Semi-Truck Financing — Compare Lenders & Rates
Owner-operators and small fleets: compare semi-truck loans, terms, and down payments side by side. Soft pull at qualification.
- $500M+ funded in 2025
- 10+ truck specialty lenders
- Approvals in 24–72 hours
- Soft pull at qualification
- Bad credit & startup-MC programs
Top semi-truck lenders
Prime, mid-tier, and bad-credit programs side by side.
| Provider | Best for | Rate / cost range | Min requirements | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Commercial Fleet Financing 1–3 business days | Startups and bad-credit truck buyers | 9%–24% APR |
| Get matched |
Balboa Capital 1–2 business days | Established small fleets | 7%–22% APR |
| Get matched |
Smarter Finance USA 2–5 business days | Owner-operators buying first or second truck | 8%–20% APR |
| Get matched |
CAG Truck Capital 1–3 business days | Bad credit and bankruptcy buyers | 12%–28% APR |
| Get matched |
First Capital Business Finance 1–3 business days | Owner-operators and small fleets needing flexible structure | 8%–22% APR |
| Get matched |
Rates and requirements are editorial estimates. Verify with the provider before signing.
Why use truckers.finance
One application, multiple offers
Fill out our profile once. Match with prime, mid-tier, and bad-credit truck lenders simultaneously.
Soft pull at qualification
We don't ding your credit to shop offers. The hard inquiry happens only when you choose a lender.
Startup-MC programs
Lenders that fund first-truck owner-operators with as little as 6 months CDL experience.
Used and new
Class 8 tractors up to 10 years old / 700k miles. Trailers and reefers also covered.
Bad credit doors
Specialists that approve FICO 500 or post-BK with 15%–25% down. Higher rate, but a path to a truck.
Lease or loan
Compare TRAC leases, $1 buyout leases, and standard equipment loans on the same offer sheet.
Who qualifies
- Valid CDL Class A
- Active MC authority (or pending — startup-MC programs available)
- FICO 550+ for mainstream lenders, no minimum on bad-credit programs
- 10%–25% down payment depending on credit tier
- EIN and business bank account
- Truck specs, VIN, and dealer or seller details
Frequently asked questions
- What credit score do I need to finance a semi-truck?
- Most prime lenders want FICO 650+. Sub-prime truck lenders go down to 550, and bad-credit specialists fund truck buyers with no FICO minimum given a 15%–25% down payment.
- How much down payment is required?
- Owner-operators with FICO 650+ and 1+ year operating history can get into a used truck with 10%–15% down. Newer authorities, sub-prime credit, or older units typically run 15%–25%.
- What are typical semi-truck loan rates in 2026?
- Prime borrowers see 7%–11% APR. Mid-tier lands at 11%–18%. Sub-prime and bad-credit programs run 18%–28%. Term 36–72 months is standard.
- Can I finance a truck with no time in business?
- Yes. Several lenders specialize in startup-MC and first-truck owner-operators. Expect a higher rate, larger down payment, and proof of CDL plus signed lease or dispatch arrangement.
- Should I lease or buy?
- Buy if you'll keep the truck 4+ years and want equity. Lease if you cycle equipment every 2–3 years and want lower monthlies. TRAC leases let you finance with low money out and a residual at end of term.
- What documents do I need?
- CDL, MC and DOT numbers (or pending), bank statements (3–6 months), tax returns (1–2 years for established carriers), and the truck's specs/VIN. Some lenders also pull a personal credit report.
- Used vs new — what gets financed?
- Lenders typically cap at 10 years old / 700k miles. Newer trucks get prime rates and longer terms. Older trucks force shorter terms (36–48 months) and bigger down payments.
- Will applying hurt my credit?
- We do a soft pull at qualification. The chosen lender does one hard inquiry on funding — typically a 5–10 point dip that recovers in 60 days.
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