FI showroom red and grey logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Lease Credit Approval Rates Rise to 72.3% Entering March

Online credit applications increase as shoppers seek alternative means of vehicle acquisition.

March 19, 2020
Lease Credit Approval Rates Rise to 72.3% Entering March

Online credit applications increase as shoppers seek alternative means of vehicle acquisition.

2 min to read


CINCINNATI –  Swapalease.com, the nation’s largest car lease marketplace, reports car lease credit applicants registered a 72.3% approval rate in February, an increase from the January rate of 70%. The desire to have more flexibility in a lease has continued to be a primary driver for more people to seek vehicle leases with shorter terms that they can afford on secondary markets such as Swapalease.com.


We will closely monitor how these trends evolve with COVID-19 on everyone’s minds these days.

Ad Loading...


According to a recent article from BHPH Report, dealers that have begun making credit applications conveniently available to shoppers online have also seen a spike in credit applications.


February experienced a slightly higher number of applicants with qualifications for taking over another person’s lease contract during the month and a higher approval rating. February saw a slight increase in approval ratings in comparison to February 2019, where only 65.9% of lease applicants were approved. In February of 2018, 65.2% of applicants were approved.


February data showed that 72.2% of applicants were approved in February 2017, and 70% were approved in February 2016.


“We are seeing an increase in the number of applicants looking to take over another person’s lease in February, as shoppers have been seeking alternative outlets like Swapalease.com to find vehicles with terms that suit their unique and personal needs,” said Scot Hall, Executive Vice President of Swapalease.com. “Shoppers want faster credit decisions and vehicle options available to them, right at their fingertips from the convenience of their own home. We will closely monitor how these trends evolve with COVID-19 on everyone’s minds these days.”


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.

More F&I

Assurant, Sell Value Build Trust, F&I Series, Expert Trainer Trent White
F&ISeptember 2, 2026

Sell Value, Build Trust

In this video, Trent White explains why selling on value, not fear, builds lasting customer trust, reduces cancellations, and drives long-term success.

Read More →
2026 StoneEagle summary
F&Iby Hannah MitchellAugust 31, 2026

F&I Sales Give Dealers First-Half Lift

Product business shored up total profits to avoid an overall revenue tanking as product penetrations held steady, StoneEagle reported.

Read More →
man with white hair and glasses delivering a speech standing next to a podium
F&Iby Lauren LawrenceAugust 31, 2026

Targeted Training Drives Results

Today’s technology, instead of threatening F&I managers, can actually make them better, according to an industry veteran who’s watched market setbacks roil the unprepared.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Man's hand holding pen over a paper document
F&Iby Justin B. GasmanAugust 20, 2026

Double the Change, Double the Chance

When an F&I manager gets a customer refusal, it’s a wise move to tweak more than one thing in the product offering.

Read More →
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 →
Ad Loading...
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 →
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 →
Ad Loading...
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 →