Business Auto Loans: Up to $5M for Automotive Financing

Business auto loans are a form of commercial financing used to purchase, lease, or refinance vehicles for business purposes. These loans help companies acquire the cars, vans, and light‑ to medium‑duty trucks they need to operate efficiently, transport goods, or support daily operations. Unlike personal auto loans, business auto loans are structured specifically for commercial use and business ownership.

Companies across industries rely on vehicle financing to keep operations running smoothly. Construction firms may need specialized vehicles for job sites, while delivery businesses depend on trucks to move products on schedule. Auto‑related businesses, including body shops and dealerships, may also use business auto loans to support equipment purchases or refinancing needs.

Clarify Capital connects business owners to a nationwide network of more than 75 lenders offering competitive rates, flexible terms, and funding options for a wide range of credit profiles. Loan amounts can reach up to $5 million, with funding available as quickly as one business day.

Whether you are buying your first work vehicle or expanding an existing fleet, this guide explains how business auto loans work and how to choose the right option for your needs.

6 Best Small Business Auto Loans and Commercial Vehicle Financing Options

The best auto financing type will depend on your needs and preferences. Each funding type has its advantages and drawbacks. A lending adviser can help you decide which loan type is a good fit for you and your company.

Term Loan

Also known as traditional business loans, these are common among small business owners who want regular and predictable payment schedules. Short-term loans can be unsecured or secured. Unsecured commercial vehicle loans don't require a guarantor. These loans are a great fit for borrowers with strong revenue and a longer repayment timeline in mind.

• Apply for Term Loan

Merchant Cash Advance

A merchant cash advance (MCA) allows small business owners to trade a portion of their future sales in exchange for capital up front. MCAs are a popular option for companies that want fast loans without collateral.

• Apply for Merchant Cash Advance

Equipment and Commercial Vehicle Financing

Business car loans can be used to buy or lease trucks, fleets, trailers, vans, and more. You might be interested in an equipment loan if you have bad credit and need auto funding. Low credit scores are accepted, and financing is available with no money down.

The vehicle serves as collateral, which may reduce the need for a personal guarantee. Depending on your business's profile, some lenders may waive the PG. Many lenders offer 100% financing with no down payment, depending on your credit profile. Financing is often available for both new vehicles and used, typically up to 5-7 model years old.

• Apply for Equipment Financing

Invoice Factoring

Invoice factoring (also called invoice financing) is another auto loan product that uses unpaid invoices to provide an infusion of working capital. The amount of funding a business is eligible for is based on outstanding accounts receivable.

• Apply for Invoice Factoring

Business Line of Credit

Auto business credit lines work similarly to your basic personal credit card. They're a good match for borrowers desiring maximum flexibility and control.

Credit lines provide a financial buffer to deal with the unexpected, like when a vehicle breaks down. The extra capital can be used for fluctuating costs, like inventory buying and purchasing auto parts.

This is a strong choice for companies that manage multiple vehicles or want backup funds for maintenance and upgrades. You can use the line to finance older model vehicles that may not qualify for traditional auto loans.

• Apply for Business Credit Line

SBA Microloan

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provides funding to business owners through the Microloan program. A large down payment isn't required, making it a more affordable option than SBA7(a) loans for business owners with limited cash reserves.

As with most government-backed small business loans, you can expect a lengthier funding timeline. There's more documentation required, and borrowers are working with a larger organization, which slows the process.

• Apply for SBA Microloans

Commercial Auto Loan Refinancing

If you're currently paying off a business auto loan with a high interest rate, refinancing can help lower your monthly payments or extend your term. Many borrowers choose to refinance when upgrading their fleet or when their credit profile improves.

• Apply for a Commercial Auto Loan

How Do I Get an Auto Loan for My Business?

Getting a business auto loan is fast and straightforward with Clarify Capital. Our process connects you with lenders who specialize in commercial auto financing, with no long waits or piles of paperwork.

Here's what to expect:

1. Apply online. Fill out a simple application in under 2 minutes. You'll provide basic details about your business and upload your recent bank statements (we typically ask for the last three months).

2. Get matched with lenders. Our network of 75+ lenders competes to offer you the best rates. Clarify's advisors will match you with the top options based on your credit profile, revenue, and vehicle needs.

