When small and mid-sized businesses need equipment whether it’s heavy construction machinery, medical devices, restaurant equipment, or commercial vehicles the challenge is rarely whether the asset will generate value. The real question is how to pay for it without straining cash flow.
That’s where Crest Capital enters the picture. Established in 1989, Crest Capital specializes in equipment financing and leasing for U.S.-based businesses. Over more than three decades, it has positioned itself as a fast, transparent, and streamlined alternative to traditional bank loans.
This in-depth review examines Crest Capital’s products, application process, strengths, limitations, and ideal customer profile so you can decide whether it’s the right financing partner for your business.
Before we proceed, I recommend you check out our rankings of the Best Equipment Financing Companies in the US.
The list will help you avoid confusions and find the appropriate company for your financing needs.
Company Overview
Crest Capital is a direct lender focused exclusively on equipment financing. Unlike generalist banks that handle everything from mortgages to credit cards, Crest’s niche specialization is commercial equipment loans and leases.
Key characteristics:
- Founded in 1989
- Focused on equipment financing and leasing
- Serves small and mid-sized U.S. businesses
- Emphasizes fast approvals and minimal paperwork
- Offers fixed-rate structures
Crest Capital is headquartered in Georgia and operates nationwide.
The company promotes a reputation for straightforward contracts and no hidden fees, which is a major selling point in an industry where fine print can sometimes surprise borrowers.
Products and Financing Options
Crest Capital offers two primary financing structures:
1. Equipment Loans
An equipment loan functions similarly to a term loan:
- The borrower owns the equipment.
- Payments are fixed.
- The asset serves as collateral.
- At the end of the term, the equipment is fully paid off.
This option is ideal for businesses that want full ownership from day one.
2. Equipment Leasing
Leasing offers more flexibility. Crest provides several lease structures, including:
- $1 buyout leases (effectively ownership at the end)
- Fair Market Value (FMV) leases
- 10% purchase option leases
Lease structures can provide accounting or tax flexibility depending on the business’s strategy.
Types of Equipment Financed
One of Crest Capital’s strongest features is its wide equipment eligibility. Industries commonly served include:
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Medical and dental
- IT and software
- Transportation
- Restaurant and hospitality
- Agriculture
- Printing and industrial trades
Crest also finances used equipment, which is particularly important for cost-conscious businesses. Many traditional lenders restrict used-equipment financing, but Crest advertises flexibility here (subject to age and condition limits).
Loan Amounts and Terms
While specific approvals depend on credit and business profile, Crest generally finances:
- Small-ticket equipment (application-only programs)
- Mid-range commercial equipment purchases
- Larger transactions with additional documentation
Common term lengths range from:
- 24 months
- 36 months
- 48 months
- 60 months (and sometimes longer depending on asset life)
The company advertises fixed rates and fixed payments, which provide predictability—something business owners often prioritize over variable structures.
The Application Process
Speed is arguably Crest Capital’s biggest differentiator.
Streamlined Application
For many transactions under a certain threshold, Crest promotes an “application-only” approval process. This typically means:
- No tax returns required
- No full financial statements (for smaller deals)
- Minimal documentation beyond credit authorization
For larger transactions, additional underwriting may be required.
Approval Speed
Crest commonly advertises:
- Credit decisions within hours
- Same-day approvals in many cases
- Quick funding once invoice documentation is provided
In equipment purchasing scenarios—especially when inventory is limited or vendor pricing expires—this speed can be invaluable.
Rates and Fees
Crest emphasizes:
- Fixed-rate structures
- No hidden fees
- Transparent documentation
However, rates are not universally posted because they vary based on:
- Personal and business credit profile
- Time in business
- Equipment type
- Loan size
- Term length
As with any lender, the best approach is to compare:
- Total cost of capital
- Monthly payment
- End-of-term obligations
- Prepayment terms
- Any documentation or origination fees
Borrowers with excellent credit may find highly competitive rates. Those with weaker credit profiles may still qualify—but at higher pricing, as is typical across the industry.
