to serve as collateral. Use working capital when: you need flexibility for operating costs, inventory, or short-term needs that don't involve a specific depreciating asset. Many O-1 business owners use both in combination — equipment financing for the long-lived assets and working capital for the operational needs. Compare all product types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Equipment financing with the equipment as collateral is available to O-1 holders. No green card required.
Restaurant, medical, manufacturing, construction, transportation, and technology equipment all qualify.
No. The equipment is the collateral, which makes immigration status even less relevant to the underwriting decision.
Up to 80-100% of equipment value, with a maximum of $5M.
48 hours from complete application.
Yes. SBA equipment financing programs require citizen/national ownership. Bankable is a private alternative.
Yes. Used equipment under 10 years old in good condition qualifies. Condition and market value are evaluated.
Equipment financing terms are typically matched to the equipment's useful life — 3-7 years for most categories.
10-20% down is typical for equipment financing, though 100% financing is available for qualifying applicants.
Equipment refinancing (unlocking equity in owned equipment) may be available for qualifying equipment with current market value.