Get Moving Without a Deposit: The 7 Best No-Deposit Lease Deals for Cars and Vans in 2026

Published by Hippo Leasing, UK vehicle leasing specialists for new and used cars and vans, with zero deposit options and all credit considered.

Plenty of people find that the deposit is the biggest stumbling block when getting a new car or van. A traditional lease will usually expect several months' payments upfront, so the money is committed from day one rather than kept in your savings or put back into your business. That initial payment is frequently the only thing between a driver and the vehicle they actually need.

Hippo Leasing helps drivers and businesses throughout the UK get behind the wheel with no upfront hurdle to clear. Our no-deposit leases, available on selected new and used vehicles, remove the initial payment and spread the cost over fixed monthly instalments. You'll pay a little more per month, yet there's no need for a lump sum to begin.

Below, seven of the best no-deposit lease options are matched to driver types (five cars and two vans), alongside advice on what to look for when comparing deals.

1. Budget-Friendly Family Flexibility: Citroen C3 Aircross

Families looking for a low-cost SUV will find the latest C3 Aircross is one of the most affordable new SUVs on sale, and one that rarely feels like a compromise. Its five-seat version offers 460 litres of boot space, roughly the figure you'd expect from a larger family SUV. Citroen's Advanced Comfort suspension also does a good job over potholes and speed bumps. Among all cars on sale, it's the smallest available with an optional third row of seats. You can select petrol, mild hybrid or the fully electric ë-C3 Aircross depending on how and where you drive. That low list price makes it a natural candidate for a no-deposit lease, since a lower starting point helps keep the monthly payment manageable when the initial rental is spread across the term.

Where it scores for budget-conscious families: genuine family-car space and a comfortable ride for a monthly outlay nearer a supermini's than a mid-size SUV's.

Before signing: plan on using the seven-seat option occasionally. All seven seats up means only around 40 litres of boot space, and younger children are best suited to the third row. A larger seven-seater justifies its higher monthly cost if you'll be using seven seats every day.

2. Plug-Free Hybrid Driving for Families: Nissan Qashqai

The Qashqai practically created the family crossover segment, and Britain still ranks it among its favourite cars. In 2025, the Qashqai was the UK's third best-selling car, posting more than 41,000 registrations according to SMMT figures. Thanks to its recent update, the current model has a more upmarket feel than ever, and there is an electrified powertrain in every version. Make the e-Power hybrid your starting point. Its petrol engine generates electricity for an electric motor that drives the wheels, which gives it a feel much like an electric car around town while removing any need to plug in. Nissan quotes 62.8-64.2mpg (WLTP) for e-Power models, and boot space of up to 504 litres depending on trim.

Where it scores for families: EV-like driving minus the charging, in one of the most familiar and easy-to-live-with family SUVs on the road.

Before signing: Hippo offers both new and used Qashqai leases, and comparing them is worthwhile because a used example can bring a no-deposit deal's monthly cost down noticeably. Check the spec if luggage space matters, as some higher trims come with less boot space.

3. Built for Big Mileage and Company Car Use: Kia EV3

Much of what makes Kia's larger electric cars so good has found its way into the EV3, which is a compact SUV that's easy to park. The headline number is the range. On the WLTP cycle, you can expect up to 375 miles from the larger 81.4kWh battery and up to 270 miles from the standard 58.3kWh battery. The EV3 is practical too, with a 460-litre boot and room for four adults. Vehicle-to-load (V2L) charging comes as standard, so a laptop or e-bike can draw power from the car's three-pin socket. As a company car, it is a strong proposition for business drivers, helped by a Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) rate for fully electric cars of 4% in 2026/27, rising to 5% in 2027/28, far lower than a typical petrol car.

Where it scores for company car drivers: the pairing of long range and low BIK tax makes it one of the easiest electric cars to justify for business use.

Before signing: the 375-mile range is achieved by entry-level Air trim on 17-inch wheels, while higher trims on larger wheels manage around 360-367 miles. Range and spec therefore need to be weighed together. We always recommend confirming your tax position with your accountant, given that individual circumstances vary.

4. Electric Character for Urban Drivers: Cupra Raval

Sitting on the Volkswagen Group's new affordable EV platform, the Cupra Raval brings a sporty character and competes head on with the Renault 5. The range starts with a 37kWh battery and a claimed range of up to 186 miles, plenty for most commutes and city driving. With the 52kWh battery, the claimed range climbs to around 280 miles, backed by more power to match. 52kWh models also qualify for the government's Electric Car Grant, worth £1,500 off their list price. Thanks to the sharp styling and eye-catching paint options, it's a small EV that feels special as opposed to simply sensible.

Where it scores for city drivers: a compact size that suits town streets, punchy electric performance and styling that stands out in any car park.

Before signing: because the Raval is brand new, check delivery lead times with your Hippo account manager before you commit, especially if a car is needed by a particular date.

