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Food Truck Financing: Best Business Loan Options to Consider

Opening a food truck can be a costly adventure. Between the truck itself, licensing and permit fees, and kitchen supplies, costs can add up quickly. If you don’t want to tap into savings, food truck financing can help you get started.

Food Truck Financing: Best Business Loans to Consider reviewed by Finimpact.com
Katie Oelker
Written by:Katie Oelker
Personal Finance Expert

Reviewed by: Sarah Brooks, Personal Finance Writer and Editor

Fact Checked by: Dr. JeFreda R. Brown, Financial Expert

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Getting a food truck up and running is a costly endeavor, with average expenses ranging from $50,000 to $250,000 or more. Since food trucks don’t always operate year-round, cash flow can become an issue once the truck is up and running. Small business loans can help you both get your food truck off the ground and provide financing for the daily expenses that come with operating a food truck.

Our team of financial experts found the best lenders for food truck financing. Whether you’re just getting started or are battling poor credit, we’ve found a food truck loan to meet your needs.

Top Picks for Food Truck Financing

Top Picks for Food Truck Financing

When deciding between food truck loans, there are a few things to consider. In this review, we highlight the rates, fees and terms of each leder and explain what makes them a good option. We also share potential downsides of each lender, and provide a rating methodology you can use to select the best small business loans for your needs.

 

Best Food Truck Financing Options for 2023 - Full Overview

Best Overall
Lendzi logo
4.5

Lendzi - Best for Food Trucks With High Revenue

4.5
Factor Rate
Starting at 1.10
Loan Amounts
Up to $4 million
Min. Annual Revenue
$180,000
Key Features
  • Borrow up to $4 million in working capital
  • Min. credit score: at least 500
  • Min. time in business: 6 months
  • Equipment financing up to $2 million
  • Business line of credit up to $250,000
  • See your options without hurting your credit
  • Flexible terms: 3 to 15 months
  • Excellent customer reviews on independent review sites
  • Get funding in as little as 24 hours
Pros & Cons
  • Simple online application
  • Fast decision and funding times
  • Many lenders and products to choose from
  • A representative walks you through the process
  • Bad credit is accepted
  • High annual revenue requirements
  • Higher rates for those with poor credit
Overview

Lendzi was founded in 2020 and offers seven different types of small business loans that food truck businesses may qualify for. If you have a high revenue fod truck and you have been denied a loan elsewhere, Lendzi can help get you the financing you need. They are a direct lender and a partner with more than 75 other lenders, making it so the odds are in your favor of qualifying for a competitive small business loan, even with bad credit.

 

Main Features
Lendzi is an excellent lender to work with whether you’ve struggled to get a loan before or you have near-perfect credit. They work with all types of businesses and all types of financial situations. Past and present customers highly recommend Lendzi, and that is evident based on their 2,000 5-star reviews. The best loan for borrowers with bad credit is the working capital loan. To qualify, you need a credit score of just 500, six months of business history, and an annual revenue of $180,000. These loans max out at $400,000 and have terms between three and 15 months. Factor rates start at just 1.15. 

Lendzi is worth looking into for your food truck business loan whether you need to borrow a small amount or a large lump sum. They work with borrowers with bad credit, those who have been denied a loan elsewhere, and those with excellent credit. A representative will call you once you submit your application to discuss details of your business and go over which loans you qualify for, making this process as simple and straightforward as possible.
Backd business loans
4.5

Backd - Best for Food Truck Working Capital Loan

4.5
Factor Rate
Starting at 1.10
Loan Amounts
Up to $2 million
Min. Annual Revenue
$200,000
Key Features
  • Borrow up to $2 million
  • Min. Credit Score: 640
  • Min. Time in Business: 2 years
  • Industry best factor rate for MCA - as low as 1.10
  • APR for the Line of credit product starts at 35%
  • Flexible repayment terms up to 16 months
  • Get funding in as little as 24 hours
  • Check your rate with a soft credit pull
Pros & Cons
  • Large loan amounts
  • Easy online application
  • Fast lending decision and funding times
  • Positive customer reviews
  • No collateral required
  • Startups will not qualify
  • Rates not disclosed on website
Overview

Backd was founded in 2018 and has since funded more than $1 billion to over 10,000 small businesses. They appeal to businesses who do not want to wait months to get traditional financing through banks or other online lenders. In addition, they work specifically for your business and tailor the loan to fit your needs. If you need working capital to grow your food truck business, Backd could be the lender for you.

