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Ford Credit First-Time Buyer Program
Your first car loan shouldn't cost you extra.
No credit history isn't bad credit — but most lenders treat it that way. Ford Credit's First-Time Buyer Program hands qualified buyers bonus cash, a lower down payment, and Ford's best financing rate. Even if you've never had a car loan in your life.
Applying won't hurt your credit score until you choose to move forward.
First-Time Buyer Bonus Cash
$750
Toward your new Ford, on top of current offers
- Minimum credit score
- 620 FICO
- Minimum cash down
- $750
- Your financing rate
- Ford's Max Tier 1
- Eligible models
- 10
What the program does
Four things that change when you qualify
First-time buyers normally pay more to borrow, simply because there's nothing on the bureau to prove they'll pay it back. This program removes that penalty.
$750 bonus cash
Applied directly to your purchase or lease, and it stacks with most current Ford offers on the vehicle you pick.
Ford's best rate
You finance at Ford's Max Tier 1 Rate — the tier normally reserved for buyers with years of established credit.
$750 down, not $1,000
Ford lowered the minimum cash down payment in July 2026, so you need less saved before you drive.
Credit you can build on
Every on-time payment reports to the bureaus. Your first Ford becomes the credit history your next loan is priced against.
30-second self-check
Do you qualify?
Tap each one that describes you. Nothing is submitted and nothing is stored — this is just a quick way to see where you stand before you talk to us.
0 of 4 selected
Start with the list
Check off whichever statements are true for you. We'll tell you what it means as you go.
This tool doesn't check your credit or guarantee approval.
Eligible models
Ten new Fords, including the ones you actually want
Ford doubled the eligible model list in July 2026. The F-150, Bronco, Explorer, and Mustang were added to a program that used to top out at the Escape.
MaverickCompact truckEscapeCompact SUVBronco SportCompact SUVRangerMidsize truckMustang Mach-EElectric SUVBroncoOff-road SUVExplorer3-row SUVF-150Full-size truckF-150 LightningElectric truckMustangSports car
Personal-use vehicles only. Commercial and business-use purchases are not eligible.
How it works
Three steps, in this order
Get pre-approved first
Do this before you fall in love with a vehicle. Pre-approval tells you your real monthly payment and confirms whether First-Time Buyer terms apply to you. It takes a few minutes online.
Pick from the eligible ten
Now you're shopping with a number in your head instead of a hope. Filter our new inventory to the ten eligible models and compare payments, not just stickers.
We stack your offers
Our finance team applies First-Time Buyer Bonus Cash alongside any other Ford incentive you're eligible for, then walks you line by line through the paperwork before you sign anything.
Students and recent grads
Still in school? Ford has a second offer with your name on it.
Ford's College Student Recognition Cash Reward is a separate program from First-Time Buyer — and if you're enrolled, recently graduated, or currently in a graduate program, you may be eligible for both.
Ask us whether the two combine on the vehicle you're considering. Program rules vary by model and month.
Common questions
Before you apply
What counts as a "first-time buyer"?
Your credit bureau report has to show no previous automotive credit — no prior car loans and no prior leases in your name. Having a credit card, a student loan, or no credit file at all doesn't disqualify you. Having financed a car before does, even if you paid it off perfectly.
I've never had credit at all. Is that a problem?
It's exactly who the program is built for. The catch is that the program still requires a minimum 620 FICO score on your primary bureau, and a completely empty credit file may not generate a score. If you're not sure whether you have one, come talk to us — that conversation is free and it's the fastest way to find out where you stand.
How much do I need for a down payment?
A minimum of $750 in customer cash down. Rebates and trade equity don't count toward that figure — it needs to be your own cash. Ford lowered this from $1,000 in July 2026.
Does the $750 bonus cash stack with other Ford offers?
Usually, yes. First-Time Buyer Bonus Cash requires financing through Ford Credit, and it's designed to be applied alongside most current retail offers. Some incentives are mutually exclusive by program rule, so the honest answer is that it depends on the specific vehicle and the month you buy. Our finance team will run every combination you're eligible for and show you which one nets you the most.
Can I lease instead of buy?
Leasing is available under the program. Terms differ from retail financing, including the maximum lease length. Ask us to price both — for a first vehicle the monthly difference can be significant, and the right answer depends on how many miles you drive.
Will applying hurt my credit score?
Getting pre-approved involves a credit inquiry, and inquiries can affect your score slightly. If you're rate shopping, the credit bureaus generally treat multiple auto inquiries within a short window as a single event. We'll explain exactly what we're pulling and when, before we pull it.
Does meeting the requirements guarantee I'll be approved?
No. Meeting the eligibility criteria is what gets your application evaluated under First-Time Buyer terms. Ford Credit still makes the credit decision based on your individual creditworthiness, including verifiable income sufficient to cover the payment, your living expenses, and your other debt.
How long is this program available?
The current First-Time Buyer Program terms run through the end of 2026. Bonus cash amounts are set by Ford and can change month to month, so the figure on this page reflects the current program period.
Your first car should come from people you trust.
The Bergey family has been part of this community since 1924. Five generations later, we still believe your first Ford is the start of a relationship, not the end of a sale.
First-Time Buyer Program disclosure. Ford Credit First Time Buyer FMCC Bonus Cash requires financing through Ford Motor Credit Company. To be eligible, applicants must have no previous automotive credit history on their credit bureau report, no major derogatory credit history on their bureau, no currently delinquent accounts, and a minimum 620 FICO score on their primary credit bureau. A minimum customer cash down payment of $750 is required, excluding rebate and trade equity. Verifiable monthly income sufficient to cover the vehicle payment, ordinary living expenses, and all outstanding debt is required.
Eligible new models: Bronco, Bronco Sport, Escape, Explorer, F-150, F-150 Lightning, Maverick, Mustang, Mustang Mach-E, and Ranger. Personal-use vehicles only; commercial and business-use vehicles are not eligible. Meeting customer eligibility criteria does not guarantee credit approval. Applicants are evaluated based on individual creditworthiness. Not all buyers will qualify for Ford Credit financing. Residency restrictions apply. Bonus cash amount, eligible models, and program terms are set by Ford Motor Company and are subject to change without notice. Offer may be incompatible with certain finance types or other cash programs based on individual program rules.
The College Student Recognition Exclusive Cash Reward is a separate Ford program with its own eligibility requirements. Combinability with First-Time Buyer Bonus Cash is subject to Ford program rules and is not guaranteed.
Bonus cash amount reflects the current incentive period and is subject to change. Tax, title, license, and dealer documentary fees are not included. See dealer for qualifications and complete program details. Program effective through 12/31/2026.