: Offering 10%–20% upfront reduces the lender's risk and can help you qualify for better terms.
Buying or leasing a car with bad credit is possible, though you should expect higher interest rates—often called a "money factor" in leases—and potentially larger upfront costs. Generally, traditional leasing is more difficult to qualify for than buying, as many lessors prefer scores above , while some subprime buyers can still secure a purchase loan with scores in the 500s . Strategies for Success how to buy or lease a car with bad credit
Experts from CNBC Select and NerdWallet recommend the following lenders for subprime borrowers: Can You Lease a Car With Bad Credit? | Capital One : Offering 10%–20% upfront reduces the lender's risk
: Be ready to prove financial stability with at least two years of stable job and residence history, recent pay stubs, and bank statements. Top Lenders for Bad Credit (April 2026) Strategies for Success Experts from CNBC Select and