 

Main Features
Backd offers working capital loans ranging from $10,000 to $2 million with terms of 16 months. Payments are flexible and can be made daily, weekly, or semi-monthly. Backd also offers a business line of credit that can be used to fund your food truck business. There are no specified terms with a line of credit, and you can borrow up to $750,000 if approved. To qualify for either product, you need to be in business for at least two years, have a minimum annual revenue of $300,000, and 640+ FICO score. You also need to be based in the U.S. and have a business bank account.

If you need a large loan amount with flexible terms, Backd is here to help. The online application takes just a few minutes to fill out and you’ll get a lending decision almost instantly.
nationalfunding
4.1

National Funding - Best For Food Truck Equipment Financing

4.1
Factor Rate
Starting at 1.10
Loan Amounts
Up to $500K
Min. Annual Revenue
$250,000
Key Features
  • Min. Time in Business: 6 months
  • Min. Credit Score 600
  • Borrow up to $500,000 in working capital
  • Equipment financing up to $150,000
  • Factor rate From 1.10
  • Fast funding
  • Early payment discounts
  • Equipment financing repayment 2-5 years
  • Working capital repayment 4 months - 2 years
Pros & Cons
  • No down payment required
  • Good reviews and high rankings
  • No risk to apply
  • Works with borrowers with low credit
  • High annual revenue requirement
  • Lack of transparency
  • No mobile app
Overview

National Funding offers equipment loans you can use to cover the cost of new or used equipment for your food truck. Depending on your finances and unique situation, you can secure up to $150,000 for ovens, ranges, grills, freezers, refrigerators, sinks, and anything else you need to run your venture.

 

Main Features
National Funding’s equipment loans go up to $150,000 with repayment terms between two and five year years. The pay rate starts at 1.10 and you’ll pay back what you borrow every month. To qualify for an equipment loan, for example to fund a bakery equipment, you’ll need a minimum credit score of 575, at least six months of business history, and $250,000 or more in annual revenue.

An equipment loan from National Funding can be a great choice if your food truck earns at least $250,000 in annual revenue and you would like to buy new equipment or upgrade what you currently have. Since you can prequalify without any affect to your credit, you have nothing to lose.
credibly
4

Credibly - Best for Bad Credit

4
Interest Rate
8-25%
Loan Amounts
Up $250K
Min. Annual Revenue
$180,000
Key Features
  • Min. Credit Score: 550+
  • Min. Time in Business: 6 months
  • Borrow up to Up to $250,000 in term loans
  • Borrow up to $400,000 in working capital
  • Term loan rates range between 8-25%
  • Working capital factor rate starts at 1.09
  • Simple application process
  • As soon as same day funding
  • Open to high-risk industries
Pros & Cons
  • Low minimum credit score requirement
  • No minimum annual revenue required for equipment financing
  • Can obtain same day funding
  • A blanket lien is required
  • Additional fees may apply
  • Startups will not qualify
Overview

Credibly offers several types of business loans that can be used to finance food trucks, even if your credit is poor. They include working capital loans, business lines of credit, short-term business loans, equipment financing, and more. Borrowers can apply in just a few minutes, get approved in as little as four hours, and receive funds deposited into their bank account the same day.

