Cardiff Review 2026: $0 Down Payment Equipment Financing Options

Cardiff Equipment Financing: Company Overview

Cardiff launched in 2004 with a mission to make business equipment financing more accessible. With nearly 20 years of experience and over $8 billion funded to small businesses across the country, Cardiff has established itself as a trusted partner in business financing. Their standout feature? Zero-down-payment equipment loans that help cash-strapped businesses acquire the tools they need without draining their reserves.

The company recognized a common problem: many viable businesses have the revenue to afford monthly payments but struggle to save up the 10-30% down payments most lenders require. Cardiff's solution removes this barrier entirely.

Their zero-down commercial equipment financing works especially well for:

• Seasonal businesses preserving cash for off-peak months
• Growing companies reinvesting profits into expansion
• Startups with strong revenue but limited savings

While Cardiff lacks the decades-long track record of some competitors, they've built a loyal following among businesses that prioritize flexibility over brand recognition.

Understanding Zero-Down Equipment Loans

How $0 Down Financing Works

With Cardiff's zero-down programs, they finance 100% of your equipment purchase price. No upfront cash required.

Here's what that means in real numbers: On a $100,000 equipment loan that normally requires 20% down, you keep that $20,000 in your business account. The equipment starts generating revenue immediately while you preserve working capital.

Who Qualifies for Zero-Down Programs?

Zero down doesn't mean zero standards. Cardiff evaluates several factors:

• Credit history: Stronger scores improve approval odds (likely 640+ preferred)
• Cash flow: Consistent bank deposits demonstrate payment ability
• Time in business: Usually 2+ years of operations
• Equipment value: Items with strong resale value get favorable terms
• Industry stability: Established sectors receive better consideration

The Cost of Zero Down

There's no free lunch in equipment financing. Zero-down equipment loans typically carry higher interest rates than programs requiring 10-20% down. Lenders take on more risk when financing 100% of an asset's value.

Before choosing zero-down, run the numbers. Ask yourself: Is preserving $15,000 in cash worth paying an extra 3-5% APR over the loan term?

The answer depends on your situation. If that cash prevents a seasonal crunch or funds a profitable opportunity, the rate premium may be worthwhile.

The 5-Minute Application Process

Initial Application Requirements

Cardiff's streamlined online form collects just the essentials:

• Business name, structure, and industry
• Years in operation and annual revenue
• Equipment type and estimated cost
• Owner information and credit score range
• Preferred financing structure

Submit this information in about five minutes. A Cardiff representative typically follows up within 24-48 hours to discuss your options.

Full Approval Documentation

After initial review, you'll need to provide standard small business loan documentation:

• 1-2 years of business and personal tax returns
• 3-6 months of bank statements
• Profit and loss statements
• Equipment quote or invoice
• Business formation documents

Complete approval usually takes 3-7 business days once all documents are submitted. The quick application gets you started fast, but expect a standard timeline to funding.

Equipment Financing Options Available

Traditional Equipment Loans

Cardiff offers secured business equipment loans with terms from 12 to 84 months. You own the equipment from day one and can claim depreciation benefits. Fixed monthly payments make budgeting straightforward.

Lease Financing Structures

Multiple lease options accommodate different business needs:

• $1 Buyout Lease: Functions like a loan with potential tax advantages. Own the equipment for $1 at term end.
• Fair Market Value Lease: Lower monthly payments. Purchase, return, or extend at lease end.
• 10% Purchase Option: Balance between monthly savings and ownership flexibility.

Sale-Leaseback Programs

Already own equipment outright? Cardiff can purchase it and lease it back to you. This unlocks capital trapped in assets while you continue using the equipment. It's a smart option for businesses needing working capital without disrupting operations.

Credit Requirements and Qualification Standards

Cardiff doesn't publicly disclose their minimum credit requirements. This lack of transparency is a notable drawback. Based on their market positioning, here's what we estimate:

• Credit score: Likely 600-640 minimum for standard programs
• Time in business: 1-2 years for most applicants
• Annual revenue: 2-3x the requested loan amount
• Profitability: Not required, but must show operational viability

Businesses with weaker profiles may still qualify with compensating factors like strong cash flow or industry experience. The only way to know for certain is to apply.

Interest Rates and Fee Structure

What to Expect on Rates

Cardiff customizes interest rates based on credit profile, equipment type, and financing structure. They don't publish rate ranges, which makes comparison shopping difficult.

Based on their zero-down focus and market position, reasonable estimates include:

• Strong credit (680+): Approximately 12-20% APR
• Good credit (640-679): Approximately 18-26% APR
• Fair credit or newer businesses: Approximately 24-35% APR

These are estimates only. Your actual rate depends on your complete application profile.