5. Premium Badge, Lower Monthly Cost: Audi A3 Sportback (Used)

You can lease more than brand-new cars without a deposit. With the steepest part of its depreciation behind it, a used Audi A3 Sportback places a premium badge on your driveway for a monthly cost closer to a mainstream hatchback. The popular 30 TFSI petrol returns around 48-55mpg (WLTP), a figure that varies with trim. Boot space is 380 litres, and interior quality holds up well over time. The A3 Sportback earned a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating in 2020.

Where it scores for premium buyers: the quality and refinement Audi is known for, made accessible with no large upfront payment involved.

Before signing: the Hippo Used Car Promise covers every used car leased through Hippo. It includes a 130-point inspection, a minimum three-month warranty and a 14-day money-back guarantee, so factor it in when weighing up used lease deals.

6. Towing, Payload and Off-Road Ability for the Trades: Ford Ranger

For many years the UK's biggest-selling pick-up, the Ford Ranger now comes in a latest version that is among the most capable all-rounders in its class. Depending on spec, payloads on Double Cab models reach around 1,040-1,100kg, and most versions can tow up to 3,500kg braked. You can now choose a plug-in hybrid as well as the diesels. It carries over the 3,500kg towing rating and adds Ford's Pro Power Onboard system, which can supply up to 6.9kW from the battery to run power tools on site. The five-seat cab is comfortable enough to serve as a family vehicle at the weekend as well.

Where it scores for tradespeople: serious towing and payload capability, genuine off-road ability and a cab that keeps its comfort over long working days.

Before signing: double-cab pick-ups are now treated as cars for some tax purposes, a change that can affect the cost of running one through a business. The plug-in hybrid can carry noticeably lower Benefit-in-Kind tax than the diesels, so take advice from your accountant before choosing. If you tow, note that the high-performance Ranger Raptor is rated to 2,500kg rather than 3,500kg.

7. Compact Load Carrying for Sole Traders and Urban Couriers: Renault Kangoo Van

Local work in tight streets suits the Renault Kangoo Van, which is a refined, easy-to-drive compact van that feels closer to a car than a commercial vehicle. There's 3.3 cubic metres of load volume in the standard length and 4.2 cubic metres in the long-wheelbase version. Using the optional Easy Inside Rack, you can carry ladders and long items inside the van rather than putting them on the roof. Petrol, diesel and fully electric versions are available, and the Kangoo E-Tech offers an official WLTP range of up to 186 miles, enough for a full day of local jobs and deliveries when you charge overnight.

Where it scores for sole traders: a cab that is quiet and comfortable, clever load-bay features and an electric option that keeps Clean Air Zones and Ultra Low Emission Zones easy to deal with.

Before signing: payload is lower than on some rivals, at up to 836kg for petrol and diesel versions and 608-764kg for the E-Tech depending on length. Check that against your typical load. Since electric range drops in cold weather, allow some headroom on winter routes.

No-Deposit Car and Van Leasing: What You Need to Know

Is a no-deposit lease more costly in the end?

You'll typically pay a little more each month than you would with an initial payment. With no part of the lease covered upfront, the full cost is spread across your monthly instalments. The total can also work out slightly higher depending on the deal, so remember to compare the overall amount payable along with the monthly figure.

Is it possible to get a no-deposit lease with bad credit?

It is possible. Leasing with no deposit and having bad credit are separate matters, and you can combine the two. Hippo Leasing works with a broad panel of lenders who look at applicants with poor credit histories, CCJs, defaults or limited credit history. Approval, though, will always depend on your individual circumstances and the lender's checks.

Can I take a used car on a no-deposit lease?

Yes, you can. No-deposit options are offered by Hippo on selected used vehicles, as well as on new ones. A used lease often starts from a lower monthly cost, and this can help counter the slightly higher payments that skipping the initial rental brings.

Can my business lease a van with no deposit and claim the payments?

Yes. Typically, you can offset the lease payments against your taxable profits if the vehicle is leased in the business's name and used wholly or primarily for business purposes. VAT-registered businesses can usually reclaim some or all of the VAT on lease payments, though it depends on the vehicle and how it's used. As individual circumstances vary, we always recommend that you confirm the exact tax position with your accountant.

Will Hippo's eligibility check affect my credit score?

At the first stage, it won't. Hippo's eligibility checker is free and uses a soft credit search, which doesn't affect your credit score, and you'll typically receive a pre-approval decision the same day. Your agreement is only finalised after the lender carries out a full credit check, which happens if you decide to go ahead.

What happens after a no-deposit lease is finished?

Like any other lease, it finishes with you returning the vehicle. You won't owe anything further, as long as it's in fair condition in line with BVRLA wear and tear guidelines and you've stayed within your agreed mileage allowance. You're then free to start a new lease on a different vehicle, upgrade, or consider a completely different option.

Hippo Leasing is a UK-based vehicle leasing specialist and one of the country's leading bad credit and zero deposit leasing providers, with thousands of new and used cars and vans in stock. For a no-obligation quote on any of the vehicles featured in this guide, visit hippoleasing.co.uk or call our team directly.