Crest Capital Review 2026: Small Equipment Loans with Soft Credit Pulls
Detailed analysis of Crest Capital's low-minimum financing, no-tax-return options, and flexible lease structures
Crest Capital has established itself as a premier equipment financing company for businesses seeking smaller loan amounts and streamlined approval processes. With loan minimums starting at just $5,000, significantly lower than most competitors. Crest Capital serves a crucial market segment of small businesses and startups that need to finance individual pieces of equipment without committing to six-figure loans.
What distinguishes Crest Capital in the crowded equipment financing marketplace is their soft credit pull approach during initial evaluation, meaning businesses can explore financing options without the hard inquiry that temporarily impacts credit scores. Combined with their willingness to approve deals up to $500,000 without requiring tax returns, Crest Capital has built a reputation for accessibility and speed that appeals to businesses prioritizing convenience and credit score preservation.
Operating from their Atlanta, Georgia headquarters with a focus on established businesses (2+ years in operation, profitable), Crest Capital offers multiple financing structures including Equipment Finance Agreements (EFAs), $1 buyout leases, and PUT option leases. Their competitive rates and 100% financing of equipment cost plus soft costs (installation, shipping, training) make them an attractive option for businesses with good credit seeking straightforward equipment financing.
Rating Breakdown
Full Review
Crest Capital: A Trusted Name in Equipment Financing
Looking for business equipment financing with a low minimum and no hard credit inquiry upfront? Crest Capital has been helping small businesses secure equipment loans since 1989.
Based in Atlanta, Georgia, with an A+ BBB rating, this lender specializes in small to mid-sized equipment financing from $5,000 to $500,000.
Why Choose Crest Capital for Your Equipment Loan?
- Low minimum: Just $5,000 (most competitors require $10,000+)
- Soft credit pull: Check rates without hurting your credit score
- No tax returns: Streamlined approval up to $250,000
- Same-day decisions: Fast approvals for qualified applicants
- 100% financing: Covers equipment plus installation and shipping
Equipment Financing Products Available
Crest Capital offers multiple financing structures to match your business needs. Each option has distinct advantages for different situations.
Equipment Finance Agreements (EFAs)
The most popular choice for business equipment financing. You own the equipment from day one and make fixed monthly payments.
Best for: Equipment you plan to keep long-term, like manufacturing machinery or medical devices.
$1 Buyout Leases
A lease structure with a nominal $1 purchase option at the end. You may qualify for Section 179 deductions while building toward ownership.
Best for: Businesses wanting potential tax advantages on expensive equipment.
PUT Option Leases
Payments calculated on 90% of equipment value, with a 10% residual at term end. You can buy, return, or extend.
Best for: Lower monthly payments or equipment you might upgrade later.
Fair Market Value (FMV) Leases
The lowest monthly payments of any option. Purchase at fair market value when the lease ends, or return the equipment.
Best for: Technology or equipment you plan to replace regularly.
Who Qualifies for Crest Capital Equipment Loans?
Crest Capital focuses on established, profitable businesses with good credit. Here are the key requirements:
Credit Score Requirements
- Minimum: 650 FICO score
- Best rates: 700+ credit score
- Exception: Strong cash flow or larger down payments may help borderline applicants
Business Requirements
- Time in business: 2+ years operating history
- Profitability: Must show current positive net income
- Revenue: Generally 2-3x the loan amount requested
Down Payment Options
Qualified borrowers can get 100% financing with no money down. This includes soft costs like delivery, installation, and training.
Businesses with marginal credit may need 10-20% down.
The Soft Credit Pull Advantage
One feature sets Crest Capital apart from most commercial equipment financing companies: the soft credit pull during initial evaluation.
Why This Matters for Your Business
- Protects your credit score: Hard inquiries can drop your score 5-10 points
- Shop without commitment: Get real rate estimates before applying
- Preserve credit capacity: Save hard inquiries for other small business loan needs
Note: Final approval does require a hard credit pull. But by then, you will know your exact terms.
No Tax Returns Required Up to $250,000
Crest Capital streamlines the equipment loan application by eliminating tax returns for most deals.
What You Will Need Instead
- 3-6 months of bank statements
- Basic financial statements (P&L and balance sheet)
- Detailed equipment quotes
- Credit report authorization
Why This Speeds Up Approval
Tax returns can take days to locate and compile. Bank statements show real-time cash flow that is often more relevant than year-old tax data.
This approach works especially well during tax season when current returns may not be ready.
How the Application Process Works
Crest Capital has streamlined equipment financing into four simple steps.
Step 1: Online Pre-Qualification
Time required: 5-10 minutes
Submit basic business information online. The soft credit pull triggers immediately, and many applicants see preliminary approval within minutes.
Step 2: Document Submission
Time required: 1-2 hours
Upload bank statements, financial statements, and equipment quotes through the online portal. No tax returns needed for deals under $250K.
Step 3: Underwriting Review
Time required: Same day to 48 hours
Simple applications with strong credit often receive same-day approval. Complex situations may take up to 48 hours.
Step 4: Documentation and Funding
Time required: 2-5 days
Sign agreements digitally and receive funding via wire transfer within 2-3 business days.
Total timeline: 3-7 business days from application to funding.
