The best equipment financing for a food truck depends on whether you are buying the whole truck, outfitting the kitchen or replacing something that broke. If you are already selling and need to move fast, Merchant Fund Express is our recommended funder. For long terms with good credit, Accion Opportunity Fund runs a dedicated food truck program; National Funding finances equipment up to $150,000 with no required down payment; and the SBA microloan and Kiva work for smaller amounts at lower cost.
A food truck is two businesses in one: a vehicle and a commercial kitchen. Each part is financed differently, wears out differently and needs different permits. This guide compares the options using what each one publishes and helps you avoid paying for five years on a griddle you will replace in two.
Key takeaways
- Our recommended funder fits trucks that are already selling: FICO 500+, $5,000 to $5,000,000 and decisions often in 2 to 4 hours.
- Accion Opportunity Fund finances food trucks up to $350,000 over 36 to 60 months, with a 660+ or 680+ FICO and citizen or permanent resident owners.
- National Funding publishes new or used equipment financing up to $150,000 with no required down payment.
- Separate the truck, the kitchen and the permits: each part is financed differently.
- A used truck from a private seller usually needs working capital, not equipment financing.
- Confirm permits and commissary space before you buy the truck.
The best food truck equipment financing, in order
Our criteria: speed, time in business, minimum credit, acceptance of an ITIN or non-citizen owners, documents, amounts and collateral. No ratings; the full method is in how we rank business funding options.
- Merchant Fund Express (recommended funder). Reviews your sales and deposits, not just your credit, with amounts of $5,000 to $5,000,000, credit from FICO 500+ and decisions that often come in 2 to 4 hours. Collateral is not required in most cases, it accepts applicants with an ITIN (no SSN needed) and it offers Spanish-speaking support. It fits replacing a generator or refrigerator mid-season, buying a used truck from a private owner, or paying for installation and permits that equipment financing will not cover.
- Accion Opportunity Fund, food truck financing. Per its website, it finances up to $350,000 on 36- to 60-month terms, as an equipment financing agreement or lease. For startups it asks for food service experience, a 680+ FICO (650 to 679 reviewed case by case), 10% to 20% down and no recent bankruptcies. For existing operators it asks for 2 years of food truck, restaurant or catering experience, a 660+ FICO and $150,000+ in annual sales. In both cases, owners must be citizens or permanent residents. It offers coaching in English and Spanish.
- National Funding, equipment financing. Publishes new or used equipment financing up to $150,000, up to 100% of the cost with no down payment or upfront fees. Useful for the kitchen: griddles, fryers, refrigeration, generator.
- SBA microloan. Up to $50,000, with an average near $13,000, a maximum term of 7 years and rates that generally run 8% to 13%, according to the SBA. It can be used for machinery and equipment. Loans come from SBA-approved community lenders and take longer.
- Kiva. $1,000 to $15,000 at 0% interest, with no fees and no minimum score. Good for small equipment or a one-time upgrade. It does not operate in Nevada or North Dakota.
- Truck builder financing. Some food truck builders offer payment plans or work with equipment funders. Ask for the total cost and what happens if the truck is delivered late.
Quick comparison
| Option | Amounts | Term | Minimum credit | Down payment | Citizenship |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merchant Fund Express | $5,000 to $5,000,000 | Depends on the offer | FICO 500+ | Collateral not required in most cases | Accepts ITIN; no SSN needed |
| Accion Opportunity Fund | Up to $350,000 | 36 to 60 months | 680+ startups, 660+ existing | 10% to 20% for startups | Citizen or permanent resident |
| National Funding | Up to $150,000 | Depends on the offer | Not published on that page | Not required | Not published on that page |
| SBA microloan | Up to $50,000 | Up to 7 years | Depends on the lender | Depends | Depends on the lender |
| Kiva | $1,000 to $15,000 | Often 12 to 36 months | No minimum | No | Live and operate in the U.S. |
If you have good credit and experience and are a citizen or permanent resident, Accion Opportunity Fund's program offers long terms built for this business. If you are missing any of those, options based on your sales or the equipment are more realistic. This guide is not immigration advice; talk to an immigration attorney about your situation.
