Key Takeaways
- Equipment financing is the most accessible capital for O-1 holders — the asset is the collateral
- No green card required at Bankable for any equipment category
- Lower effective cost than unsecured working capital
- Medical, restaurant, manufacturing, construction, and tech all covered
- 48-hour decisions, asset-secured structure
Equipment financing is uniquely accessible for O-1 business owners because the equipment itself serves as collateral — reducing the lender's immigration-status risk to near zero. When a $300,000 commercial kitchen hood system or a $500,000 CNC machine backs the loan, the owner's visa type becomes a secondary consideration at most lenders, and at Bankable, it is irrelevant entirely. Bankable finances business equipment for O-1 holders up to $5M with 48-hour decisions and no green card requirement. Check your Bankability Score.
Why Equipment Financing Is the Most O-1-Accessible Capital
Three factors make equipment financing especially accessible for O-1 holders:
- Collateral reduces immigration risk: If the business fails, the lender can repossess and sell the equipment. This mechanical protection makes visa status less relevant to the risk calculation.
- Asset value is objective: A piece of equipment has a market value that can be assessed independently of the owner's immigration status.
- Useful life determines term: Repayment is structured around the equipment's life, not the owner's visa timeline.
Equipment Financing Terms for O-1 Holders at Bankable
| Equipment Type | Typical LTV | Typical Term | Rate Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| New commercial equipment | Up to 100% | 3-7 years | Competitive fixed rate |
| Used equipment (<5 years) | Up to 85% | 3-5 years | Slightly higher |
| Used equipment (5-10 years) | Up to 70% | 2-4 years | Moderate premium |
| Specialty equipment (appraisal needed) | Up to 75% | 3-7 years | Varies by appraisal |
Documentation for Equipment Financing
Equipment financing requires all standard Bankable documentation plus equipment-specific information: equipment make, model, year, condition, and current market value (dealer quote or appraisal for used specialty equipment). For new equipment, a dealer quote or purchase agreement serves as the valuation. For used equipment, a signed bill of sale or equipment inspection report is required. No green card documentation is ever required. See the full document list.
Equipment Financing vs. Revenue-Based Working Capital
For specific, long-lived equipment purchases (5+ years useful life), equipment financing is typically more cost-effective than revenue-based working capital because the collateral reduces the rate. For general operational needs, marketing, payroll, or short-term inventory, revenue-based working capital is more appropriate. Many O-1 business owners use both — equipment financing for the durable assets, working capital for the operational flow. Compare all products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Bankable finances equipment for O-1 holders using the equipment as collateral. No green card required.
Restaurant, medical, manufacturing, construction, transportation, and technology equipment all qualify.
Up to $5M for single equipment purchases or portfolios.
Lower than unsecured funding — typically $10,000-$20,000/month, because the equipment provides the primary security.
48 hours from complete application including equipment specifications.
Yes. Used equipment under 10 years old in good condition qualifies, typically at 70-85% LTV.
SBA equipment programs require citizenship. Bankable's private equipment financing does not.
Up to 100% for qualifying new commercial equipment — meaning 0 down payment in some cases.
Fixed monthly payments over the equipment's financing term, unlike revenue-based funding's variable daily structure.
Equipment refinancing — unlocking equity in owned equipment — may be available for equipment with current market value and clear title.