Food Truck Loans and Financing

Short answer: Most food truck owners finance the truck or trailer and its kitchen equipment with equipment financing, use a business line of credit for food, fuel and event fees, and turn to a term loan to add a second truck or a commissary. Lenders look at sales history, credit, permits and the condition of the vehicle.

At a glance

Best for the truck: Equipment financing (truck, trailer, kitchen build)
Best for cash flow: Business line of credit
Best for expansion: Term loan or SBA 7(a) loan
NexGen amounts: $10,000 to $20,000,000 across programs
Approval speed: Typically 1 to 24 hours for many programs
Credit: 650+ on most programs; 500+ for revenue-based financing; 700+ for SBA loans

A food truck is a restaurant, a vehicle and a marketing machine in one. That means two kinds of breakdowns can stop you cold, and every busy season starts with a big bill for inventory, propane and event fees. This guide covers financing for food trucks, food trailers, coffee carts, mobile caterers and concession stands, and answers the questions owners ask us most.

At NexGen Lending, we help mobile food businesses nationwide compare equipment, working capital and expansion financing with one application.

What is the best financing for a food truck?

Short answer: Equipment financing is usually the best way to buy a food truck or trailer, because the vehicle and its kitchen secure the loan. A line of credit is better for recurring costs like food and fuel, and a term loan suits one-time growth projects like a second truck.

Financing type	Best for
Equipment financing	Trucks, trailers, custom kitchen builds, generators, refrigeration
Business line of credit	Food, fuel, propane, event and festival fees, repairs
Term loans & unitranche debt	A second truck, a commissary kitchen, branding and wraps
Revenue-based financing	Trucks with steady card sales and uneven months

How much does food truck financing cover?

Short answer: NexGen equipment financing runs from $10,000 to $10,000,000, with up to 100% financing and no down payment for qualified borrowers. That can cover a new or used truck, a trailer, a custom kitchen build-out and equipment like generators, fryers and refrigeration.

Get quotes that include the vehicle and the kitchen build together. Health department requirements for sinks, water tanks and ventilation can change the cost of a build, so confirm them before you finalize the design.

What do lenders look for in a food truck business?

Short answer: Lenders look at time in business, monthly card and cash deposits, personal credit, permits and licenses, the vehicle’s age and condition, and where you sell. Trucks with a steady schedule of locations, catering and events show the most reliable revenue.

Time in business, often 12 months or more for many programs
Monthly revenue and consistent deposits
Personal credit score
Health permits, business licenses and vending permits
Vehicle year, mileage and condition
Regular locations, catering contracts and event bookings

What is a commissary kitchen? A commissary is a licensed kitchen where food trucks prep food, store supplies and clean equipment. Many local health departments require trucks to operate from one, so it’s often part of your monthly costs and your lender’s review.

How do I qualify for a food truck loan?

Short answer: Keep permits current, run all sales through a card reader and business bank account, track sales by location and event, get written quotes for the truck and build, and apply after your busiest stretch. Showing a steady calendar of bookings makes lenders far more comfortable.

Run sales through your POS. Card reports prove revenue better than cash.
Keep permits organized. Health, vending and fire permits should be current.
Track your best locations. Show which spots and events drive sales.
Get quotes. Written quotes for the vehicle and kitchen help size the loan.
Plan for the off-season. Our slow-season guide explains how.
Compare offers. See how we compare lender offers.

Can a new food truck get a loan?

Short answer: NexGen programs need some operating history. Revenue-based financing looks for steady deposits and a 500+ credit score, and most other programs need 12+ months in business and 650+ credit. NexGen programs are built for operating businesses, so brand-new owners often start with SBA microloans through nonprofit lenders, a CDFI or the local SBDC.

Buying a used, already-permitted truck can lower your upfront cost and speed up launch. Have the vehicle inspected and confirm its kitchen meets your local health code before you buy.

How fast can a food truck get funded?

Short answer: Many NexGen programs approve in 1 to 24 hours, so equipment and working capital can move quickly when a truck breaks down or a big event comes up. SBA loans usually take several weeks.

Frequently asked questions about food truck financing

Can I finance a used food truck?

Often, yes. Lenders will ask for the year, mileage, condition and seller. Older vehicles may get shorter terms.

Is a food trailer easier to finance than a truck?

Trailers often cost less and have no engine to maintain, which can make them simpler to finance. Both are commonly covered by equipment financing.

How do I cover costs in the slow season?

A line of credit lets you draw for slow months and repay when events pick up. Catering and private events can also smooth revenue.

Can I get a loan for a second truck?

Yes. Lenders will look closely at how your first truck performs. A term loan or equipment financing usually covers the second vehicle.

What if my credit isn’t perfect?

With a 500 to 649 credit score, revenue-based financing is the main option, since it leans on sales more than credit. Most other NexGen programs, including equipment financing and lines of credit, require 650+, and SBA loans require 700+. Below 500, NexGen's business credit guidance can help you understand your credit profile and build toward approval.

Ready to hit the road or add a second truck? Apply now or call (908) 639-4361.

This article is for general informational purposes only and is not financial, legal, or tax advice. NexGen figures come from NexGen’s service pages as of October 2026. Permit and health code requirements vary by location. Loan terms, rates, and eligibility vary by lender and program and are subject to approval. Availability varies by state.

Food Truck Loans: How Food Truck Owners Get the Right Financing