What to finance with what
Break your project into parts. Each one has its best way to pay:
| Part of the project | What drives the cost | What usually fits |
|---|---|---|
| The truck or trailer | Year, mileage, engine condition | Long-term equipment or vehicle financing |
| The kitchen (griddles, fryers, refrigeration) | Gas, electrical, ventilation | Equipment financing |
| Generator | Power and allowed noise level | Equipment financing or working capital |
| Fire suppression and hood | Inspection and permits | Working capital or the build financing |
| Wrap and point of sale | Design and software | Short-term working capital |
| Permits, commissary and insurance | Vary by city | Working capital; equipment financing does not cover them |
Many owners finance the truck and run out of money for permits, commissary and opening inventory. Build your full budget before you sign. For a wider view of everything you can finance on a truck, see equipment financing for food trucks.
New or used: rules for deciding
A few rules that save money and headaches:
- Used truck from a private seller: cheaper, but many equipment funders only finance through dealers. If you buy from another owner, working capital gives you more freedom. Have a mechanic inspect it first.
- New truck from a builder: more expensive, but with a warranty and sometimes the builder's own financing. Get delivery dates in writing.
- Kitchen equipment: buy new anything that involves refrigeration or gas; used can work for tables and shelving.
- Term: the engine and the kitchen have different lifespans. Do not pay for five years on a griddle you will replace in two.
- Season: in cold climates you sell less in winter. A fixed daily payment can weigh on those months; ask whether the payment adjusts to your sales.
Documents and common mistakes
These papers help with almost every option:
- A quote or invoice for the equipment or truck. With the VIN for a vehicle, and model and serial number for equipment.
- Business bank statements. Three to six months if you are already selling; if you are starting, personal statements and proof of savings.
- Business plan and experience. Programs like Accion Opportunity Fund's ask for these for new businesses, along with your resume.
- Permits and licenses. Health permit, mobile vendor license if your city requires one, and a commissary agreement.
- Insurance. Vehicle and general liability; many funders require it before releasing funds.
Common mistakes: buying the truck before confirming your city's permits, forgetting the commissary cost, and choosing a generator too small for your equipment. Signing a long fixed-payment term right before winter is another.
If you are already selling and want a second truck: your sales history is your best argument. Show how much your first truck sells each month, at which events and locations, and how you will staff the new one. A second truck with a route and events already booked looks very different to a funder than a project starting from zero. For other ways to finance the whole business, see financing for food trucks.
Our recommendation
If you are already selling and need equipment, a repair or a used truck, Merchant Fund Express, our recommended funder, gives you a fast answer based on your sales: applying is free and does not impact your credit. If you are buying a new truck and meet the credit, experience and citizenship requirements, compare Accion Opportunity Fund's program for its long terms. For small equipment, Kiva or an SBA microloan costs less.
Before you sign anything, run a simple test: write down your sales from your worst month last year (or an honest estimate if you are starting) and subtract commissary, fuel, propane, inventory, wages and the financing payment. If that month does not work, adjust the amount, term or payment type before you sign, not after. A well-financed food truck is one that survives its slow season. Prefer Spanish? Leer en español.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best financing to buy a food truck?
It depends on your profile. If you have good credit, food experience and are a citizen or permanent resident, Accion Opportunity Fund offers up to $350,000 on 36- to 60-month terms. If you are missing any of those or buying used from a private seller, options based on your sales or the equipment are more flexible.
Can I finance a food truck with an ITIN?
Some options will not work: Accion Opportunity Fund requires citizens or permanent residents, and SBA 7(a) loans require citizens or nationals since March 2026. Our recommended funder accepts applicants with an ITIN, no SSN needed, and reviews sales and deposits. Talk to an immigration attorney about your situation if you have questions about your status.
Can I finance a used food truck?
Some equipment funders finance used equipment, such as National Funding, which publishes new or used equipment financing up to $150,000. But if you buy from a private seller rather than a dealer, many will not cover it. In that case, working capital based on your sales lets you buy wherever you want.
What credit score do I need to finance a food truck?
It varies a lot. Accion Opportunity Fund asks for a 680+ FICO for startups and 660+ for existing operators. Our recommended funder works with FICO 500+ and reviews your sales and deposits. Kiva has no minimum score. With better credit, offers usually improve.
Do I need a down payment for a food truck?
It depends. Accion Opportunity Fund asks startups for 10% to 20% down. National Funding says its equipment financing does not require a down payment. Even when none is required, having savings helps you cover permits, commissary and opening inventory.
Does equipment financing cover permits?
Generally, no. Equipment financing covers the truck or the kitchen, not health permits, commissary fees, insurance or inventory. Budget for those separately or use working capital to cover them, and confirm your city's permits before you buy.