Is it easier to lease or buy a car with bad credit?

Leasing is often easier to get approved for than buying when you have bad credit. Because lease payments are typically lower than loan payments, lenders take on less risk per month. A lower monthly obligation means a lower debt-to-income ratio, which can tip the approval in your favor. That said, your interest rate (called the money factor on a lease) will still be higher with a lower credit score.