No deposit car finance

When you’re looking online for a new set of wheels, you might come across 0 deposit as an option for a down payment on a car. Here we’ll explore what no deposit finance is and find out how it works.

xx.x% APR Representative

What is 0 deposit car finance?

No deposit – or zero deposit – car finance refers to a financing option where you can purchase a car without making an upfront deposit or down payment. Traditionally, when you buy a car through finance, you are required to provide a certain amount of money as a down payment, typically a percentage of the car's total cost.


With no deposit car finance, you can finance the entire purchase price of the vehicle without making any initial payment. The lender will include the deposit in the total amount financed. This makes it a great option if you need a car at short notice or if you’d find it hard to pay a large deposit.

A car with no deposit

How does no deposit car finance work?

No deposit car finance works by allowing you to purchase a car without making an upfront payment or down payment. Here's how the process typically works:

Application – You begin by applying for a no deposit car finance arrangement through a car dealership or a financial institution that offers these kinds of financing options. You’ll need to provide personal and financial information, including your income, employment details, and credit history.

Approval and credit check – The lender assesses your application and performs a credit check to evaluate your creditworthiness. They will review factors such as your credit score, income stability, and existing financial obligations.

Loan offer – If your application is approved, the lender will provide you with a loan offer outlining the terms and conditions of the financing arrangement. This includes the loan amount, interest rate, repayment period, and any additional fees or charges.

Monthly payments – With a no deposit car finance arrangement, you will typically repay the loan amount including the deposit in monthly instalments over a fixed period, often ranging from one to five years. The repayment amount includes both the principal amount and the interest charged.

How can I apply for no deposit car finance?​

In general lenders are more likely to approve your no deposit finance application if you have a good credit score. Here at Oodle, if you're eligible for car finance then you're eligible for zero deposit car finance. As no deposit finance deals tend to have higher monthly payments, lenders will need to check how reliable you are at making these monthly instalments.

If you’re hoping to get no deposit car finance it may be worth taking a look at our tips on how to improve your credit score before applying. Other requirements for a successful no deposit finance application include:

Being over 18

Being able to provide basic personal details, such as your name, age, and address

Being able to afford the monthly payments

Providing details of your income, so that lenders can view your credit history

To find out whether you are eligible for no deposit finance with Oodle you can start your finance application online here. As part of this process we will carry out a soft credit check to understand how much we can lend you and under what terms.

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A car with no deposit

Considerations for no deposit options

As with any type of car finance, it’s best to weigh up your options first to understand whether this particular type of finance suits your own personal circumstances – there is no one-size fits all answer.

Pros

If you choose a car finance deal without an initial deposit, you can take the keys and drive without having paid anything other than a reservation fee (depending where you’re getting your new car from).

This means you could get your new car more quickly, as you wouldn’t need to save up or use money you’ve set aside for a rainy day.

Cons

If you don’t pay a deposit, the cost of your finance agreement becomes greater.

This could increase your monthly payments or make your agreement period longer, meaning you may need to pay more in total across the duration of your loan.

FAQs about no deposit car finance

Can I buy a car on finance with no deposit?

Yes, it is possible to buy a car on finance with no deposit. Many lenders offer no deposit car finance options to make car ownership more accessible to individuals who may not have a significant upfront payment available.

However, it's important to note that the availability and terms of no deposit car finance can vary depending on several factors, including your creditworthiness, the lender or dealership you work with, and the specific financing arrangement.

Can I buy a car on finance with no deposit?

Yes, it is possible to buy a car on finance with no deposit. Many lenders offer no deposit car finance options to make car ownership more accessible to individuals who may not have a significant upfront payment available.

However, it's important to note that the availability and terms of no deposit car finance can vary depending on several factors, including your creditworthiness, the lender or dealership you work with, and the specific financing arrangement.

Can I buy a car on finance with no deposit?

Yes, it is possible to buy a car on finance with no deposit. Many lenders offer no deposit car finance options to make car ownership more accessible to individuals who may not have a significant upfront payment available.

However, it's important to note that the availability and terms of no deposit car finance can vary depending on several factors, including your creditworthiness, the lender or dealership you work with, and the specific financing arrangement.

How much can I borrow without a deposit?

At Oodle we can offer between £2.5k and £100k towards your next car, depending on your circumstances. You may not need to pay a deposit depending on your situation. You can try our handy car finance calculator to see the kind of monthly payments you could expect with no deposit car finance.

Representative 15.9% APR

How much can I borrow without a deposit?