 

Main Features

You can borrow up to $400,000 with a working capital loan, up to $250,00 with a line of credit, and up to $10 million with equipment financing. Terms range from six to 18 months for working capital loans, with factor rates starting at 1.15. For a line of credit, rates start at 4.8% and terms are open-ended. Credibly’s equipment financing loan does not require a minimum credit score or minimum annual revenue to qualify. This type of loan is typically easier to obtain as the new machinery will be used as collateral. While qualifications vary from loan to loan, expect to have a credit score of at least 500, be in business for six months or more, and have at least $50,000 in annual revenue.

In addition to a fast application and funding process, Credibly offers low interest rates, flexible terms, and a low minimum credit score requirement, making them the ideal choice for food truck business owners with less-than-ideal credit. credit score.
SMB Compass
4.5

SMB Compass - Best for Fast Funding Times

4.5
Interest Rates
Starting at 7.99%
Loan Amounts
$10K - $10 million
Min. Monthly Revenue
$20,000
Key Features
  • Loans up to $10 million
  • Min. credit score: can go as low as 550 for certain loans
  • Min. time in business: 1+ years in business, no startups
  • Funding times: 5 to 7 days for term loans and 24 - 48 hours for line of credit
  • Flexible terms: 2 – 10 years for term loans
  • Interest Rates: starting at 8.99% for term loans
  • Applying does not impact credit score
  • Nine loan products to choose from
Pros & Cons
  • Low, competitive rates
  • Large loan amounts
  • Loan terms up to 25 years
  • Excellent customer service
  • Poor credit not accepted
  • Not available in all states
  • Must be in business at least one year
  • High revenue requirements
Overview

You know you need a loan for your food truck business, but you aren’t sure which type of loan would be best. SMB Compass offers nine different types of loans, including equipment financing, SBA loans, business lines of credit, and more. If you need to purchase more equipment, for example, equipment financing may be best for you. Or, if you simply need to cover everyday expenses, a business line of credit could be ideal. Luckily, with SMB Compass, there is no shortage of lending options. And if you’re not sure what you need, a representative will walk you through the process and help you figure out what’s best for you.

 

Main Features

SMB Compass offers nine different types of small business loans to borrowers, including food trucks. Their mission is to make loans more accessible to small business borrowers by providing cost-effective and flexible lending solutions. SMB Compass business loans range from $10,000 to $10 million with terms up to 25 years. Rates start at 7.99% for qualified borrowers. The lender has currently provided more than 1,200 U.S. businesses with more than $250 million in financing. To apply, simply fill out their easy online application. It takes just a few minutes and will not impact your credit score. If approved, funding can be dispersed within 24 hours.

SMB Compass has a variety of loan products to choose from, making them an ideal choice for food truck borrowers who are unsure of what they need. Qualifications tend to be on the stricter side– minimum credit score of 650, $20,000 or more per month in revenue, and at least one year in business – but if you meet those requirements, the loans can be worth it. Rates are competitive, funding times are fast, and terms are flexible. Contact SMB Compass today to get started!
bluevine
4

Bluevine - Best for Line of Credit

4
Interest rates
Starting at 6.2%
Loan Amounts
Up to $250K
Min. Annual Revenue
$480,000
Key Features
  • Funding up to $250,000
  • Min. credit score: 625
  • Min. time in business: 6 months
  • Interest rates as low as 4.8%
  • Loan Repayment 6-12 months terms
  • Quick and simple application
Pros & Cons
  • Quick application and funding
  • Only pay for what you use
  • Excellent customer support
  • Unavailable in Nevada, North Dakota and South Dakota
  • 2.9% fee added if paying back by credit card
  • Rates can be high
Overview

Bluevine offers a business line of credit that you can use for food truck financing. A line of credit can be the difference between keeping a food truck or trailer business afloat versus going under. If the truck is experiencing slow months or in an off season, a line of credit from Bluevine can make it possible to afford expenses such as staff, inventory, and truck maintenance until business picks up again. Bluevine also offers business banking to help customers keep more of their banking business in one place.

 

Main Features
In order to qualify for a Bluevine line of credit, business owners must have a credit score of at least 625 and be in business for at least six months. Their business must also have $120,000 in minimum annual revenue. Rates can be as low as 4.8% for up to $250,000 worth of funding. Bluevine allows borrowers to take out money through their line of credit and pay back each draw with fixed monthly or weekly payments over the course of six to12 months.

