Infiniti Finance: 7 Best Auto Loan & Lease Facts

infiniti finance 1

Infiniti Finance can help shoppers arrange financing or leasing for an INFINITI vehicle through INFINITI Financial Services, commonly called IFS. Customers can also use IFS tools to manage eligible accounts, make payments, review statements and prepare for the end of a lease.

However, financing a luxury vehicle involves more than choosing a monthly payment. Your APR, amount financed, down payment, loan or lease term, vehicle price, credit profile and optional products can significantly change the total cost.

This updated guide explains how Infiniti Finance works, the difference between buying and leasing, how pre-approval works, current account-management tools, Certified Pre-Owned financing, lease-end decisions and important questions to ask before signing.

For additional vehicle-finance guidance, see our car finance options guide, auto finance calculator and good APR for a car loan guide.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

  • INFINITI Financial Services supports vehicle financing and leasing through participating INFINITI retailers.
  • Customers can apply for credit pre-approval online before visiting a retailer.
  • IFS provides an Online Account Manager and mobile app for eligible accounts.
  • Customers can view account details, payment history and statements and set up payments.
  • Certified Pre-Owned INFINITI vehicles can qualify for IFS financing offers.
  • Lease customers should review mileage, wear, return and purchase options before lease-end.
  • Actual APRs and promotions change, so verify current offers instead of relying on old advertised rates.

1. Understanding Infiniti Finance

Infiniti Finance is commonly used by consumers to refer to financing and leasing services available through INFINITI Financial Services.

IFS works with participating INFINITI retailers on retail installment and lease transactions.

INFINITI’s current payment calculator specifically explains that references to a “loan” on its website concern indirect lending originated through a participating INFINITI retailer and INFINITI Financial Services.

You can review the official INFINITI Financial Services information before applying.

What can IFS help with?

Depending on your account or transaction, services can include:

  • vehicle financing;
  • vehicle leasing;
  • credit pre-approval;
  • online payments;
  • recurring payments;
  • account history;
  • statements;
  • paperless servicing;
  • lease-end support;
  • and account-management tools.

2. How Infiniti Finance Pre-Approval Works

One useful step before visiting a dealership is applying for INFINITI credit pre-approval.

Infiniti Finance pre-approval for luxury auto loan and lease options

Official pre-approval process

INFINITI currently describes the process in three broad steps:

  1. Select a participating INFINITI retailer and complete the pre-approval application.
  2. If approved, receive an email showing the amount for which you have been pre-approved and the offer expiration date.
  3. Take the pre-approval information to the retailer and discuss complete financing terms.

You can access INFINITI’s official pre-approval information.

Basic eligibility requirements

The current INFINITI pre-approval page states that applicants using its online process generally must:

  • be at least 18;
  • have a valid Social Security Number;
  • be a U.S. legal resident;
  • have verifiable income and/or employment;
  • have an email address;
  • and apply individually online.

Applications involving a co-applicant can be handled through the retailer.

Pre-approval is not the final contract

Being pre-approved does not mean every final term is locked.

The final transaction can depend on:

  • vehicle selected;
  • selling price;
  • trade-in;
  • down payment;
  • credit information;
  • loan or lease structure;
  • and current offers.

Our first-time auto loan guide explains how to prepare before submitting a vehicle-finance application.

3. Buying vs Leasing an INFINITI

Infiniti Finance can involve either a purchase-financing arrangement or a lease, depending on the offer available through your retailer.

INFINITI lease vs buy comparison with monthly payment and ownership factors

Buying with financing

With a typical retail installment contract:

  • you finance the vehicle purchase;
  • make scheduled payments;
  • the lender maintains a lien while the balance remains;
  • and you build ownership as the debt is repaid.

Leasing

With a lease:

  • you pay for contractual use of the vehicle;
  • mileage limits can apply;
  • vehicle-condition requirements can apply;
  • there may be a purchase option at lease-end;
  • and you do not automatically own the vehicle at the end of the term.

Which option is better?

The best choice depends on:

  • how long you expect to keep the vehicle;
  • annual mileage;
  • monthly budget;
  • upfront cash;
  • ownership preferences;
  • and the actual purchase and lease offers available.

Do not assume leasing is always cheaper just because its monthly payment appears lower.

See our car finance options and money-management guide before deciding.

4. Infiniti Finance Loan and Lease Options

The previous version of this article listed balloon financing, guaranteed zero-down programs and broad customizable payment structures as standard Infiniti Finance products.

Those features should not be presented as universal current options unless they appear in the specific offer or contract being presented to you.

Retail financing

A participating retailer may arrange an IFS retail installment contract for an eligible new or pre-owned INFINITI.

Lease financing

Eligible customers may also receive lease offers with specific terms, mileage allowances, upfront amounts and end-of-lease obligations.

Current special offers

INFINITI publishes current financing and leasing promotions on its official offers page.

