0% Down Equipment Financing
Finance Equipment With No Money Down
Axiant Partners secures 0% down financing for qualified borrowers on all major brands. 680+ FICO and 2+ years in business opens the door to 100% equipment financing.
- ✓ 0% down for 680+ FICO, 2+ years in business
- ✓ All major brands — Cat, Deere, Bobcat, Komatsu
- ✓ OEM 0% promotional programs available
- ✓ New and used equipment
- ✓ Decision in 24–48 hours
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No Money Down Equipment Financing — Complete Guide
Who qualifies for 0% down, which OEM programs offer no-down options, total cost analysis vs. putting money down, and low-down alternatives for good-credit borrowers.
Key Facts: No Money Down Equipment Financing
- Minimum Credit Score: 680 FICO for most 0% down programs; 660 minimum at some lenders
- Minimum Time in Business: 2 years for standard 0% down; 3+ years for easiest approval
- Revenue Threshold: Typically $250,000+ annual revenue for standard 0% down programs
- Best Brands for 0% Down: Cat, John Deere, Bobcat, Case, New Holland, Komatsu, Volvo
- OEM 0% Programs: Combine 0% down + 0% interest for 36–48 months on new equipment
- Used Equipment: 0% down available for 680+ FICO but less common; 5–10% more typical
- Low Down Alternative: 5–10% down programs widely available for 640–679 FICO borrowers
Who Qualifies for 0% Down Equipment Financing
Zero down payment equipment financing is not available to everyone — it requires meeting several criteria simultaneously. Lenders extend 0% down when the combination of creditworthiness, business stability, and collateral quality is strong enough that the lender's risk is well-managed without requiring a down payment as a buffer.
| Qualification Factor | Minimum for 0% Down | Ideal for 0% Down | Below Threshold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal FICO Score | 680 | 720+ | Below 660: 10–20% down required |
| Time in Business | 2 years | 3–5+ years | Under 2 years: 15–25% down |
| Annual Revenue | $250,000 | $500,000+ | Under $100K: down payment likely required |
| Equipment Type | Major brand, new | Cat/Deere/Komatsu new | Specialty/restaurant: down often required |
| Loan Amount | $25,000–$500,000 | $50,000–$250,000 | Over $1M: some down usually required |
| Existing Debt Load | DSCR 1.25x+ | DSCR 1.5x+ | DSCR below 1.0x: down payment required |
| Prior Defaults/Liens | None in 5 years | Clean history | Any recent default: disqualifying |
OEM 0% Down + 0% Interest Programs
The best 0% down deals combine zero down payment with zero interest — available through OEM captive lenders on new equipment purchased from authorized dealers. These programs are manufacturer-subsidized: the OEM pays the difference between the promotional rate and market rate to move inventory.
| OEM Lender | Brands | Typical Program | Credit Required | Program Timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caterpillar Financial Products | Cat, Perkins | 0% for 36–48 months, 0% down | 680+ FICO | Year-end, ConExpo, CONEXPO-CON/AGG |
| John Deere Financial | John Deere (all) | 0% for 48–60 months (ag), 0% down | 680+ FICO | Spring planting, fall harvest seasons |
| CNH Industrial Capital | Case, New Holland | 0–1.9% for 36–48 months, 0% down | 660+ FICO | Model year transitions, dealer events |
| Bobcat Financial Services | Bobcat (all models) | 0% for 36–48 months, select models | 680+ FICO | Periodic, aligned with trade shows |
| Kubota Credit Corp | Kubota (all) | 0% for 36–48 months (compact eq.) | 660+ FICO | Spring and fall dealer promotions |
| Volvo Financial Services | Volvo CE | 1.9% for 36–48 months, 0% down | 660+ FICO | Bauma, ConExpo, periodic |
To access these programs, purchase through an authorized dealer during the promotion window. Dealers typically advertise current promotional offers; you can also contact OEM financial representatives directly. For more on rate structures, see our Equipment Financing Rates 2026 guide.
