The equipment leasing landscape is changing fast—and staying ahead of the curve can help you make smarter, more cost-effective decisions. From digital financing to eco-friendly assets, here are the top equipment leasing trends every business owner should know to stay competitive in 2025 and beyond.
What are the current trends in equipment leasing?
Key trends include fintech-driven platforms, flexible lease terms, sustainability-focused leasing, and increased adoption among small businesses.
Digital platforms are revolutionizing how businesses lease equipment. Fintech lenders now offer:
Same-day approvals
100% paperless applications
AI-based credit decisions
Real-time payment tracking
These tools save time and expand access—especially for startups and small businesses with limited credit history.
Standard lease terms are becoming outdated. Today’s lessors offer:
Seasonal payment plans (ideal for agriculture, retail, or tourism)
Step leases that grow with your revenue
Deferred payment options for new businesses
This flexibility helps business owners match expenses to income, improving cash flow stability.
With ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) practices on the rise, many businesses are leasing:
Energy-efficient HVAC systems
Electric fleet vehicles
Solar-powered tech
Sustainable manufacturing tools
Leasing allows companies to stay compliant with environmental standards—without heavy upfront investments.
Small and mid-sized businesses are rapidly adopting leasing as a go-to financing method due to:
Reduced upfront capital requirements
Simple approval processes
More competitive leasing options
In fact, according to the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA), nearly 80% of U.S. businesses lease or finance equipment.
More equipment vendors are offering built-in financing options at checkout—powered by fintech partners. This allows buyers to:
Get approved instantly
Bundle equipment, service, and insurance
Choose custom payment plans on the spot
Example: Leasing a commercial oven directly from a vendor’s website with integrated lease financing.
With accounting changes like ASC 842, businesses are under more pressure to properly report leases on financial statements. As a result:
Lease management tools are in high demand
Companies are hiring lease compliance consultants
Transparency and documentation are now standard
Related: Lease Accounting Changes and What They Mean for Your Business
In addition to traditional machinery, businesses now lease:
IT infrastructure
Medical devices
Kitchen and salon equipment
Warehouse automation tech
Robotics and AI tools
If it generates revenue, there's likely a lease for it.
Fintech platforms simplifying access
Flexible, customizable lease structures
Surge in green/sustainable equipment
More SMBs choosing to lease
Embedded point-of-sale financing
Compliance tools driven by ASC 842
Broader range of leasable assets
Staying informed about leasing trends means you can leverage the latest tools, strategies, and structures to grow faster and spend smarter. In today’s fast-paced economy, flexibility and financial agility are more important than ever.
Looking to lease equipment this year?
Use these trends to your advantage—and choose a leasing option that fits your business, budget, and future goals.
Better leasing starts with smarter insight.