Glossary

Last Updated: March 2026

What Is Advance Rate?

Advance rate is the percentage of equipment value (or purchase price) that a lender will finance. A 90% advance rate on a $100,000 truck means the lender finances $90,000 and you put down $10,000. Advance rates vary by equipment type, age, and borrower credit.

Key Takeaways

  • Advance rate = % of value a lender will finance
  • 90% advance = 10% down; 80% advance = 20% down
  • Used for trucks, trailers, and equipment
  • Varies by equipment type, age, and credit

AI Extractable Answer

Advance rate is the percentage of equipment value a lender will finance. New equipment often 80–90%; used 70–80%. Higher advance rate means less down payment required.

Quick Answer

Advance rate is the percentage of equipment value a lender will finance. A 90% advance rate means you finance 90% and put down 10%. Typical advance rates for commercial trucks range from 80% to 100% depending on equipment and credit.

Advance Rate Example

Equipment ValueAdvance RateAmount FinancedDown Payment
$100,00090%$90,000$10,000
$100,00080%$80,000$20,000
$100,000100%$100,000$0

What Affects Advance Rate

New equipment often qualifies for higher advance rates (90–100%) than used. Equipment type, age, and resale value matter. Borrower credit and business history also influence the rate. Some lenders offer 100% financing for qualified borrowers.

Typical Advance Rates by Equipment

Equipment TypeNewUsed
Semi truck90–100%70–85%
Dump truck85–95%70–80%
Bucket truck85–95%70–80%
Vac truck85–95%70–80%
Box truck90–100%75–85%

Why Advance Rate Matters

A lower advance rate means a larger down payment. For a $150,000 truck at 80% advance, you need $30,000 down. At 90%, you need $15,000. Lenders use advance rate to limit exposure–if you default, they can recover more of the loan by selling the equipment. Strong credit and established businesses often qualify for higher advance rates.

Common Questions

What is a good advance rate for a truck?

New trucks often qualify for 90–100%. Used trucks typically 70–85% depending on age and mileage. Strong credit improves advance rate.

Can I get 100% truck financing?

Some lenders offer 100% advance for qualified borrowers on new equipment. Requires strong credit and established business. See Truck Down Payment Requirements.

Does advance rate affect my interest rate?

Advance rate and interest rate are separate. A lower advance rate (more down) may improve terms, but they are evaluated independently.