0% Down Through Independent Lenders (Non-OEM)
Outside of OEM promotions, conventional equipment lenders also offer 0% down to qualified borrowers. These loans carry market interest rates (currently 6–9% for 680+ FICO), but require no cash outlay at closing. Major independent lenders offering 0% down programs include:
- Beacon Capital Group: 0% down for 680+ FICO, 2+ years in business, new or used equipment under 10 years old
- ENGS Commercial Finance: 0% down available for strong credit profiles; specializes in transportation and construction
- Crest Capital: 0% down for established businesses; strong in office, medical, and light commercial equipment
- First Western Equipment Finance: 0% down for agricultural equipment with strong credit; competitive farm equipment rates
- Bank direct lending: Community banks and farm credit unions often offer 0% down to existing customers with strong relationships
Total Cost Comparison: 0% Down vs. 15% Down
The total cost of a loan depends on both the interest rate and the amount financed. Putting money down reduces the loan principal, which reduces total interest paid — but it also deploys capital that could otherwise be used in your business.
| Scenario | Equipment Cost | Down Payment | Amount Financed | Rate | Term | Monthly Payment | Total Interest | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0% Down, OEM 0% Rate | $100,000 | $0 | $100,000 | 0% | 48 mo | $2,083 | $0 | $100,000 |
| 0% Down, 7% Rate | $100,000 | $0 | $100,000 | 7% | 60 mo | $1,980 | $18,797 | $118,797 |
| 10% Down, 7% Rate | $100,000 | $10,000 | $90,000 | 7% | 60 mo | $1,782 | $16,917 | $116,917 |
| 15% Down, 7% Rate | $100,000 | $15,000 | $85,000 | 7% | 60 mo | $1,683 | $15,977 | $115,977 |
| 20% Down, 7% Rate | $100,000 | $20,000 | $80,000 | 7% | 60 mo | $1,584 | $15,038 | $115,038 |
| 0% Down, 12% Rate | $100,000 | $0 | $100,000 | 12% | 60 mo | $2,224 | $33,467 | $133,467 |
| 15% Down, 10% Rate | $100,000 | $15,000 | $85,000 | 10% | 60 mo | $1,806 | $23,361 | $128,361 |
Key insight: The OEM 0% + 0% down scenario results in the lowest total cost ($100,000) — you pay only the purchase price. For market-rate loans, putting money down saves interest but the savings are modest (roughly $2,800 by going from 0% to 15% down at 7% APR). The real financial decision is opportunity cost: does your business earn more than 7% on that $15,000 if kept in operations? For most growing businesses, the answer is yes — making 0% down the better choice for capital allocation, even at market rates.
Low Down Payment Alternatives (5–10% Down Programs)
For borrowers who don't quite qualify for 0% down — typically 640–679 FICO scores or businesses 1–2 years old — low down payment programs offer a middle path:
| Program Type | Down Payment | Credit Requirement | Business Age | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Low-Down | 5–10% | 640–679 FICO | 2+ years | Good credit, slightly below 0% down threshold |
| Near-Prime Low-Down | 10–15% | 620–639 FICO | 1.5–2 years | Building credit, solid revenue |
| First-Time Buyer Program | 10–15% | 640+ FICO | 1+ year | First equipment loan, building history |
| OEM Low-Down | 0–10% | 660+ FICO | 2+ years | New equipment from dealer, promotional period |
| Used Equipment Low-Down | 10–20% | 660+ FICO | 2+ years | Used equipment under 10 years old |
When Does Putting Money Down Make More Sense?
Despite the appeal of 0% down, there are specific situations where putting money down is the better financial decision:
- High-rate financing (above 12%): At rates above 12%, the interest savings from reducing the loan principal are significant enough that down payments generate returns exceeding most business investment alternatives.
- Rapidly depreciating equipment: Technology equipment, specialty vehicles, and restaurant equipment depreciate quickly. Financing 100% means you may owe more than the equipment is worth within 12–24 months — creating an "underwater" position that complicates refinancing or trade-in.