Section 179 and Tax Considerations
Crest Capital strongly promotes the potential tax benefits of financing equipment under Section 179 of the IRS tax code.
In general terms, Section 179 allows qualifying businesses to deduct the full purchase price of eligible equipment in the year it’s placed in service, subject to limits and eligibility requirements.
Crest markets financing as a way to:
- Preserve cash
- Capture tax advantages
- Align payments with revenue generation
However, tax treatment varies by business structure and income level. Any Section 179 strategy should be confirmed with a CPA.
Reputation and Customer Perception
Crest Capital maintains a strong online reputation compared to many alternative lenders.
Highlights include:
- Long operating history (since 1989)
- Industry recognition in business publications
- Positive BBB standing
- Generally favorable small-business reviews
Common themes in positive feedback:
- Fast approval process
- Professional communication
- Clear documentation
- Predictable payment structure
Common critiques or cautions:
- Rates may not always be the absolute lowest available
- Lease structures require careful review (as with any lease)
- Larger transactions may require more documentation than marketing implies
Overall, Crest’s reputation appears consistent with a stable, specialized equipment lender rather than a high-risk alternative financing platform.
Strengths
1. Speed and Efficiency
For business owners who need equipment quickly, Crest’s fast decision model is a significant advantage.
2. Simplicity
Compared to traditional bank underwriting—which can involve tax returns, projections, and weeks of back-and-forth—Crest’s smaller-deal application-only process reduces friction.
3. Flexible Structures
Offering both loans and multiple lease types allows customization based on accounting and cash-flow strategy.
4. Used Equipment Financing
This expands affordability for growing businesses.
5. Fixed Payments
Predictability is crucial for budgeting and forecasting.
Potential Drawbacks
No lender is ideal for every scenario. Consider these possible limitations:
1. Not Always the Lowest Cost
Businesses with exceptional credit and strong banking relationships may secure slightly lower rates through traditional banks or captive manufacturer financing arms.
2. Lease Complexity
Leasing structures can be misunderstood. Borrowers must understand:
- End-of-term options
- Buyout terms
- Early payoff conditions
This is not unique to Crest—it’s a general leasing consideration.
3. Larger Deals May Require More Documentation
While Crest promotes streamlined approvals, higher loan amounts typically require deeper underwriting.
Who is Crest Capital Is Best For
Crest Capital is especially well-suited for:
- Established small businesses
- Businesses needing quick funding
- Companies purchasing revenue-generating equipment
- Firms seeking predictable fixed payments
- Businesses buying used equipment
- Owners who prefer a lender specializing in equipment
Customer Experience and Support
Crest Capital provides phone and online support, and its website includes educational resources explaining equipment financing concepts.
Because equipment financing often involves coordination with vendors, communication speed is critical. Reports suggest Crest performs well in vendor coordination and funding timelines.
There are numerous customer service reviews available on the BBB website, summarized as follows:
#1. This was our second experience working with Crest Capital, and it was just as smooth and straightforward as the first. The team was professional, responsive, and extremely helpful throughout the process. They handled our paperwork efficiently, and we received funding the very next day for our Sprinter van. The entire experience was quick and hassle-free, and we would absolutely turn to them again for any future equipment financing needs.
#2. We had a great experience—our furniture purchase was funded within 24 hours of signing the documents. The entire process was fast, smooth, and efficient. We would definitely use them again in the future.
Industry Positioning
Crest Capital occupies a middle ground in the equipment finance market:
- Not a traditional bank
- Not a high-risk merchant cash advance provider
- Not a peer-to-peer lending platform
Instead, it functions as a specialized, direct equipment lender focused on small and mid-sized business needs.
Its longevity (since 1989) suggests stability in a sector where many lenders have come and gone.
Final Verdict
Crest Capital stands out for its specialization, streamlined approvals, and fixed-rate transparency. For small and mid-sized businesses that need equipment quickly and value predictable payments, it presents a strong financing option.
It may not always deliver the absolute lowest rate available in the market, particularly for top-tier borrowers with strong bank access. However, its efficiency, flexible structures, and long-standing industry presence make it a credible and competitive choice.