At Oodle we can offer between £2.5k and £100k towards your next car, depending on your circumstances. You may not need to pay a deposit depending on your situation. You can try our handy car finance calculator to see the kind of monthly payments you could expect with no deposit car finance.

Representative 15.9% APR

How much can I borrow without a deposit?

At Oodle we can offer between £2.5k and £100k towards your next car, depending on your circumstances. You may not need to pay a deposit depending on your situation. You can try our handy car finance calculator to see the kind of monthly payments you could expect with no deposit car finance.

Representative 15.9% APR

Can I keep the car once the finance is paid off?

Whether you're able to keep your car at the end of your finance agreement will depend on the car finance type you choose, and whether you want to keep it at all.

For example, with hire purchase and personal contract purchase you do have the option to buy the car at the end of your agreement. It's best to check with your lender before you agree on your car finance that this option will be available to you.

Can I keep the car once the finance is paid off?

Whether you're able to keep your car at the end of your finance agreement will depend on the car finance type you choose, and whether you want to keep it at all.

For example, with hire purchase and personal contract purchase you do have the option to buy the car at the end of your agreement. It's best to check with your lender before you agree on your car finance that this option will be available to you.

Can I keep the car once the finance is paid off?

Whether you're able to keep your car at the end of your finance agreement will depend on the car finance type you choose, and whether you want to keep it at all.

For example, with hire purchase and personal contract purchase you do have the option to buy the car at the end of your agreement. It's best to check with your lender before you agree on your car finance that this option will be available to you.

Does a no deposit finance deal take longer to process?

No, it will take the same amount of time to process as any other application. When you apply online, you’ll get a decision in minutes!

Does a no deposit finance deal take longer to process?

No, it will take the same amount of time to process as any other application. When you apply online, you’ll get a decision in minutes!

Does a no deposit finance deal take longer to process?

No, it will take the same amount of time to process as any other application. When you apply online, you’ll get a decision in minutes!

Are there any downsides to no deposit car finance?

It's important to be aware of all potential scenarios before deciding to opt for this financing option. Here are some considerations to ponder:

  • Higher interest rates: Lenders may charge higher rates to compensate for the increased risk they assume by not receiving an upfront payment. This means that you may end up paying more in interest over the life of the loan, making the overall cost of financing higher.

  • Negative equity: By not making an upfront payment, you are essentially financing the entire purchase price of the vehicle. As a result, you may start the loan with negative equity, meaning the amount you owe on the loan is higher than the car's actual value.

  • Longer loan terms: To keep monthly payments affordable, lenders may extend the loan term when no deposit car finance is chosen. While this can reduce the monthly payment amount, it also means that you'll be making payments for a longer period. Longer loan terms may result in paying more interest over time and being tied to the car for an extended period.

Are there any downsides to no deposit car finance?

It's important to be aware of all potential scenarios before deciding to opt for this financing option. Here are some considerations to ponder:

  • Higher interest rates: Lenders may charge higher rates to compensate for the increased risk they assume by not receiving an upfront payment. This means that you may end up paying more in interest over the life of the loan, making the overall cost of financing higher.

  • Negative equity: By not making an upfront payment, you are essentially financing the entire purchase price of the vehicle. As a result, you may start the loan with negative equity, meaning the amount you owe on the loan is higher than the car's actual value.

  • Longer loan terms: To keep monthly payments affordable, lenders may extend the loan term when no deposit car finance is chosen. While this can reduce the monthly payment amount, it also means that you'll be making payments for a longer period. Longer loan terms may result in paying more interest over time and being tied to the car for an extended period.

Are there any downsides to no deposit car finance?

It's important to be aware of all potential scenarios before deciding to opt for this financing option. Here are some considerations to ponder:

  • Higher interest rates: Lenders may charge higher rates to compensate for the increased risk they assume by not receiving an upfront payment. This means that you may end up paying more in interest over the life of the loan, making the overall cost of financing higher.

  • Negative equity: By not making an upfront payment, you are essentially financing the entire purchase price of the vehicle. As a result, you may start the loan with negative equity, meaning the amount you owe on the loan is higher than the car's actual value.

  • Longer loan terms: To keep monthly payments affordable, lenders may extend the loan term when no deposit car finance is chosen. While this can reduce the monthly payment amount, it also means that you'll be making payments for a longer period. Longer loan terms may result in paying more interest over time and being tied to the car for an extended period.

Do you have to pay a deposit for car finance?