3. Review loan offers. Choose the best offer based on APR, loan term, monthly payments, and any other preferences. You're in control with no pressure to accept an offer.

4. Receive funds fast. Once approved, your business vehicle loan funds can hit your account as soon as the next business day.

5. Start repayment. Make consistent, affordable monthly payments through ACH transfer or online banking, depending on your lender. Most business auto loans offer fixed rates for predictable budgeting.

To improve your chances of approval, make sure your business banking activity shows steady deposits and low debt. Lenders evaluate your creditworthiness based on both your business revenue and personal credit (in some cases).

Business vs. Personal Auto Loans

If you're deciding between financing a vehicle through your business or personally, it helps to understand how these two loan types compare. Here's a breakdown of the main differences to consider before applying:

What You Need To Qualify for a Business Vehicle Loan

Many applicants fall into two categories: They need a business loan to purchase or refinance a commercial vehicle, or they need working capital for their auto-related business. Below are the main business car loan requirements and disclosures our lenders look at.

Bank Statements

Applying for a loan requires little to no documentation. The auto loan process is fast — our loan advisers only ask for your last three months of bank statements. You can upload your statements securely online, and your financials are reviewed within one business day.

Average Monthly Revenue

Business auto loan lenders prefer to see at least $10,000 in average monthly revenue. The more money your business generates, the larger the loan size you qualify for. Clarify offers funding options for businesses with lower revenue as well, depending on the loan type.

Outstanding Debt

A business's debt-to-income (DTI) ratio is considered when putting together loan packages. The preferred DTI ratio will vary from lender to lender. Carrying low levels of debt can help you get the best commercial loan offers. If you're carrying multiple loans, we may recommend consolidating or refinancing to streamline repayment.

Amount of Time in Business

Being around for a long time is good in the loan industry. Auto companies that have operated for several years are considered lower risk than new businesses. We provide capital to businesses that have been operating for at least six months. We don't fund pre-revenue startups, but if your business has steady deposits and a clear use case, we can often help.

A tip: If your vehicle purchase supports expansion or adds revenue (like buying a delivery van), include that in your business plan or application notes.

Eligible Vehicle Types

You can use business auto loans to finance:

• Delivery vans

• Pickup trucks

• Passenger vehicles for sales teams

• Cargo trucks or trailers

• Food trucks

• Service vehicles (plumbers, electricians, HVAC)

Clarify works with lenders that finance both new and used vehicles, often up to 6-7 model years old.

Common Uses for Business Auto Loan

We understand the importance of meeting wide-ranging business needs. We've provided working capital to businesses for all sorts of reasons. Here are some popular uses for commercial funding.

Commercial Rent

You're not alone if you're a business owner struggling to pay rent and keep the doors open. Small businesses experience ups and downs all the time. Auto financing can be used to pay all types of overhead expenses, including rent, utilities, and recurring bills.

Payroll

Finding the right talent is hard enough. The company suffers when you have to lay off team members due to budget constraints. Funds can help keep staff members on payroll during financial hardship or hire more employees during periods of growth. For qualified small business owners, a Clarify loan adviser is available to assist with the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).

Taxes

When profit margins are slim, tax season can seem daunting. Fortunately, business owners can take out a loan to offset a large tax burden and free up additional cash reserves. Financing allows borrowers to space out repayment rather than pay a lump sum at once. We get that Uncle Sam can't always wait, and we're here to help.

Buying and Leasing Equipment

Vehicles are an essential resource for businesses. Some small business owners can't afford to purchase automobiles and equipment outright. Others choose business vehicle financing to increase liquidity and maintain a cash buffer.

You can finance new or used commercial vehicles with terms tailored to your budget and vehicle type. Eligible vehicle types include trucks, trailers, vans, food trucks, and light-duty or medium-duty vehicles.

Covering Emergency Repairs or Replacing Vehicles

Unexpected breakdowns can disrupt operations. A commercial auto loan gives you access to capital when you need to repair or replace a vehicle fast.

Business owners often use financing to cover mechanical repairs, engine replacements, or sudden vehicle downtime.

