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Hire Purchase (HP)
Fixed monthly payments, you own the van outright when the agreement ends.
- No mileage restrictions — use the van as much as you need
- Simple, predictable payments over 12–60 months
- Full ownership transfers to you on final payment
FCA-authorised van finance
Van Finance for
Businesses & Sole Traders
Compare HP, Finance Lease, Contract Hire, PCP and more. No-deposit options available. Quick online application. Trusted by 3,000+ customers since 2005.
Get a no-obligation quoteRepresentative APR quoted on application · Subject to status · Finance available to UK businesses & individuals aged 20–75
No Deposit Options
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Fleet from 1 to 100+ Vans
FCA AuthorisedVan Finance: Everything You Need to Know
New to van finance? Our plain-English van finance guide explains every product before you commit — or read on for a quick overview of each option below.
Van Finance Options
Choose the product that best suits your business or personal needs. All finance is subject to status and representative APR.
Personal Contract Purchase (PCP)
Lower monthly payments with a final optional payment — best suited to used vans rather than our brand-new stock.
- Typically used for used vans, not new
- Annual mileage usually capped (around 15,000 miles)
- Optional final payment to own, hand back, or part-exchange
Lease Purchase
Ownership at the end of the term, structured with a deferred balloon payment to reduce monthly costs.
- Lower monthly payments than a standard HP agreement
- Tax-efficient for VAT-registered businesses
- Full ownership transfers after the balloon payment
Finance Lease
The most tax-efficient way for businesses to use a van — all payments are typically deductible.
- Reclaim 100% of VAT on payments (if VAT registered)
- No depreciation risk — hand the van back at end of term
- Flexible terms from 24 to 60 months
Contract Hire
Fixed monthly amount, hand the van back at the end — no depreciation risk to you.
- Fixed monthly cost, often including road tax
- Off-balance-sheet option for many businesses
- Hand back and upgrade to a newer van at end of term
12 Month Lease
All the flexibility of leasing on a shorter, 12-month commitment.
- Lower initial outlay than a long-term agreement
- Ideal for project work or seasonal commercial needs
- Move to a newer or different van every 12 months
Business Finance & Business Loans
Structured lending designed for businesses — from a single van to a full fleet.
- Available to sole traders, partnerships, and limited companies
- Tailored repayment schedules to match your cash flow
- Keeps working capital free for your day-to-day operations
Compare Finance Products at a Glance
Use this table to compare the key features of each finance type side by side.
| HP / Lease Purchase | Finance Lease | 12 Month Lease | Contract Hire | Long Term Rental | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Check | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ |
| Deposit | VAT only | 10% | 1 month | 3–12 months | Damage deposit |
| VAT Upfront | ✔ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ |
| Final Payment | No / Yes | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ | ✖ |
| Settle Early | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ |
| Buy at End | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ | ✖ |
| Resale Profit | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ | ✖ |
| High-spec Vehicles | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ | ✖ |
| Modified Vehicles | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ | ✖ |
| Damage Penalty at End | ✖ | ✖ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Mileage Penalty | ✖ | ✖ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Tax Allowance | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
Understanding Van Finance
What is van finance?
Van finance lets businesses and individuals spread the cost of a commercial vehicle over time through regular monthly payments rather than one large upfront sum. The lender pays the dealer in full on your behalf; you repay the lender at an agreed representative APR over a fixed term. Repayments depend on the vehicle price, your deposit, the term length, and your credit profile. Finance is subject to status.
Benefits of financing a van
- Preserve working capital — no large upfront outlay.
- Access newer models with better fuel economy and driver tech.
- Choose from ownership, rental, or flexible end-of-term options.
- Potential tax advantages — Finance Lease and Contract Hire payments are typically 100% tax-deductible for businesses.
- Many agreements include maintenance packages to cap running costs.
Hire Purchase (HP) — key terms
With HP you pay an initial deposit then fixed monthly payments. No mileage limits apply and you own the van outright once the final payment is made. HP typically carries higher monthly payments than lease-based products but builds equity from day one.
Finance Lease — key terms
A Finance Lease is designed for businesses that use vans intensively and want control of the asset without owning it. Payments are spread over 24–60 months and are typically 100% tax-deductible. The lender retains a residual interest in the vehicle. There are no standard mileage or damage penalties, though end-of-term residual value affects your settlement figure. Read our full Finance Lease guide →
Eligibility and credit requirements
Most finance products require a credit check. A fair credit score (561–720 on Experian) still qualifies for some products — especially HP and specialist lease arrangements. Self-employed applicants may need to provide two years of accounts, bank statements, or an SA302 tax return. Finance is always subject to status and individual lender criteria.
Getting the best deal
- Compare representative APR figures across products — lower APR is not always the cheapest over the full term if the agreement length differs.
- A larger initial payment typically reduces monthly costs and may improve your rate.
- Check the total amount payable, not just the monthly figure.
- Use our contact us page to talk through options with a specialist before committing.
Not sure which product suits you? Our plain-English van finance guide covers every option in detail. You can also browse our current van stock, check out our live van deals, or compare the best van lease deals across all commercial van types.
Van Finance Options
Depending on your circumstances, one of these dedicated finance options may suit you better:
- Bad Credit Van Finance — for applicants with a poor or limited credit history.
- No Credit Check Van Finance — approval options that skip the standard credit check.
- Low Cost Van Finance — affordable funding options for budget-conscious buyers.
- Van Finance Lease — lease the asset with tax-deductible payments instead of buying outright.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements to finance a van?
To qualify for van finance you generally need a monthly income of over £1,000 after tax, be aged between 20 and 75, hold a full valid UK driving licence, and be able to provide two months' payslips or equivalent proof of income. Finance is subject to status — approval is not guaranteed and depends on your credit profile and personal circumstances.
Do I need a good credit score to lease a van?
Most lenders look for a credit score of around 700 or higher for standard lease products. However, specialist lenders may consider applications with lower scores. Finance is always subject to status, and we work with a panel of lenders to find the most suitable option for your situation.
What is a representative APR?
A representative APR is the Annual Percentage Rate that at least 51% of successful applicants will receive. Your actual rate may differ based on your individual credit profile and circumstances. Swiss Vans is FCA-authorised, and all finance is arranged through approved lenders.
Can I get van finance with no deposit?
No-deposit options may be available on certain products, subject to status and credit approval. Putting down a larger initial payment typically reduces your monthly costs and may improve the rate you are offered. Speak to our team to explore the options available to you.
How does van finance work for sole traders and self-employed?
Sole traders can apply for HP, Finance Lease, Contract Hire, and other products. Lenders may ask for additional documentation such as two years' accounts, recent bank statements, or SA302 tax returns. Finance is subject to status. Contact us and we will guide you through the documents required.
Swiss Vans is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Finance is subject to status and available to UK residents aged 18 or over. All finance products shown are provided by third-party lenders. The representative APR shown is available to at least 51% of applicants; your actual rate may vary. No guarantee of acceptance is given or implied. Swiss Vans acts as a credit broker, not a lender. Registered address: 31 Old Field Road, Bocam Park, Pencoed, Bridgend CF35 5LJ.