Equipment Loan Rates and Fees
Crest Capital does not publish specific rates, as terms vary by credit profile and equipment type. Customer reports suggest these typical ranges:
Interest Rates by Credit Score
- Excellent credit (720+): 7-12% APR
- Good credit (680-719): 12-16% APR
- Fair credit (650-679): 16-20% APR
Fee Breakdown
- Origination fee: 1-2% or $500-$1,000 minimum
- UCC filing: $50-$200 (pass-through cost)
- Application fee: None
- Prepayment: Varies by agreement (review terms carefully)
What Equipment Can You Finance?
Crest Capital finances virtually any business equipment type. Their commercial equipment financing covers all major industries.
Common Equipment Categories
- Construction: Excavators, lifts, compressors, power tools
- Manufacturing: CNC machines, 3D printers, assembly equipment
- Medical: Diagnostic devices, surgical equipment, imaging systems
- Restaurant: Commercial ovens, refrigeration, POS systems
- Technology: Computers, servers, software licenses
- Transportation: Trucks, vans, trailers
- Agriculture: Tractors, irrigation systems, processing machinery
Customer Experience and Support
Reviews consistently highlight Crest Capital's responsive service and straightforward process.
What Customers Appreciate
- Regular updates from dedicated account representatives
- Quick responses to questions
- Knowledgeable staff who explain options clearly
- Low-friction application experience
Common Concerns
Some customers report occasional delays during peak periods. Others note that soft-pull estimates sometimes differ from final terms after full underwriting.
Pros and Cons Summary
Advantages of Crest Capital
- $5,000 minimum: Finance small equipment other lenders will not touch
- Soft credit pull: Shop rates without hurting your score
- 35+ years in business: Proven stability through economic cycles
- 100% financing available: Includes delivery, installation, and training
- Multiple structures: Choose the option that fits your tax situation
- A+ BBB rating: Third-party validation of customer satisfaction
Limitations to Consider
- 650 credit minimum: Not available for fair credit (580-640)
- Profitability required: Growth-stage companies operating at a loss will not qualify
- $250K maximum: Larger deals need alternative lenders
- 2+ years required: Startups and new businesses are excluded
Alternatives to Crest Capital
Depending on your situation, these lenders may be better options:
- National Funding: Accepts credit scores as low as 580
- Balboa Capital: Equipment loans up to $500,000
- Credion Finance: Industry specialists with credit-building programs
Final Verdict: Is Crest Capital Right for You?
Crest Capital earns its 4.5/5 rating by combining accessibility, speed, and reliability for small business equipment financing.
Choose Crest Capital If:
- You need to finance equipment under $100,000
- Your credit score is 650 or higher
- Your business has been profitable for 2+ years
- You want to check rates without a hard credit inquiry
- You value fast approval without tax return hassles
Look Elsewhere If:
- Your credit is below 650
- Your business is not yet profitable
- You need more than $250,000
- You have been in business less than 2 years
For established, profitable businesses seeking straightforward equipment loans, Crest Capital delivers a streamlined experience backed by 35+ years of industry expertise.
Ready to explore your options? Use our equipment financing calculator to estimate monthly payments, or compare Crest Capital with other top lenders. Learn about Section 179 tax deductions that could save you thousands on your equipment purchase.
Pros
$5,000 minimum makes financing accessible for small purchases most lenders won't consider.
Check rates without impacting your credit score during initial qualification.
Streamlined approval up to $250,000 using bank statements instead of tax returns.
Covers equipment plus delivery, installation, and training with no upfront cash.
Fast underwriting enables same-day decisions for qualified applicants.
Founded 1989, $6B+ funded, A+ BBB rating provides proven stability.
Choose from EFAs, $1 buyout leases, PUT options, and FMV leases.
Finances virtually any equipment type across all business sectors.
Cons
Not available for fair credit borrowers in the 580-640 range.
Excludes startups in growth mode or businesses with temporary losses.
Very large equipment purchases over $500K may require alternative lenders.
Must apply to discover actual costs and interest rates.
Startups and newer companies under 2 years won't qualify.
Best For:
Small Equipment Purchases
Perfect for businesses needing to finance individual pieces of equipment in the $5,000-$50,000 range where other lenders impose higher minimums or aren't interested.
Credit-Conscious Businesses
Excellent for companies wanting to explore financing options without hard credit inquiries, preserving credit scores while shopping for best terms.
Fast-Moving Opportunities
Ideal when equipment needs arise quickly and streamlined approval without tax returns enables faster decision-making and funding to capture time-sensitive opportunities.
Established Profitable Companies
Best suited for businesses with 2+ years operating history, current profitability, and 650+ credit scores seeking straightforward financing with competitive terms.
Alternative Lenders to Consider
National Funding
Better for businesses with fair credit (580-640 range) who don't meet Crest Capital's 650 minimum, though potentially higher rates reflect increased risk.
Balboa Capital
Superior choice for large equipment purchases up to $500,000 that exceed Crest Capital's $250K maximum, with 1-hour approval and same-day funding.
Credion Finance
Better for construction, agriculture, or medical businesses wanting industry specialists and credit-building through Bankability Program, especially with 630-680 credit scores.