Bluevine is a good choice for food truck businesses looking for a line of credit with lower rates than competitors and the ability to pay back the draw within one year. They also allow bills to be paid automatically with a credit card, helping food truck entrepreneurs earn rewards or cash back, a unique feature to Bluevine.
biz2credit review
4

Biz2Credit - Best for New Food Trucks

4
Interest rates
Starting at 7.99%
Loan Amounts
$25K to $500K
Min. Annual Revenue
$250,000
Key Features
  • Borrow up to $2 million
  • Term loans up to $500,000
  • Term loan interest rate starts at 7.99%
  • Loan Repayment 12-36 months terms
  • Variable APR depending on the applicant
  • Funding in 72 hours
  • Soft credit pull
Pros & Cons
  • Available for startups
  • Can use new equipment as collateral
  • Mobile app for customers to track application
  • No down payment
  • Equipment financing only for actual equipment
  • Loan may outlive useful life of equipment
  • Potentially higher interest rates
Overview

Founded in 2007, Biz2Credit has helped more than 225,000 business owners obtain more than $7 billion in financing. The two main types of financing they offer for small businesses are working capital and term loans. However, they also specifically offer restaurant equipment financing, perfect for financing a food trailer.

 

Main Features
Biz2Credit offers equipment financing for startups from $25,000 to $100,000. For established businesses, you can get a loan for more than $100,000 but need to be in business for at least 13 months. As new food truck equipment can be used as collateral, equipment financing tends to have lower rates and longer terms. Terms typically extend from 7-10 years, compared to only 2-5 years with unsecured lines of credit.

Equipment financing can be very useful for food truck business owners, with Biz2Credit as a top choice for both startups and food trucks that are already established.

Main Features of The Best Food Truck Financing Options

Lendzi4.5
Backd4.5
National Funding4.1
Credibly4
SMB Compass4.5
Bluevine4
Biz2Credit4
  • Min. Credit Score - 500
  • Min. Time in Business - 6 months
  • Min. Annual Revenue - $180,000
  • Loan Amount - Up to $400,000
  • Interest Rate - Factor rates starting at 1.15

How To Choose the Best Food Truck Loan?

  • Loan features - Consider loan amounts and how long you’ll have to repay the loan.
  • Application process - Look at how invasive the loan application process is, including documents needed and how long it takes to have the funds in hand.
  • Interest rates and fees - Be sure to look for the lowest rates you can find to save in interest. Inquire about any fees associated with borrowing funds, including origination fees and prepayment penalties.
  • Qualification process - When looking at how to get a loan for a food truck, each lender will likely have their own minimum credit score, annual revenue, and business history requirements.
  • Customer support - Look for lenders that are easy to contact via phone, live chat, or email.
  • Online user reviews - We looked at what other customers had to say on trustworthy review sites such as Trustpilot.
  • Perks and bonuses - Consider specified service offerings like payment flexibility, advertising transparency, and advanced technology.

 

How Much Does It Cost to Finance a Food Truck?

Financing a food truck is oftentimes more expensive than people anticipate. According to On the Line, the truck alone can cost $50,000 to $175,000, and there are many other fees, as well. Equipment, plumbing, and design can cost anywhere from $50,000 to $200,000, and permits and licenses will cost an additional thousand, at a minimum.

Plan on spending between $50,000 and $250,000 or more just to get your food truck up and running, and then account for long-term expenses such as truck maintenance, inventory, and payroll expenses.

 

How Can You Use a Food Truck Loan?