Fees to Watch For

Standard industry fees likely apply:

• Origination/documentation: 1-4% of loan amount
• UCC filing fees: $50-$200 (pass-through costs)
• Prepayment penalties: Varies by agreement

Ask about all fees upfront during your application to avoid surprises.

Step-by-Step Application Timeline

1. Submit 5-minute application: Basic business and equipment details
2. Initial callback (same day to 48 hours): Discuss needs and preliminary approval
3. Document submission (1-3 days): Upload required paperwork
4. Underwriting review (2-5 days): Credit and financial analysis
5. Final documentation (1-2 days): Sign agreements electronically
6. Funding (2-4 days): Wire transfer to vendor or your account

Expect 7-14 days total from application to funding. Simple deals move faster; complex situations take longer.

Industries and Equipment Types Covered

Cardiff provides commercial equipment financing across virtually every business sector. Their versatility makes them a one-stop option for diverse equipment needs.

Construction and Heavy Equipment Financing

Excavators, bulldozers, cranes, trucks, lifts, and specialized construction equipment. Heavy equipment financing with zero down helps contractors take on larger projects without capital constraints.

Medical and Dental Equipment Financing

Diagnostic systems, imaging equipment, surgical tools, practice management technology, and patient care equipment. Medical equipment financing helps healthcare practices upgrade without depleting cash reserves.

Transportation Equipment Financing

Commercial vehicles, semi-trucks, trailers, delivery vans, and specialty transportation equipment. Truck equipment financing supports fleet expansion and replacement.

Additional Industries Served

• Manufacturing: CNC machines, production lines, processing equipment
• Restaurant: Commercial kitchens, refrigeration, POS systems
• Agriculture: Tractors, combines, irrigation systems
• Technology: Servers, computers, telecommunications equipment

Key Advantages of Cardiff Equipment Financing

Preserve Working Capital

The zero-down option keeps cash in your business. Use those funds for payroll, marketing, inventory, or emergencies instead of tying them up in equipment down payments.

Fast Initial Response

The 5-minute application and quick callback process lets you know where you stand fast. No waiting weeks just to learn if you qualify.

Flexible Underwriting

Cardiff considers the full picture, not just credit scores. This creates opportunities for businesses with unconventional profiles that automated systems might decline.

Multiple Financing Structures

Equipment loans, various lease types, and sale-leasebacks give you options to match your tax situation and cash flow needs.

Limitations to Consider

Limited Transparency

No published rates or credit requirements makes it hard to assess competitiveness before applying. You won't know your actual costs until you're deep into the process.

Limited Third-Party Validation

Cardiff lacks some third-party validation (like prominent BBB ratings) that some established lenders offer.

Potentially Higher Costs

Zero-down convenience comes at a price. Businesses with available capital may save significantly by choosing lenders that offer better rates with 10-20% down.

Limited Customer Reviews

Fewer public reviews make it harder to verify service quality and typical customer experiences compared to larger competitors.

Tips for Working with Cardiff

Strengthen Your Application

• Organize bank statements showing consistent deposits
• Explain how the equipment will generate revenue or cut costs
• Submit all documentation promptly to avoid delays
• Highlight time in business and industry stability if credit is marginal

Evaluate the Zero-Down Decision

• Calculate total interest with zero down vs. 10-20% down
• Consider what else you could do with preserved capital
• Factor in seasonal cash needs and growth opportunities
• Compare to alternative funding sources like business lines of credit

Final Verdict: Who Should Choose Cardiff?

Cardiff earns a 4.0/5 rating as a specialized equipment financing option for cash-constrained businesses. Their zero-down programs solve a real problem for companies with strong revenue but limited savings.

Cardiff works best for:

• Businesses needing to preserve cash for operations or growth
• Seasonal companies managing off-peak cash flow
• Companies buying revenue-generating equipment that will pay for itself
• Applicants with decent credit (640+) but limited down payment funds

Consider alternatives if you:

• Have available capital for a down payment
• Need the lowest possible interest rates
• Prefer lenders with published rates and requirements
• Value established track records and third-party ratings

For the right business situation, Cardiff's small business equipment financing delivers real value by removing down payment barriers. Just make sure the zero-down convenience justifies any rate premium before you sign.

Ready to explore your options? Use our equipment financing calculator to estimate monthly payments, or compare Cardiff with other top lenders. Learn about Section 179 tax deductions that could save you thousands on your equipment purchase.