License-free car financing: credit, lease-to-own, leasing, 2026 guide
Cash, consumer credit, lease-to-own or long-term lease: each option has its strengths depending on your situation. This guide compares the 4 formulas, simulates the monthly payments and lists the grants available to finance your license-free car in 2026. See license-free car prices →
The 4 financing options
Cash
The cheapestYou pay the list price in one go. Room to negotiate a 3-5 % discount. No interest, owner straight away.
Consumer credit
The most commonPersonal loan from a bank or a lender (Cetelem, Cofidis). Average rate 5-8 % in 2026. You own the car from delivery.
Lease-to-own
Ideal for private buyersLease with a purchase option. 10-20 % down, lower monthly payments, buyout option at the end of the contract. Ideal for getting into a new vehicle.
Long-term lease
ProfessionalLong-term lease with no purchase option. Rent deductible for businesses, upkeep often included. Vehicle returned at the end of the contract.
Comparison table: Cash vs Credit vs Lease-to-own vs Long-term lease
| Criterion | Cash | Consumer credit | Lease-to-own | Long-term lease |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Down payment | 100 % of the price | Can be 0 € | 10 to 20 % | 0 € (business) |
| Monthly payment (12,000 € / 48 months) | , | ~282 €/month | ~220 €/month | ~250 €/month |
| Owner at the end of the contract | Yes (from purchase) | Yes | Purchase option | No |
| Total cost over 48 months | List price | Price + interest (~7 %) | Rents + residual value | Rents only |
| Main advantage | Cheapest long term | Owner immediately | New car, low down payment | Deductible rent (business) |
| Main drawback | Capital tied up | Cost of interest | Penalties if mileage exceeded | No purchase option |
Consumer credit
Consumer credit is the most widespread way to finance a license-free car. You borrow the full amount (or part of it after a down payment) from a financial institution, and become the owner of the vehicle from delivery.
Average rate 2026
5 to 8 %
APR by profile
Usual term
36 to 60 months
48 months the most common
Lenders
Cetelem, Cofidis
Sofinco, personal bank
Minimum down payment
0 €
100 % financing possible
Tip: compare at least 3 offers before signing. The APR (Annual Percentage Rate) includes every fee, it is the only figure to compare. A 2-point gap on 12,000 € over 48 months amounts to about 500 € of difference in total.
Lease-to-own
Lease-to-own lets you "rent" the vehicle for 24 to 60 months, with a buyout option at the residual value set in advance in the contract. The monthly payments are lower than a classic credit because they do not cover the full price.
Down payment
Generally 10 to 20 % of the price including tax. Some manufacturer offers come with 0 € down during promotional periods.
Monthly payments
Lower than consumer credit because you only repay a fraction of the price. On a Citroën Ami at ~8,000 €, reckon on 130-170 €/month over 48 months with 1,000 € down.
Purchase option (residual value)
Set in the contract, usually 15 to 30 % of the list price. If you take it up, you become the owner. Otherwise, you return the vehicle.
Contractual mileage
Watch out for overage penalties (0.05 to 0.12 €/km). Estimate your yearly use before signing.
Long-term lease
The long-term lease is mainly designed for professionals and the self-employed. The monthly rent is deductible from expenses if the license-free car is used for business. Upkeep, insurance and sometimes tyres are included in the package.
Deductible rent
Yes
For professionals (BIC/BNC)
Purchase option
No
Mandatory return at the end of the contract
Upkeep
Included
By contract: services, tyres, assistance
Recoverable VAT
50 %
On the business share
Grants and subsidies for buying a license-free car
National ecological bonus
Removed since 1 January 2024 for light quadricycles (L6e category). License-free cars, even electric ones, are no longer eligible for the national ADEME bonus.
Regional grants and LEZ
Some regions keep their own grants: Île-de-France (2,500 € eco-cheque), Occitanie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. LEZ metro areas (Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, Grenoble, Strasbourg) may offer specific electric license-free car bonuses. Check your local authority's website.
EEC (Energy Saving Certificates)
A few distributors still negotiate EEC discounts of 500 to 1,000 € for electric license-free cars, in partnership with energy suppliers. Ask the dealer directly.
Employer eco-cheque
Some employers offer a sustainable mobility eco-cheque (up to 800 €/year) usable for buying an electric license-free car. Ask your HR department.
Trade-in of the old vehicle
License-free car dealers often offer a trade-in of 200 to 500 € on any vehicle, of any kind. Negotiable when ordering.
License-free car monthly payment simulator
Estimated monthly payments for a consumer credit at 6 % APR, excluding borrower insurance (add about 0.20-0.35 %/year depending on the lender).
| Vehicle price | Over 36 months | Over 48 months |
|---|---|---|
| 8 000 € | 243 € | 188 € |
| 10 000 € | 304 € | 235 € |
| 12 000 € | 365 € | 282 € |
| 15 000 € | 456 € | 352 € |
Indicative simulation at 6 % APR, 100 % financing with no down payment, excluding insurance. Results calculated with the standard PMT formula. Your real rate depends on your profile and the lender.
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Free early access →Frequently asked questions, license-free car financing
Can you get a consumer credit for a license-free car?
Yes. License-free cars qualify for classic consumer credit (Lagarde law) through Cetelem, Cofidis, Sofinco or your bank. The average rate in 2026 is 5 to 8 % APR depending on the profile. On 12,000 € at 6 % over 48 months, the monthly payment is about 282 €.
Is lease-to-own available for every license-free car brand?
The big brands offer lease-to-own directly: Citroën (Ami), Ligier, Aixam, Microcar. For less widely distributed models, you can go through a lease broker or an independent body. The down payment asked is usually 10 to 20 % of the list price.
Is there still an ecological bonus for electric license-free cars in 2026?
The national ecological bonus was removed for light quadricycles (L6e category) on 1 January 2024. Some regions and metro areas keep local grants: Île-de-France (eco-cheque), Occitanie, PACA. Check with your local authority before buying.
Long-term lease or lease-to-own: what is the difference for a license-free car?
With lease-to-own, you can buy the vehicle at the end of the contract via the purchase option (residual value set in advance). With a long-term lease, you always return the vehicle, no purchase option. The long-term lease is mainly relevant for professionals wanting to deduct the rent from their expenses.