Whether or not you have to pay a deposit for car finance up front depends on the specific financing arrangement and the policies of the lender or dealership. In traditional car financing, a deposit or down payment is typically required. The down payment is a percentage of the car's total cost that you pay up front, reducing the amount you need to finance.

However, there are financing options available that do not require a deposit. These are commonly referred to as ‘no deposit’ or ‘zero deposit’ car finance options. With these arrangements, you can finance the entire purchase price of the vehicle without making an upfront payment.

Do you have to pay a deposit for car finance?

Whether or not you have to pay a deposit for car finance up front depends on the specific financing arrangement and the policies of the lender or dealership. In traditional car financing, a deposit or down payment is typically required. The down payment is a percentage of the car's total cost that you pay up front, reducing the amount you need to finance.

However, there are financing options available that do not require a deposit. These are commonly referred to as ‘no deposit’ or ‘zero deposit’ car finance options. With these arrangements, you can finance the entire purchase price of the vehicle without making an upfront payment.

Do you have to pay a deposit for car finance?

Whether or not you have to pay a deposit for car finance up front depends on the specific financing arrangement and the policies of the lender or dealership. In traditional car financing, a deposit or down payment is typically required. The down payment is a percentage of the car's total cost that you pay up front, reducing the amount you need to finance.

However, there are financing options available that do not require a deposit. These are commonly referred to as ‘no deposit’ or ‘zero deposit’ car finance options. With these arrangements, you can finance the entire purchase price of the vehicle without making an upfront payment.

Can I get no deposit finance if I'm self-employed?

Yes, it is possible to get no deposit car finance even if you are self-employed. Many lenders and financial institutions offer financing options that cater to self-employed individuals. However, the availability and terms of no deposit finance for self-employed individuals may vary depending on the lender's criteria and requirements.

When applying for no deposit car finance as a self-employed individual, lenders typically assess your income and financial stability to determine your creditworthiness. Here are a few factors that lenders may consider:

  1. Income verification: You may be asked to provide documentation to verify your income, such as bank statements, tax returns, or financial statements for your business. Lenders will evaluate your income to ensure it is sufficient to cover the monthly loan payments.

  2. Business stability: Lenders may assess the stability and longevity of your business. They may consider factors such as how long you have been self-employed, the consistency of your income, and the overall financial health of your business.

  3. Credit history: Your personal credit history will also be taken into account. Lenders will review your credit score and credit report to assess your repayment history and creditworthiness.

It's important to note that the specific requirements and criteria may vary among lenders.

Can I get no deposit finance if I'm self-employed?

Yes, it is possible to get no deposit car finance even if you are self-employed. Many lenders and financial institutions offer financing options that cater to self-employed individuals. However, the availability and terms of no deposit finance for self-employed individuals may vary depending on the lender's criteria and requirements.

When applying for no deposit car finance as a self-employed individual, lenders typically assess your income and financial stability to determine your creditworthiness. Here are a few factors that lenders may consider:

  1. Income verification: You may be asked to provide documentation to verify your income, such as bank statements, tax returns, or financial statements for your business. Lenders will evaluate your income to ensure it is sufficient to cover the monthly loan payments.

  2. Business stability: Lenders may assess the stability and longevity of your business. They may consider factors such as how long you have been self-employed, the consistency of your income, and the overall financial health of your business.

  3. Credit history: Your personal credit history will also be taken into account. Lenders will review your credit score and credit report to assess your repayment history and creditworthiness.

It's important to note that the specific requirements and criteria may vary among lenders.

Can I get no deposit finance if I'm self-employed?

Yes, it is possible to get no deposit car finance even if you are self-employed. Many lenders and financial institutions offer financing options that cater to self-employed individuals. However, the availability and terms of no deposit finance for self-employed individuals may vary depending on the lender's criteria and requirements.

When applying for no deposit car finance as a self-employed individual, lenders typically assess your income and financial stability to determine your creditworthiness. Here are a few factors that lenders may consider:

  1. Income verification: You may be asked to provide documentation to verify your income, such as bank statements, tax returns, or financial statements for your business. Lenders will evaluate your income to ensure it is sufficient to cover the monthly loan payments.

  2. Business stability: Lenders may assess the stability and longevity of your business. They may consider factors such as how long you have been self-employed, the consistency of your income, and the overall financial health of your business.

  3. Credit history: Your personal credit history will also be taken into account. Lenders will review your credit score and credit report to assess your repayment history and creditworthiness.

It's important to note that the specific requirements and criteria may vary among lenders.