Expanding or Upgrading Fleet Vehicles

During an expansion, businesses may need financing to scale. If your company is undergoing an exciting period of growth, a loan can provide the means to buy more inventory, make business acquisitions, open a new location, and more. Whether you're adding a single van or 10 trucks, we'll help you secure funding quickly and cost-effectively.

Managing Cash Flow and Overhead

Loan funds can also support related business costs like commercial rent, utilities, or vendor payments, especially during seasonal slowdowns or expansion periods.

If your business needs working capital in addition to vehicle financing, we can bundle options like lines of credit or equipment financing.

Use Cases for Business Auto Loans by Industry

Different industries have different vehicle needs, and the best financing option depends on how the vehicle will be used. Whether you're expanding your fleet or purchasing a single service vehicle, choosing the right loan type can save you money and time. The following table highlights common use cases by industry, along with recommended financing solutions based on vehicle type and business goals.

Business Auto Loans vs. Personal Auto Loans: What's the Difference?

If you've taken out a personal auto loan before, you'll find some similarities, but several important differences, with business auto loans.

The most important differences between personal and business loans include:

• Ownership and title. Business vehicle loans are issued in your company's name. The vehicle title and insurance must also reflect ownership for tax and credit-building purposes.

• Credit impact. Personal auto loans affect your personal credit score, while business auto loans help establish and build business credit, especially if the payments are reported to business credit bureaus.

• Loan use. Business loans must be used for work-related transportation needs, such as delivering products, meeting with clients, or transporting materials. Personal auto loans, by contrast, are used for private vehicles.

• Tax benefits. Vehicles purchased under your business may qualify for tax deductions, including depreciation or Section 179 deductions, which can allow you to deduct up to 100% of the vehicle cost in the year of purchase, depending on IRS rules.

• Loan terms. Commercial vehicle loans may offer longer or more flexible loan terms, especially when tied to your business cash flow. You may also qualify for larger loan amounts compared to personal auto loans.

• Down payments. Business auto loans may not require a down payment, depending on the lender and your business profile.

In short, if the vehicle will be used primarily for business, a commercial auto loan is the smarter, more strategic option, offering financial benefits, more flexible underwriting, and tax advantages.

How Section 179 Helps Offset Auto Loan Costs in 2026

If you're financing a vehicle for business purposes, Section 179 of the IRS tax code can help you write off part, or even all, of the cost. This can significantly reduce the net cost of a vehicle loan, especially for businesses buying trucks, vans, or specialty vehicles.

Here's how it works in 2026:

• Section 179 allows businesses to deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment (including vehicles) in the year the asset is placed into service.

• For 2026, the maximum deduction limit is $2,560,000, with a phase-out threshold of $4,090,000.

• To qualify, the vehicle must be used over 50% for business purposes.

• Certain SUVs, vans, and trucks qualify for full deductions, while others may be capped (e.g., passenger vehicles with limitations).

You can also stack Section 179 with bonus depreciation. The 100% bonus depreciation rate has been fully reinstated, allowing for an even greater deduction on the remaining cost of equipment, which is especially helpful for fleets or larger vehicle purchases.

What about electric vehicles (EVs)?

Businesses purchasing clean or electric commercial vehicles may qualify for additional tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act, on top of Section 179 benefits.

EVs used for business can receive credits of up to $7,500-$40,000, depending on vehicle weight and use case.

Ready for a Business Auto Loan?

Need a commercial vehicle loan fast? Whether you're financing a new work truck, upgrading your fleet, or purchasing a company car, Clarify Capital makes the process simple and hassle-free.

This financing is best for:

• Businesses with at least six months in operation

• Companies earning $10,000 or more in monthly revenue

• Business owners looking to purchase or refinance commercial vehicles

• Applicants who want financing under their business name, not their personal name

With funding up to $5 million, flexible repayment terms, and approvals based on your business cash flow — not just your credit score — we help small business owners get on the road quickly.

Apply online in under two minutes and get approved in as little as 24 hours. There's no obligation, and applying won't affect your credit.

Apply today to secure competitive rates and keep your business moving forward.

FAQs About Business Auto Loans

Need money for your auto business fast? You're not alone. Here are answers to questions others like you often ask about our quick business funding.