Food truck loans can be used for a variety of expenses, such as:

  • Purchasing a food truck or trailer - Buyers can decide whether to use the funds for a new or used truck or trailer.
  • Maintaining a food truck or trailer - Owners can use money to keep up with the repairs and maintenance required to keep their truck or trailer in running condition.
  • Obtaining food storage systems - Setting up the truck or trailer with equipment and systems is one of the ways borrowers can use funds.
  • Marketing and advertising materials - Another way to use the money is to help promote the business through marketing and advertising materials.
  • Staffing and payroll needs - Especially during times of growth, business owners may need funds to cover staffing and payroll needs in order to keep up with expansion.
  • Food inventory - Stocking inventory is something every food truck or trailer business needs and a business loan can help cover these expenses.
  • Business expansion - When a business owner experiences success and wants to open another food truck, business loans can help get the expansion started.
  • Unexpected bills - Whatever unexpected expenses come up, food truck financing can help cover the gaps and keep your business up and running.

 

How Does Food Truck Financing Work?

After filling out an online application form, a customer service representative may contact you to get further information and discuss loan options. From there, companies will require financial records either by linking your bank accounts to your application or submitting them after applying. Most companies will also do a hard pull on your credit after initial approval.

Once approved, some lenders will offer same-day funding, while others may take up to 72 hours to fund your loan. These funds will transfer to your bank account, or if you have a line of credit, you will have a card you can use to access the funds as you need them.

 

How to Qualify for Food Truck Financing

The ability to qualify for food truck financing depends on the lender’s requirements. Each lender will look at your credit score, your time in business, and your annual revenue. Some lenders have stricter qualification criteria than others, but will oftentimes offer lower rates. We recommend applying to a few different lenders, since applying usually does not affect your credit score. You can then compare your loan options before moving forward.

 

How to Apply for Food Truck Financing

Most online lenders usually have a a straightforward application process. The first step is to go through a prequalification process to see if you might be approved for the financial product you’re requesting. The prequalification process does not affect your credit score. Information requested during this process includes

  • Basic personal and business information
  • The amount you want to borrow
  • The purpose of the loan
  • The repayment term the borrower would prefer    
     

Once you’ve been prequalified, you’ll need to submit additional paperwork. Documents include, but are not limited to:

  • Business ID
  • Personal and business tax returns
  • Three months (or more) of bank statements
  • Business license
  • Business lease, if applicable

We recommend having these documents on hand to ensure financing is as quick and seamless as possible. Once everything is submitted, you’ll receive an official decision and funding shortly after.

 

What Credit Score Do You Need to Buy a Food Truck?

Most companies require a credit score of at least 550-600 to qualify for food truck or food trailer financing. However, some equipment financing loans don’t require a credit score, making food truck financing with bad credit a possibility. For lenders that do require a credit score, you’ll receive a better rate on your loan if your credit is in good condition.

 

Conclusion

Although starting a food truck can be an expensive endeavor, financing a food truck can make it doable. Traditional banks, credit unions, and other small business loan providers may be hesitant to provide lending, but there are several online lenders that will extend credit. If you are considering taking out a business loan for a food truck purchase, be sure to weigh all of your options. Your credit score, annual revenue, time in business, as well as other factors will determine how much of a loan you can take out, as well as the interest rate you’ll receive.

 

*The required FICO score may be higher based on your relationship with American Express, credit history, and other factors.

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 Katie Oelker

Written by: Katie Oelker

Personal Finance Expert

Expertise in financial topics including budgeting, saving, simplifying investing, life and disability insurance, credit building and maintenance, and credit card travel rewards

More about me
Sarah Brooks

Reviewed by: Sarah Brooks

Personal Finance Writer and Editor

Sarah Brooks is a personal finance writer and editor with more than 10 years of experience. She specializes in personal and business loans, mortgages, auto loans, and credit cards.

More about me
Dr. JeFreda R. Brown

Fact checked by: Dr. JeFreda R. Brown

DBA, CFEI and a highly respected expert in personal and business finance

Dr. JeFreda R. Brown is more than a financial consultant: she’s an avid teacher and subject matter expert who helps people—individuals and groups in a business setting—master the skills they need to achieve lasting financial wellbeing. As Founder and CEO of Xaris Financial Enterprises, it is her passion and life goal...

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