Can I lease a Tesla with a 550 credit score?
The company doesn't list a minimum credit score requirement for a Tesla auto loan or lease. However, borrowers with good or excellent credit have a higher chance of qualifying and getting a lower interest rate. Below are the factors that affect your credit score.
Tesla does not state a minimum credit score for financing. However, as with other brands, you will have much better luck securing a lower APR if you have a better score.
To get a lease with the best terms, you'll need a credit score of 700 or above. Depending on the cost of the vehicle and the upfront payment you can make, you might be able to lease a new car with a lower credit score.
Leasing is only available to qualifying customers. You can purchase a Tesla vehicle by financing with a Tesla financier or a third-party financier over the terms of 36 to 84 months. Tesla Financing is only available to qualifying customers.
Tesla partners with big banks like Wells Fargo and US Bank for financing. A good credit score (720 or higher) or a large down payment (typically 20%) make it more likely that you'll get approved for a lower rate. US Bank's lowest auto loan rate as of February 2023 is 6.86%. Loan terms are typically 36-72 months.
There are no fees to submit a lease application. Will there be a hard pull of my credit? At least one hard pull of your credit report is required; however, for some applicants, additional inquiries may be needed as we work to find you the best credit offer possible.
Credit score range | Average new car APR | Average used car APR |
---|---|---|
Prime (661-780) | 701% | 9.73% |
Nonprime (601-660) | 9.60% | 14.12% |
Subprime (501-600) | 12.28% | 18.89% |
Deep subprime (300-500) | 14.78% | 21.55% |
The typical minimum for most dealerships is 620. A score between 620 and 679 is near ideal and a score between 680 and 739 is considered ideal by most automotive dealerships. If you have a score above 680, you are likely to receive appealing lease offers.
Leasing a car with bad credit can mean higher rates. To get decent leasing rates or offers, you typically need a prime credit score of at least 661. If you have bad credit, you can look into co-signers, larger down payments, decreasing your debt-to-income ratio or shopping around to negotiate a better lease.
Leasing can be more difficult than buying if your credit needs some work. In both cases, however, you'll qualify for the best terms with a credit score of 700 or higher. What's your budget? If you can't afford to buy a new car, leasing could be a cheaper alternative.
How hard is it to get a Tesla lease?
The company doesn't list a minimum credit score requirement for a Tesla auto loan or lease. However, borrowers with good or excellent credit have a higher chance of qualifying and getting a lower interest rate.
Many credit decisions are available within a few minutes, with most available within 48 hours. However, some may occasionally take longer due to unforeseen circ*mstances. You can check the status of your application in the 'Payment Method' section of your Tesla Account.
Most pure-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, regardless of battery material origins or where the vehicle was manufactured, are eligible for the full $7,500 tax credit if they are leased. This is because leased vehicles are considered commercially owned vehicles.
Tesla lending
Tesla financing is available in certain states. A down payment is required.
Tesla Model 3 price
The 2023 Tesla Model 3 is the cheapest Tesla car currently offered. The base rear-wheel drive (RWD) trim has an official starting price of $40,240. The Model 3 Long Range is a tad more expensive at $47,240. The most expensive Model 3 is the Performance model, which costs a minimum of $53,240.
Tesla's new financing term is for 84 months. Now, customers can take a seven-year loan to purchase a Tesla. Along with the extended term, buyers will see APRs of around 6.39%.
Buy | Lease | |
---|---|---|
Terms | 36, 48, 60, or 72 months | 24 or 36 months |
Monthly payments | $575 to $1,060* | $399 to $445 |
Down payment | Varies | $4,500 plus $5,600 due at signing |
Tax credits available | $7,500 federal plus state incentives | Varies |
With that said, Tesla only offers 36-month lease options, so we will go with that. For the sake of comparison of each Tesla model below, each of the pricing options is a result of the following terms: 36-month lease, 12,000 miles per year. For the two newer models (3 and Y), we will pay the minimum $4,500 down payment.
Lender | Loan Amounts | Credit Score Requirement |
---|---|---|
Upstart | $1,000 - $50,000 | None |
Oportun | $300 - $18,500 | None |
OneMain Financial | $1,500 - $20,000 | None |
RISE | $500 - $5,000 | None |
Is 550 a big car payment?
An affordable car payment would be one that doesn't exceed $600 a month, based on the rule of thumb that your car payment shouldn't be more than 15% of your take-home pay. If you take out a 60-month car loan at 8% APR, you should aim to take out a car loan of less than $30,000.
Borrowers with credit scores below 600 only accounted for 4.88% of leased cars. Bad credit borrowers don't have the best odds when it comes to getting approved for a vehicle lease, but some do occasionally get the go-ahead. However, with a lower credit score, it usually means paying more for the car.
The Takeaway. Breaking a lease, for whatever reason, will not automatically result in a derogatory mark on your credit history. Potential credit problems arise when any incurred debt isn't repaid to the landlord, prompting the landlord to turn the account over to a collections agency.
Even after you complete the lease, positive payment history can remain on your credit reports for 10 years. A car lease can also hurt your credit, however, if you miss a payment for 30 days or longer or you default on the lease agreement altogether.
A credit score of 700 or above can get good car lease offers. Lenders also consider income and other factors. Bev O'Shea is a former NerdWallet authority on consumer credit, scams and identity theft.
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