FI showroom red and grey logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Lease Credit Approval Rates Climb to 68.6% in May

Credit approvals see significant rebound from April rates.

June 18, 2020
Lease Credit Approval Rates Climb to 68.6% in May

Credit approvals see significant rebound from April rates.

Image by Luk Luk via Pixabay 

2 min to read


CINCINNATI – Swapalease.com, the nation’s largest car lease marketplace, reports car lease credit applicants registered a 68.6% approval rate in May, a significant increase from the April rate of 63.8%. The +7.6% increase is likely related to an influx of online shoppers who are seeking alternative means of vehicle acquisition during COVID-19. Shoppers continue to seek out online marketplaces in lieu of dealership visits.

We’re seeing a significant shift in the way consumers are shopping for their next vehicle and an increase in shoppers who are seeking shorter-term financial commitments with lower monthly payments.

Ad Loading...

Secondary markets, such as Swapalease.com provide automotive shoppers with feasible alternative solutions that fit their current lifestyle, which may be altered by shelter in place or work from home arrangements.    

Despite unusual circumstances lease credit approval rates have remained stable when compared to data from the month of May in 2019 and 2018. In 2019, 72.4% of applications looking to take over someone else’s lease were approved. In May of 2018, only 67.9% of applicants were approved.

“We’re seeing a significant shift in the way consumers are shopping for their next vehicle and an increase in shoppers who are seeking shorter-term financial commitments with lower monthly payments,” said Scot Hall, Executive Vice President of Swapalease.com. “Alternative marketplaces like Swapalease.com may be more appealing to individuals who find themselves temporarily in a more challenging financial situation.”

Swapalease.com matches a person wanting out of their existing vehicle lease contract with a car shopper looking to take over a short-term vehicle lease. The marketplace has thousands of cars and trucks available for transfer to anywhere in the continental U.S.

Read: Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index Jumps Mid-Month

More F&I

Laptop computer, tablet, calculator and notebook on a desk
F&Iby John TabarAugust 20, 2026

Just Do It

F&I managers need training, but instead of resisting application or expecting perfection, they should improve by simply acting on what they learn.

Read More →
stacks of coins, a calculator, paperwork, and a pair of glasses in the background, text Lender Experience Drives Dealer Decisions, F&I and Showroom
Auto Financeby Lauren LawrenceAugust 12, 2026

Dealer Lender Preferences Revealed

When lenders provide consistent, fast service, their overall satisfaction scores with dealers greatly improve, according to JD Power research.

Read More →
Leading with Purpose thumbnail. Trent white pictured in front of titled graphic.
F&IAugust 5, 2026

Leading with Purpose

In this video, Trent White explains how understanding your people’s 'why' is a key leadership responsibility of F&I professionals and how that mindset drives dealership engagement, trust and performance.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo of a keyring with mltiple keys, including a car key fob, on a white surface
F&IJuly 15, 2026

Integrating Nontraditional F&I Products

The niche presents a strategic advantage for auto dealerships as they move to adapt to fast-changing consumer expectations in today’s market.

Read More →
Photo of businessman's hands holding eyeglasses at a desk
F&Iby Rick McCormickJuly 7, 2026

Trust Is Personal

Technology, no matter how efficient, can’t replace what the human F&I manager can do, which is to bridge the divide between cyberspace and the in-store experience.

Read More →
Photo of executive in a sports coat and glasses
Industryby StaffJuly 2, 2026

Amplify 2026 Billed as Turning Innovation Into Results

Reynolds and Reynolds says its annual retail summit will connect dealers with practical strategies, peer insight, and technology-driven ideas.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Woman standing on stage smiling.
F&Iby Lauren LawrenceJuly 1, 2026

Own Your Outcome: F&I in the Digital Customer Journey

Finance has historically been the last step in the car-buying process, but it doesn’t have to be. The customer’s journey starts long before they arrive at the dealership, and so should F&I’s involvement.

Read More →
$100 bill and magnifying glass on top of paper that says insurance policy terms and conditions.
F&Iby Lauren LawrenceJune 29, 2026

Tariffs Could Raise Insurance Premiums

As U.S. import tariffs affect repair costs, consumers might find it more affordable to replace a damaged vehicle, according to recent Insurify tariff analysis.

Read More →
Red toy car sitting on top of coins.
Auto Financeby Lauren LawrenceJune 24, 2026

Smaller Loans, Longer Terms

The youngest generation of car buyers is more likely to finance less expensive vehicles, more than half of generation Z consumers borrowing less than $25,000.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Under the hood of a Toyota Prius EV Hybrid car.
F&Iby StaffJune 15, 2026

New Lifetime Battery F&I Product Meant to Drive Dealer Traffic

EFG Cos. offering is intended to create lifetime auto dealer engagement with customers.

Read More →