- Used equipment near age limits: Used equipment within 2–3 years of lender age limits (e.g., a 13-year-old excavator when the limit is 15 years) should have a larger down payment to ensure you've built equity before refinancing becomes necessary.
- Weak business cash flow: If your DSCR is tight (1.0x–1.25x), putting money down reduces payments and provides more financial cushion during slow periods.
For startups with limited down payment capacity, see our Equipment Financing for Startups guide. For full rate comparison context, see our Equipment Financing Rates 2026 guide.
Ready for 0% Down Equipment Financing?
Axiant Partners works with all major lenders offering 0% down programs. If you have 680+ FICO and 2+ years in business, you likely qualify.
Frequently Asked Questions — No Money Down Equipment Financing
What credit score do I need for 0% down equipment financing?
Most lenders require a 680+ FICO score for 0% down equipment financing. Some lenders will go as low as 660 for strong candidates (2+ years in business, high revenue), but 680 is the standard threshold. Below 660, expect 10–20% down requirements. Below 600, expect 20–30% down even with established businesses. Credit score is the primary determinant for down payment requirements — time in business and revenue are secondary factors.
Which equipment brands most commonly get 0% down financing?
The brands most commonly available with 0% down financing are: Caterpillar (via Cat Financial), John Deere (via John Deere Financial), CNH brands including Case and New Holland (via CNH Industrial Capital), Bobcat (via Bobcat Financial Services), and Kubota (via Kubota Credit). These OEM captive lenders regularly run 0% promotional programs. Additionally, any major brand (Komatsu, Volvo, Hitachi, AGCO) financed through a conventional lender can be done 0% down for 680+ FICO borrowers, even without an OEM promotional program.
Is 0% down equipment financing really free? What is the catch?
OEM 0% programs are genuinely 0% interest — the manufacturer subsidizes the rate. However, there are conditions: (1) You must qualify with strong credit (680+ FICO); (2) The program applies only to new equipment from authorized dealers; (3) Promotional periods are limited (typically 36–48 months) — after which the rate converts to market rate or the loan must be refinanced; (4) Missing a payment may result in the promotional rate being revoked and all accrued interest becoming due. Read the promotional terms carefully, especially the deferred interest provision in some programs.
Does 0% down equipment financing make financial sense?
0% down makes sense when: (1) Your capital earns more deployed in the business than the interest cost of financing; (2) You're accessing an OEM 0% promotional program (zero interest cost); (3) Preserving liquidity is critical for operations or growth. Putting money down makes more sense when: (1) Your loan rate is above 8% and you have the capital; (2) The equipment is depreciating faster than you're building equity; (3) You're financing used equipment and want to avoid being underwater on the loan. On a $100,000 equipment loan at 8% over 60 months, a 15% down payment saves approximately $9,700 in interest and reduces monthly payments by $162.
Can a startup business get 0% down equipment financing?
Startups (businesses under 2 years old) very rarely qualify for 0% down equipment financing. Most lenders require 2+ years in business for 0% down eligibility, regardless of personal credit score. Startup programs typically require 15–25% down. The exception is OEM dealer financing for very high-credit owners (720+) who may negotiate 0% down on a personal guarantee basis, treating the loan similarly to consumer credit. For startups seeking minimal down payment, the realistic floor is usually 10–15% for 680+ FICO owners with at least 1 year in business.
What is the difference between 0% down and 0% interest equipment financing?
These are two different things. 0% down means no down payment required — you finance 100% of the equipment cost, but you pay normal interest (e.g., 7–10% APR). 0% interest (OEM promotional programs) means you pay no interest during the promotional period, but you may be required to make a down payment (often 0–10%). The best scenario combines both: 0% down AND 0% interest from an OEM promotional program, available to 680+ FICO borrowers financing new equipment from major brands. This results in total financing cost equal to the purchase price only.