The situation, honestly
Most leasing companies decline first and ask questions later. They run a hard credit search at the application stage, knock points off your score whether they accept or not, and reject anyone whose number does not clear an automated threshold.
We do not work that way. We start with a soft credit check via Creditsafe — used for identity, address and fraud checks, and which does not normally affect your credit score the same way as a full lending application. We use what it tells us alongside affordability, income, and your wider circumstances. Then we give you an honest answer.
Who this is for
“Imperfect credit” covers a lot of ground. We have approved leases for people with each of the following, depending on the wider picture:
When something else might suit better
We will not pretend leasing fits every situation. If your monthly affordability is genuinely tight, or you want certainty of ownership at the end, our Rent to Buy product or a different finance route may suit you better. Part of our job is telling you when that is the case.
How the soft check works
Soft check at quote, hard search only with your permission
A soft search is recorded on your file in a section other lenders generally cannot see, and where one is carried out on you we will tell you in advance. If something needs further review, a hard search may be required — but only with your permission. We will always ask first.
Read the full soft credit check explainerWhat may affect a decision
Honest list, not a scare list. Some things make approval harder; some make it impossible. Most are not deal-breakers on their own.
Affordability against committed outgoings
We need to be confident the monthly payment is genuinely affordable. This is the single biggest factor in any decision.
Pattern, not single events
One missed payment from three years ago reads very differently to ongoing late payments. Context matters.
Active formal arrangements
IVAs, current bankruptcy proceedings, and active CCJs are case-by-case. Some can work, some cannot. We will tell you which.
Identity and address verification
We need to be able to verify who you are and where you live. This is regulatory, not a judgment.
The process, end to end
- 1
Soft check via Creditsafe
Online or by phone. Identity, address and fraud checks. Does not normally affect your credit score the same way as a full lending application.
- 2
Honest indication
We come back with a yes, no, or yes-but. If we cannot help, we tell you why.
- 3
Vehicle & terms
Together we sort vehicle, term, mileage, initial rental.
- 4
Full agreement
Hard search runs only here, with your agreement.
- 5
You collect or take delivery
And you get on with using the vehicle.
What affects the price
The same things that affect every lease — vehicle, term, mileage, and initial rental. Imperfect credit may shift where the initial-rental sits (typically the higher of our 1.5-month or 3-month structures rather than the lower) but it does not move you onto a different product or worse terms behind the scenes.
The questions people ask first
“Will it leave a mark?”
No. The soft check at quote-stage is not visible to other lenders.
“What if I'm declined?”
We tell you, plainly. No mark, no chase, no follow-up sales pressure.
A real example
Placeholder — awaiting real case study
Anonymised approval — imperfect credit
Short paragraph describing one real customer (no name) with imperfect credit who was approved, the wider picture that made the decision possible, and the vehicle / term they ended up with. Client to supply.
Frequently asked questions
Will checking with you affect my credit score?
A soft credit check via Creditsafe does not normally affect your credit score in the same way as a full lending application search. We use it for identity, address, fraud-prevention and general suitability checks. If something needs further review, a hard search may be required — but we will always ask for your permission first.
What counts as 'imperfect' credit?
It is a wide range — limited credit history, missed payments, defaults, county court judgments (CCJs), or a low score caused by a one-off life event. We treat each situation on its own merits rather than rejecting on the score alone.
Can I lease with a default on my file?
[PLACEHOLDER — to be confirmed by underwriting] In many cases yes, depending on age, value, and the rest of the picture. Run a soft check or call us so we can give you a straight answer for your specific situation.
Can I lease with a CCJ?
[PLACEHOLDER — to be confirmed by underwriting] Possibly, depending on the CCJ status, age, and your wider circumstances. Some applications will be declined honestly. The only way to know for certain is to ask.
Can I lease during an IVA?
[PLACEHOLDER — to be confirmed by underwriting] We will give you an honest answer at the soft-check stage. If we cannot help, we will say so plainly rather than waste your time.
How likely am I to be approved?
We do not offer guaranteed approval and we do not pretend to. A soft check gives us enough information to give you a realistic indication. If your situation does not work for us, we will tell you — and where possible we will say what would change the outcome.
What documents will I need?
Typically: ID, proof of address, and evidence of income suited to your circumstances — payslips for PAYE, SA302s and bank statements for self-employed, contracts where relevant. We will ask only for what is needed for your specific application.
Reviewed by
Billy Lang, Director
FCA Registration No: 835008
All applications are subject to status.
We do not offer guaranteed approval and we do not make “100% acceptance” or “no credit check” claims. Some applications will be declined. First Flexi Lease is a trading name of Oak First Investments Ltd. FCA Registration No: 835008. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
See where you stand
A soft check via Creditsafe takes minutes and gives you an honest answer either way. Does not normally affect your credit score the same way as a full lending application.
