With the rising cost of living, many drivers across the UK are looking for simple, affordable ways to get behind the wheel of a new car — without paying thousands upfront. That’s where car leasing with no deposit (also known as no initial rental) becomes a very appealing option.
At Car Leasing Made Simple, we regularly get asked: “Can I lease a car with no deposit?” The good news? The answer is yes — and we’re here to explain exactly how it works.
What Does “No Deposit” Leasing Actually Mean?
When you hear no deposit car lease, what’s actually being referred to is a contract that starts with just one monthly rental upfront — sometimes called a “1+ profile.” This means you don’t need to pay a lump sum of 3, 6, or 9 rentals in advance like most lease deals.
It’s not a traditional deposit like you’d find when buying a car — it’s simply part of your monthly rental structure. For example:
- A 1+23 lease means 1 month upfront, then 23 more payments.
- A 3+35 lease would mean 3 months upfront, then 35 more payments.
So while there’s always a first payment, you can absolutely avoid large upfront costs if you’re approved for a 1-month initial rental profile.
Explore our in-stock cars available with 1 month upfront
Why Would You Choose a No Deposit Lease?
Choosing a lease with no deposit gives you greater financial flexibility — especially useful if you’re budgeting monthly or want to avoid dipping into savings.
Here’s why it works well for many customers:
- Easier budgeting: No large upfront cost to factor in.
- Quicker approvals: Ideal for people who want to get on the road fast.
- Access to newer cars: Even without a big down payment, you can still lease high-spec models.
- Better cashflow: Your funds stay in your account, rather than being tied up in a vehicle.
This is particularly helpful for younger drivers, self-employed professionals, or families needing a second car without the upfront hit.
Do You Need Good Credit to Lease with No Deposit?
In most cases, yes. Leasing companies take on more risk when you’re not paying a larger amount upfront, so you’ll need to pass a credit check that shows you can comfortably afford the payments.
If your credit score is average or above, and your income is steady, you’re likely to be approved. But don’t worry — our team is here to guide you through the process and explain your options.
Are No Deposit Lease Deals More Expensive?
Not necessarily — but it’s true that your monthly payments will be slightly higher than if you chose a 3- or 6-month upfront deal. That’s simply because you’re spreading the full cost of the lease over a longer term.
However, the total cost of the lease remains the same — you’re just choosing how you want to split the payments. Think of it like paying for your energy bills monthly rather than quarterly.
You can also tailor your mileage and term length to get a monthly price that works for you.
What’s the Catch?
There really isn’t one — as long as you understand the structure of your lease. You’re still responsible for:
- Maintaining the vehicle in good condition
- Staying within your agreed mileage limit
- Keeping up with monthly payments
The good news is that road tax is included for the duration of the lease, and you can also choose to include servicing and maintenance as part of your monthly cost — making it easy to budget for.
Case Study: From Browsing to Driving in a Month
One of our customers, Jessica from Cheltenham, needed a new car but didn’t want to pay thousands upfront. She found a no-deposit deal on a Hyundai Tucson on our website and was approved within 48 hours. The car was in stock, and it was delivered to her door in under a month.
With just one rental paid in advance and road tax included, it was a simple and affordable solution that worked for her — without the stress of a big financial commitment.
Want a Simple Way to Lease Without a Big Upfront Cost?
We’ve made it easy to browse cars available with just 1-month upfront. You’ll find:
- New and used lease deals
- Petrol, hybrid and electric options
- Models perfect for personal or business leasing
And because our website updates regularly, the latest offers are always live.
Browse our no-deposit leasing deals
In Summary:
- Yes, you can lease a car with no deposit — just one month upfront.
- It’s a great option if you want to avoid big initial costs.
- Credit approval is needed, but it’s simple to apply.
- Monthly payments may be slightly higher — but there are no hidden fees.
- Our team is here to help you find the right car and finance setup.
Got questions or want to check your eligibility? Contact our team and we’ll make car leasing simple — no matter your budget.