Equipment financing is a loan or lease where the equipment itself secures the debt. Terms usually run for years rather than months, which lowers each payment. Compared with Credit Key, it suits larger, long-lived assets; Credit Key suits smaller orders you will repay within a year.
Loan, lease or checkout financing
| Equipment loan | Lease | Credit Key | |
|---|---|---|---|
| You own it | Yes, once paid | Depends on the lease | Yes |
| Typical term | Years | Years | Up to 12 months |
| Secured by | The equipment | The equipment | Personal guarantee |
| Speed | Days | Days | Often instant |
| Best for | Large, durable assets | Gear you will upgrade | Smaller supplier orders |
When Credit Key is the better tool
If the order is a few thousand dollars and you can clear it inside 30 days, Credit Key costs nothing. Many equipment suppliers offer it at checkout precisely for that case. Past a few months, compare the dollar fee with a quote from an equipment lender.
What equipment lenders look at
- The equipment's value and useful life
- Time in business and revenue
- The owner's credit
- A down payment, in some cases
Need money in hand, not checkout credit?
Request a personal loan through our lender network. It is a separate service from Credit Key and the request is free.
Small tools and urgent replacements
For a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, a formal equipment loan is rarely worth the paperwork. Owners typically use a card, Credit Key, or a personal loan.
A cost comparison to run
Get two numbers for the same machine: the total paid on a 12-month Credit Key plan, and the total paid on an equipment loan over the term you would actually choose. Then compare the monthly payment as well. A longer loan often has the lower payment and the higher total; which matters more depends on your cash flow.
Tax and ownership
Whether you can deduct or depreciate a purchase depends on your situation and current tax rules. Ask your accountant before choosing between buying and leasing, because the answer can outweigh a small difference in financing cost.
Common questions
Is Credit Key equipment financing?
It can pay for equipment, but it is checkout financing with a personal guarantee, not a loan secured by the equipment.
Can I finance used equipment?
Many equipment lenders do; terms depend on age and condition.
Sources
Checked November 12, 2026. We link to primary sources so you can verify each figure yourself.