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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsThere is no universal minimum credit score to lease a car: the lender or leasing company decides whether to approve your application and on what terms. As practical U.S. guideposts, Experian says a FICO Score of 670 or higher can make favorable terms more likely, while Experian and Chase point to about 700 or higher for a stronger chance of qualifying or getting favorable terms. Neither number guarantees approval or sets an industry-wide cutoff.
What credit score is a good target for a car lease?
Experian classifies a FICO Score of 670 or above as good credit in its lease guidance. That can improve your chances of favorable terms, but it is not a required minimum. Experian and Chase identify around 700 or higher as a useful target for a stronger chance of qualifying or receiving favorable terms. These are guideposts, not promises: each lender applies its own criteria. Experian’s lease guidance and Chase’s auto-leasing guidance explain their recommendations.
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Can you lease a car with a lower credit score?
Possibly. A score below 670 does not automatically rule out a lease, but it may make approval harder or change the deal. Depending on the lender and the rest of your application, you could face a higher payment or financing cost, more money due upfront or a deposit, and fewer vehicle choices. Lenders may also consider income, debt obligations, down payment and other parts of your credit file. Capital One’s overview of lease credit criteria describes these factors.
Ways to strengthen an application
- Compare offers from more than one lender or dealership; their criteria differ.
- Consider a less expensive vehicle to change the cost of the deal.
- A larger down payment or a trade-in with positive equity may affect the application or amount financed.
- Ask whether applying with a creditworthy cosigner is an option. A cosigner is responsible for the debt if you do not pay, so this is a significant financial commitment for both people.
These steps may help, but none guarantees approval. Ask the prospective lessor what terms it can offer before committing.
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Why average lease scores are not minimum requirements
An average score among people who leased describes past originations; it does not tell you the minimum score a lender will accept. Experian reported that the average score for new car leases was 751 in Q1 2024. That is a market average, not an approval cutoff. In the same article, Experian reported an average score of 686 for used-car loans in Q1 2024, but a used-car loan is a different product and is not a direct lease comparison. Experian’s figures and explanation provide the context.
Experian also reported that over 86% of new leasing was Prime+ in Q1 2025, using its VantageScore 4.0 risk-tier framework. This describes how lease originations were distributed across risk tiers; it is not a score threshold for an individual applicant. Experian’s auto finance trends reports the statistic.
Which score will the leasing company check?
The number shown in a credit-monitoring app may not be the number a leasing lender uses. Capital One notes that some dealers use auto-specific scores, including FICO Auto Scores, and may consider income and down payment as well. Before applying, ask the lender which credit bureau and score model it uses and whether a quoted offer is conditional. The lender’s criteria can differ from those of another dealership or finance company.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to compare lease offers
A score alone does not show whether a lease is affordable or which offer is better. Compare the complete terms of each offer, including:
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- Total amount due at signing, including any deposit, fees and other upfront charges.
- Monthly payment and lease term.
- Money factor or equivalent financing cost.
- Mileage allowance and fees that apply under the contract.
- Any credit conditions the lender says still need to be met.
Lower credit scores can affect both upfront costs and ongoing payments, but there is no standardized pricing tier that applies across lenders. Get the terms and credit conditions directly from each lessor before choosing.
Can applying for a lease affect your credit?
Experian says a lease application typically results in a hard inquiry, which can cause a small, temporary score dip. Lease payments may help build credit if the lessor reports the account and you pay on time; missed payments or default can damage your score. Reporting practices vary, so ask the specific leasing company whether it reports payment history. Experian’s explanation of leases and credit covers these effects.
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