When you first signed your lease, you probably thought you’d stick with it until the end. But things change—maybe the payments are too high, or the car just doesn’t work for your life anymore.
Whatever the reason, you’re not stuck.
There are several ways to get out of a lease early. Some cost more but get you out fast. Others take a little more effort but can save you money.
Here’s a look at your best options—plus what each one could cost.
5 Best Ways to Get Out of a Car Lease Early
Ready to break your lease? Here are the most practical ways to do it—along with what each one will cost, how much effort it takes, and what to watch out for.
1. Return the Car to the Dealership
This is the most straightforward method: you hand the car back to the dealership and walk away from the lease agreement.
Pros:
- Quick and easy: No need to find a buyer or transfer paperwork.
- Hands-off process: The dealership handles the lease termination for you.
Cons:
- Expensive: You’ll likely owe an early termination fee, the remaining balance on your lease, and charges for mileage or wear and tear.
- No negotiation: You’re stuck with the costs outlined in your contract.
2. Trade In Your Lease for a New Vehicle
Some dealerships will let you roll your current lease into a new lease or loan. This is common when you’re ready to switch vehicles but still have time left on your current lease.
Pros:
- Convenient: Easy process, especially if you’re staying with the same dealership or brand.
- Possible incentives: Some dealers offer trade-in credits or waive certain fees to keep you as a customer.
Cons:
- Can raise your monthly payments: Any unpaid lease balance often gets added to your new loan or lease.
- Locks you into a new agreement: Not ideal if you’re trying to reduce financial obligations.
3. Transfer Your Lease Through a Lease Swap Site
If your leasing company allows it, transferring your lease to someone else can be a low-cost way to get out early. Swapalease and LeaseTrader are two major platforms that help match you with buyers looking for short-term leases.
Pros:
- Lower cost: You’ll usually only pay a $300–$500 transfer fee.
- No more payments: If it’s a full assumption, you’re free of the lease.
- Appealing to buyers: Leases with low payments, high mileage limits, or no down payment attract interest quickly.
Cons:
- Not always allowed: Some leasing companies don’t permit transfers or offer only partial assumptions—meaning you’re still on the hook if the new lessee defaults.
- Upfront effort: You’ll need to create a listing, possibly offer an incentive, and wait for someone to bite.
- Still responsible: If your contract doesn’t allow full assumption, you could remain liable even after transferring the lease
4. Use a Lease Pull-Ahead Program
Some manufacturers offer “pull-ahead” deals to get you into a new lease before your current one ends. These are typically available to loyal customers with a good payment history.
Pros:
- Waived payments: Some or all of your remaining payments may be forgiven.
- Avoid lease-end fees: You might skip charges for extra miles or wear and tear.
- Streamlined process: It’s often a hassle-free way to upgrade your car early.
Cons:
- Not available to everyone: These offers come and go, and eligibility varies.
- Limited vehicle choices: You might have to pick from select models.
- Long-term cost: You’re committing to another lease, which could increase your financial burden over time.
5. Buy Out the Lease Early
Every lease includes a buyout option, meaning you can purchase the car outright for a set price—usually based on its residual value.
When this makes sense:
- The car is worth more than the buyout price.
- You want to sell the car privately and pocket the difference.
- You want to avoid lease-end fees and mileage penalties.
What to watch out for:
- If the car’s resale value is less than the buyout price, you’ll lose money.
- You may need to pay cash or finance the buyout with an auto loan.
- Some contracts still charge early termination fees even if you buy the car.
- Don’t forget about taxes, title, and registration costs.
Check your vehicle’s current market value on sites like Kelley Blue Book before making this move.
Quick Comparison of Lease Exit Options
Not sure where to start? Here’s a side-by-side look at your main options for getting out of a car lease early. Each one comes with different trade-offs—so scan this chart to get a feel for what might work best for you.
| Option | Cost | Effort | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Return to Dealership | High | Low | Low |
| Trade In for New Lease | Medium to High | Medium | Medium |
| Lease Swap Site | Low | Medium | Low to Medium |
| Pull-Ahead Program | Low to Medium | Low | Low |
| Buy Out the Lease | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Stop Making Payments (Don’t) | Very High | Low | Very High |
Tip: If you’re focused on saving money, a lease transfer or pull-ahead program is usually the lowest-cost route. If time is your priority, returning the car or trading it in might be faster—but more expensive.
How Much It Costs to End a Car Lease Early
Getting out of a car lease ahead of schedule can get expensive. Depending on your contract, you could be on the hook for thousands in fees and remaining payments. Before you make any moves, it’s important to understand the costs involved so you can avoid surprises—and make the smartest financial decision.
Early Termination Fee
Most leases include a built-in penalty for ending the lease early. This fee typically falls into one of two categories:
- Flat fee: A set amount you agreed to when signing the lease—often anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
- Decreasing scale fee: A fee that shrinks as your lease gets closer to the end. The further along you are, the less you may owe.
Check your lease agreement to see which one applies to you.
Negative Equity
If you owe more on the lease than the car is currently worth, you’re dealing with negative equity. For example, if your remaining lease payments total $23,000, but the car’s market value is only $20,000, you may have to cover the $3,000 gap out of pocket.
Other Fees You Might Owe
In addition to early termination charges and negative equity, you could also be responsible for:
- Remaining payments: Some contracts require you to pay the full amount left on your lease.
- Excess mileage: If you’ve gone over your allowed miles, you’ll pay for the overage—often 15 to 30 cents per mile.
- Wear and tear: Damage beyond normal use can lead to additional charges.
- Disposition fee: This is a standard fee (usually $300–$400) that covers the dealer’s cost to clean and resell the car.
Example: Total Early Termination Costs
Here’s a simple breakdown to show how quickly the costs can add up:
- Early Termination Fee: $1,000
- Negative Equity: $3,000
- Excess Mileage & Wear and Tear: $500
- Disposition Fee: $300
Estimated Total: $4,800
Before you end your lease, pull out your contract and crunch the numbers. Depending on your situation, it might be cheaper to transfer the lease, buy out the vehicle, or simply wait it out. Knowing the actual cost is the first step to making the right call.
Why You Shouldn’t Stop Paying Your Lease
Stopping your lease payments might feel like your only way out—but it comes with serious consequences.
- Repossession: Your leasing company can take back the vehicle, sometimes using remote shut-off technology.
- Fees and debt: You’ll still owe early termination fees and any unpaid balance.
- Credit damage: Your missed payments will likely be reported to the credit bureaus, hurting your credit score for years.
If your financial situation is tight, contact your leasing company before you fall behind. Some offer payment plans or hardship options—but once you default, your options shrink fast. Defaulting should be a last resort. Try every other option first.
Which lease exit option is right for you?
Ultimately, the best option for you will depend on why you want to end your lease and your financial situation. If you need to end a lease because you’re in financial hardship and can’t make the monthly payment, start by talking to your lease provider.
Many of these companies will try to work with you, especially if your situation is temporary, and they can enjoy the benefits of having you continue through the end of your lease.
