Key Takeaways
- Equipment financing uses the asset as collateral — visa status is less important to lenders
- All business equipment types: medical, industrial, restaurant, vehicle, tech, and more
- Up to 90% of equipment value funded — 10–20% down payment typically required
- Lower rates than unsecured working capital due to asset backing
- 48-hour decisions on equipment financing applications
Equipment financing is structurally more accessible for E-3 holders than any other type of business lending. Why? Because the equipment itself is the primary collateral — if you don't repay, the lender repossesses the equipment. This asset security reduces the lender's reliance on the borrower's citizenship status as a risk factor.
For E-3 holders who need to acquire business equipment — commercial kitchen gear, medical devices, manufacturing machinery, vehicles, technology, or anything else — equipment financing through Bankable is typically the fastest, most accessible, and lowest-cost funding option available. No green card, no SBA participation, 48-hour decisions.
The E-3 Funding Barrier
The SBA's 100% citizen/national ownership rule disqualifies every E-3 holder from government-backed loans — regardless of how long you've been in the US, how profitable your business is, or how strong your credit score is. Banks that primarily originate SBA loans have no viable product to offer you. That's not a reflection of your business quality; it's a policy gap that Bankable was built to bridge.
Revenue-based funding through Bankable requires no green card, no citizenship, and no SBA involvement. What matters: your business generates consistent revenue, has been operating for at least 6 months, and has a US business bank account. That's the core of what we evaluate. Check your Bankability Score to see your options in minutes.
Challenges in This Sector
- Equipment dealer captive financing often requires citizenship or permanent residency
- Bank equipment loans via SBA 7(a) or 504 are unavailable to E-3 holders
- New or specialized equipment may have limited resale market as collateral
- Down payment requirement (10–20%) must come from business or personal funds
- Some equipment categories (very specialised, custom-built) have lower LTV due to limited resale value
- Lease vs. own decision affects total cost and balance sheet treatment
Funding Solutions for E-3 Holders
- Equipment Purchase Financing: 80–90% LTV, 24–60 month terms.
- Equipment Lease: Operating lease for equipment you prefer not to own long-term.
- Sale-Leaseback: Release cash from owned equipment while retaining use.
- Multi-Equipment Package: Finance a complete operational fit-out as one transaction.
- Used Equipment: Certified used equipment financed at 70–80% LTV.
How Equipment Financing Works for E-3 Holders
- Identify equipment — quote from supplier or equipment dealer
- Apply to Bankable — basic business info + equipment details + 3 months bank statements
- 48-hour decision — approval based on equipment value + business profile
- Bankable pays supplier directly — equipment is purchased on your behalf
- Equipment delivered — you begin using it immediately
- Monthly repayments — fixed monthly payments over 24–60 months
The key advantage for E-3 holders: step 1 (equipment purchase) and step 6 (repayment) are the steps that matter most. Your visa status doesn't appear in the critical path of this transaction. Bankable's underwriting focuses on equipment value, business revenue, and ability to service the monthly payment.
Capital Products Available
Revenue-Based Funding
Up to $5M based on your monthly revenue. No green card, no SBA. 48-hour decisions.
Apply Now →Equipment Financing
Asset-backed funding for equipment — available to non-citizen business owners.
Check Eligibility →Frequently Asked Questions
The equipment is the primary collateral — lenders don't rely as heavily on borrower citizenship when the asset can be repossessed.
All business equipment: medical, dental, restaurant, industrial, vehicles, computers, fitness, agriculture, construction, and more.
Up to 90% for new equipment; 70–80% for used equipment.
Yes — typically 10–20% of equipment value.
24–60 months depending on equipment type and expected useful life.
Yes. Used equipment from reputable sources with documented value can be financed at 70–80% LTV.
Financing: you own the equipment, build equity, can sell or modify. Lease: you use the equipment, return at term end, no ownership.
Yes. Multi-equipment packages for complete operational fit-outs are financed as a single transaction.
Yes. Bankable funds directly to the equipment vendor — you don't receive the capital personally.
48-hour decisions. Documentation and equipment verification may add 1–3 days for some categories.