Ford Credit First-Time Buyer Program
First-Time Jitters, Meet First-Time Buyer Program
The Ford Credit First-Time Buyer Program helps applicants get into the Ford they want. With a low APR and $750 in bonus cash, you can feel more confident financing your first vehicle.
Pre-qualifying uses a soft credit pull — no impact to your score until you choose to move forward.
Bonus Cash
$750
on new Ford vehicles*
Minimum Credit Score
620
Minimum Cash Down
$750
Financing Rate
Max Tier 1
Your first car loan, built for people with no car loan history.
Ford Credit's First-Time Buyer Program gives qualified buyers the maximum Tier 1 rate on an eligible new or certified pre-owned Ford — even with no auto tradelines on file.
- Max financed
- $50,000
- Longest term
- 84 months
- Minimum FICO
- 620
- Down payment
- From $750
Figures reflect published Ford Credit program terms for the July–December 2026 pilot. Rate, term, and amount depend on individual underwriting.
How the First-Time Buyer Program works
Four steps from "no auto credit" to driving a Ford home — each one designed to keep you informed before you commit to anything.
Check eligibility
Review the income, employment, and credit conditions below to see where you likely stand before you apply.
Prequalify
Get an estimate of your buying power online first, with no impact to your credit score.
Choose your Ford
Shop eligible new or certified pre-owned models and lock in a personal-use vehicle that fits your budget.
Finalize with our team
We submit your application, enter your program status in dealer comments, and walk you through final approval.
Am I eligible?
The program is built for buyers who simply haven't financed a vehicle before — not for buyers with credit problems. You'll generally qualify if you meet all of the following:
- No prior auto tradelines on your credit file
- No prior charge-off, bankruptcy, or current delinquency
- At least 6 consecutive months at your current job
- Minimum FICO score of 620
- Minimum $750 down payment (not including rebates or trade equity)
- Vehicle is for personal use, one unit only
- Tiers 3–4 applicants: verified proof of income before approval
| Rate benefit | Maximum Tier 1 rate, standard or subvened |
|---|---|
| Eligible tiers | Tiers 0–4 (natural Tier 0 approvals keep their own rate) |
| Minimum FICO | 620 |
| Max financed | $50,000, up to 105% loan-to-value |
| Max payment-to-income | 22% |
| Terms | New retail: up to 84 mo. · Flex Buy: up to 66 mo. · Lease: up to 36 mo. · Certified pre-owned: up to 84 mo. |
| Down payment | $750 minimum customer cash |
| Program window | July 7, 2026 – December 31, 2026 |
| Not eligible with | 90-day deferred, CSPP, or FELP programs |
Meeting these guidelines does not guarantee credit approval. The applicant listed first on the contract must meet all First-Time Buyer eligibility requirements.
Eligible new Ford models
Ten current Ford nameplates qualify for the program's new-vehicle financing, Flex Buy, and lease options.
What to bring to your appointment
Having these ready before you visit shortens the approval process, especially if you fall into Tiers 3 or 4.
Identification & residence
Valid driver's license and proof of current address.
Proof of employment
Documentation covering at least six consecutive months at your current job.
Proof of income
Required upfront for Tiers 3–4 applicants for dealer service agreement review.
Down payment funds
At least $750 in customer cash, separate from any rebate or trade-in equity.
See your estimated buying power first.
Prequalification takes minutes and does not affect your credit score.
Additional incentives may apply
Qualified customers may have access to additional First-Time Buyer incentives beyond the standard program terms. Our finance team checks current dealer-level offers for every eligible applicant, including any tier-based incentive claimed at the time of approval.
One application, one unit
The program covers one vehicle per approved applicant, for personal use only. The person listed first on the finance contract must individually meet every eligibility requirement outlined above — a qualifying co-applicant cannot offset an ineligible primary applicant.
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers about eligibility, rates, and the fine print of Ford Credit's First-Time Buyer Program.
What is the Ford Credit First-Time Buyer Program?
Who qualifies as a first-time buyer under this program?
What is the minimum credit score for the First-Time Buyer Program?
How much can I finance and for how long?
Do I need a down payment?
Which Ford vehicles are eligible?
Can I lease my first Ford through this program?
Does having no credit history hurt my chances of approval?
Is approval guaranteed if I meet the eligibility requirements?
How long does the First-Time Buyer Pilot run?
Ready to see what you qualify for?
Prequalify online in minutes, or bring your documents in and our finance team will walk the numbers with you in person.
Program disclosure: The First-Time Buyer Program is a Ford Credit pilot relaunched July 7, 2026 through December 31, 2026, and is subject to change or discontinuation without notice. Eligibility requires no prior auto tradelines, no prior charge-off, bankruptcy, or current delinquency, a minimum of six consecutive months at current employment, and a minimum FICO score of 620. Tiers 3–4 applicants must provide verified proof of income prior to approval. Program applies the maximum Tier 1 standard or subvened rate to eligible Tier 0–4 approvals; natural Tier 0 approvals retain their existing tier. Maximum amount financed is $50,000 at up to 105% loan-to-value, with a maximum payment-to-income ratio of 22%. Minimum customer cash down payment of $750 is required and excludes rebates and trade equity. Maximum terms: 84 months for new retail and eligible Ford FBA/Lincoln CPO certified pre-owned vehicles, 66 months for Flex Buy, and 36 months for lease; standard purchasing guidelines apply to certified pre-owned contracts. Not eligible in combination with 90-day deferred, CSPP, or FELP programs. Limit one vehicle per qualified applicant, for personal use only. Eligibility does not guarantee credit approval; all applications are subject to Ford Credit underwriting. See your Ford or Lincoln dealer for full program details.
