Ameris Bank Equipment Finance — operating as the rebranded Balboa Capital division of Georgia-based Ameris Bank since the 2021 acquisition — is a bank-owned lender that has delivered $8B+ in funding since its founding in 1988. It offers equipment financing up to $500K on an application-only basis, small business loans from $20K to $250K with same-day funding, SBA 7(a) and 504 loans from $400K to $5M, vendor financing, and franchise financing. The speed and application simplicity are genuine advantages for established businesses needing equipment capital fast. The significant concern: independent review platforms including NerdWallet and third-party aggregators cite persistent negative borrower experiences since 2024 — particularly around rate and fee transparency, prepayment penalties, aggressive post-application outreach, and unexpected additional charges. BLIQ rates it a 3.6/5 and recommends reading all agreements carefully and comparing alternatives before committing. Best for established businesses with $300K+ annual revenue and 620+ credit needing fast equipment financing who have time to review terms thoroughly.
Ameris Bank Equipment Finance — operating as the rebranded Balboa Capital division of Georgia-based Ameris Bank since the 2021 acquisition — is a bank-owned lender that has delivered $8B+ in funding since its founding in 1988. It offers equipment financing up to $500K on an application-only basis, small business loans from $20K to $250K with same-day funding, SBA 7(a) and 504 loans from $400K to $5M, vendor financing, and franchise financing. The speed and application simplicity are genuine advantages for established businesses needing equipment capital fast. The significant concern: independent review platforms including NerdWallet and third-party aggregators cite persistent negative borrower experiences since 2024 — particularly around rate and fee transparency, prepayment penalties, aggressive post-application outreach, and unexpected additional charges. BLIQ rates it a 3.6/5 and recommends reading all agreements carefully and comparing alternatives before committing. Best for established businesses with $300K+ annual revenue and 620+ credit needing fast equipment financing who have time to review terms thoroughly.
Despite mixed reviews, Ameris Bank Equipment Finance has real operational strengths for the right borrower. Here is where it delivers.
Ameris Bank Equipment Finance is best suited to established businesses with strong revenue needing fast equipment capital or large SBA loans.
Finance commercial vehicles, machinery, medical equipment, restaurant equipment, or technology without depleting working capital reserves.
Fund software, hardware, and technology infrastructure upgrades with application-only financing up to $350K for soft collateral.
Access $20K–$250K in fast working capital for inventory, payroll, and operational expenses with same-day funding.
Finance franchise buildouts, PIPs (property improvement plans), brand mandate upgrades, and multi-unit expansion with dedicated franchise financing.
For companies with $10M+ annual revenue, finance capital equipment purchases from $50K to $10M+ through Ameris Bank EF’s middle-market commercial financing.
Access SBA 7(a) and 504 loans from $400K to $5M for major business expansion, real estate, and long-term capital investments.
All products start with a simple online application. A dedicated account manager contacts you upon approval to discuss your options.
Fast working capital and business loans with 3–24 month terms. Competitive rates. Same-day funding available. Requires 1+ year in business, $300K+ annual revenue, 620+ credit score.
Application-only for hard collateral (vehicles, machinery) up to $500K; soft collateral (tech, software) up to $350K. 24–60 month terms. Section 179 tax deduction eligible on qualifying purchases.
Government-backed financing at SBA-capped rates for major business needs. Business development manager assigned. Longer application with tax returns and financial statements required. For established businesses with strong credit.
Point-of-sale financing for vendors and manufacturers. Integrated online sales management system. Customers apply at point of purchase. App-only process up to $500K for hard collateral.
Dedicated franchise financing for PIPs, brand mandates, remodels, and expansion. Soft and hard collateral accepted up to $350K. Terms from 24 to 72 months depending on project type.
Equipment financing and unsecured business loans for mid-market companies with $10M+ annual revenue. Custom-tailored solutions with competitive rates, flexible terms, and senior account manager support.
