Short answer: Leasing generally works best for drivers with a credit score of 650 or higher, but approval is based on more than just the score.

This article is part of our leasing education series, including “Is Leasing a Car a Good Idea for Me?”, which explains how leasing decisions are really made.

Typical credit range for leasing

While credit score matters, lenders evaluate the full credit profile.

What lenders actually evaluate

  • Payment history

  • Credit stability

  • Overall debt structure

A driver’s overall credit profile matters—including payment history, stability, and structure—not just the number shown on the credit report.

Is leasing a car a good idea? Credit matters, but structure and stability matter just as much.