Applications for loans under $250K and equipment financing under $500K require only basic business info — no financial statements or tax returns at the application stage. ⚠️ Note: by submitting, you opt into marketing calls/texts.
Loans under $250K receive a credit decision in approximately one hour during regular business hours. An account manager contacts you to discuss your options and answer questions.
⚠️ Read all agreements thoroughly before signing. Review the full amortization schedule, all fees, the prepayment penalty structure, and total cost of capital. Do not rely solely on the verbal summary.
For approved loans under $250K, funds can be deposited the same business day. Equipment financing timelines may vary depending on documentation and equipment verification.
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Ameris Bank Equipment Finance
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Kapitus
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| Eligibility | ||||||
| Loan Amount | $5K – $5M | $10K – $5M | $5K – $1.5M | $5K – $400K | $5K – $600K | $10K – $5M |
| Time in Business | 12+ Months | 9+ Months | 6+ Months | 12+ Months | 6+ Months | 12+ Months |
| Monthly Revenue | $5K+ | $30K+ | $12K+ | $8,333+ | $15K+ | $21K+ |
| Min. Credit Score | 620+ | None | 500 | 625+ | 500+ | 600+ |
| Loan Details | ||||||
| Funding Speed | Same Day – 48 Hours | Same Day | 72 Hours | Same Day | 24 Hours | 24–48 Hours |
| Approval | — | Within 3 Hours | — | — | 4 Hours | — |
| Rating | ||||||
| Rating | ||||||
| BBB Rating | A+ | A- | A+ | A+ | A+ | N/A |
| Apply Now | Apply | Apply | Apply | Apply | Apply | |
Yes. Ameris Bank Equipment Finance is the rebranded name for Balboa Capital Corporation, which was acquired by Ameris Bank of Atlanta, Georgia in 2021. The platform operates at equipmentfinance.amerisbank.com. Many borrowers and reviews still refer to the company as Balboa Capital as of 2026.
Small business loans ($20K–$250K) require a minimum personal credit score of 620 and $300,000+ in annual revenue. SBA loans require approximately 680+. Equipment financing requirements vary by amount and collateral type.
Prepayment penalties have been cited by multiple borrowers in third-party reviews on Trustpilot, Google, and BBB. The lender’s marketing does not prominently disclose these. BLIQ strongly recommends requesting the full amortization schedule, prepayment penalty structure, and total cost in writing before signing any agreement.
By submitting an online application, you automatically opt into marketing calls and texts from Ameris Bank Equipment Finance and its agents, including through automated telephone dialing systems. This opt-in is disclosed in the application terms. Many reviewers cite persistent and unwanted post-application outreach as a significant concern.
Small business loans under $250K can be approved in approximately one hour during regular business hours and funded the same business day. Equipment financing timelines depend on collateral type, documentation, and amount. SBA loans follow standard government timelines of approximately 90 days.
Yes — Ameris Bank Equipment Finance is a legitimate bank-owned lender that has been operating since 1988 and has delivered $8B+ in funding. However, BLIQ notes serious concerns based on independent third-party reviews, including NerdWallet’s 2026 review warning, a 2.1/5 Trustpilot rating, and documented complaints about fee transparency and prepayment penalties. Read all agreements carefully before committing.
Ameris Bank Equipment Finance has genuine strengths: $8B+ in funding since 1988, application-only equipment financing up to $500K, same-day small business loans, SBA access, and the financial stability of bank backing. For the right business — established ($300K+ revenue), with good credit, and in need of fast equipment financing — the core product delivers on speed.
The concerns are real and well-documented: a 2.1/5 Trustpilot rating from 304 reviews, NerdWallet's 2026 recommendation to avoid, reported prepayment penalties that aren't prominently disclosed, automatic marketing opt-in at application, and recent borrower complaints about unexpected charges. BLIQ recommends comparing National Funding, SBG Funding, and Kapitus alongside Ameris Bank EF before committing. If you do apply, request the full fee schedule and prepayment penalty terms in writing before signing.
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