Rates, bonuses, eligible models, qualification standards and expiration dates can change frequently.

Check current INFINITI offers before relying on any APR quoted in an older article.

5. Infiniti Finance Interest Rates and APR

Infiniti Finance APR and credit score factors for luxury vehicle financing

There is no single Infiniti Finance interest rate that applies to every customer.

Your actual financing can depend on:

  • credit profile;
  • vehicle model;
  • new or pre-owned status;
  • amount financed;
  • down payment;
  • term;
  • current incentive program;
  • and other underwriting factors.

Use the payment calculator carefully

INFINITI provides a finance and lease payment estimator.

The official calculator states that results are estimates for illustrative purposes and are not offers of credit or specific financing terms.

You can review the INFINITI payment calculator.

Credit rating matters

The calculator currently shows credit categories, including an “Excellent” category beginning at 740+, but INFINITI notes that other creditors may define credit ranges differently.

There is no universal score that guarantees a particular APR.

For more background, see our credit score calculation guide, credit score range guide, and credit improvement guide.

Compare total borrowing cost

Do not judge financing by APR alone.

Compare:

  • vehicle selling price;
  • APR;
  • finance charge;
  • amount financed;
  • term;
  • monthly payment;
  • and total of payments.

Our good APR guide and finance charge guide can help.

6. Infiniti Certified Pre-Owned Financing

Customers who want a lower-priced entry into the INFINITI brand can consider Certified Pre-Owned vehicles.

INFINITI currently states that participating retailers have access to INFINITI Financial Services for financing rates, lease terms and offers on eligible Certified Pre-Owned vehicles.

Current CPO requirements

INFINITI’s standard Certified Pre-Owned program currently requires qualifying vehicles to meet standards including:

  • less than five years old;
  • less than 60,000 miles;
  • a clean, non-branded title;
  • and a 167-point inspection.

A separate CPO Select program covers certain older or higher-mileage eligible vehicles under different standards.

See the official INFINITI Certified Pre-Owned program.

CPO financing offers can change

Promotional rates can be time-limited.

Always check current CPO offers through the retailer or official INFINITI website rather than assuming an older advertised APR is still active.

For used-car comparisons, see our new vs used car financing guide and affordable auto loans guide.

7. Infiniti Finance Online Account Management

Existing IFS customers can manage eligible accounts through the INFINITI Financial Services Online Account Manager.

INFINITI online account management with payments, statements and lease-end options

Current official information says account holders can:

  • manage account preferences;
  • sign up for email and text notifications;
  • view account details;
  • review payment history;
  • set up payments;
  • view current statements;
  • view past statements;
  • and use paperless account servicing.

Registering an account

INFINITI says registration requires the account number and last four digits of the customer’s Social Security Number.

Mobile app

IFS also provides an INFINITI Finance app for eligible customers.

See the official IFS account-management information.

Making Infiniti Finance Payments

Customers can use the IFS Online Account Manager to set up eligible payments.

IFS also provides support videos covering:

  • account registration;
  • editing scheduled payments;
  • canceling scheduled payments;
  • and managing bank-account information.

Use the official IFS video library for current instructions.

Verify successful posting

After making a payment:

  • save the confirmation;
  • check the withdrawal;
  • verify account posting;
  • and review your next statement.

Recurring payments

If you use recurring payments, continue monitoring the account.

A changed bank account or insufficient balance can still create payment problems.

Infiniti Finance Account Statements and History

The Online Account Manager provides eligible customers with access to current and prior statements and payment history.

Why reviewing statements matters

Check:

  • amount due;
  • due date;
  • payments received;
  • balance;
  • fees;
  • and account notices.

Do not wait until the end of the loan or lease to review servicing records.

Infiniti Finance vs Third-Party Auto Loans

Do not assume Infiniti Finance will automatically beat every bank, credit union or online lender.

The strongest option depends on the actual terms available when you apply.

FeatureIFS / Retailer FinancingBank or Credit Union
Vehicle Purchase IntegrationIntegrated with retailerUsually separate
Manufacturer PromotionsPotentially availableGenerally not
APRApplication-specificApplication-specific
Pre-ApprovalAvailableOften available
Best ChoiceDepends on APR, term, fees and total cost

Get competing quotes

Before finalizing the transaction, compare:

  • IFS;
  • your bank;
  • a credit union;
  • and another reputable auto lender where appropriate.

See our best auto finance deals and top auto finance guide.

Down Payment Considerations

The old article described zero-down financing as a regular Infiniti Finance option.

A better approach is to check the actual offer available to you.

A down payment can reduce borrowing

More money down can potentially reduce:

  • amount financed;
  • monthly payment;
  • total interest;
  • loan-to-value ratio;
  • and negative-equity risk.

But do not drain your savings

Maintain enough cash for:

  • insurance;
  • maintenance;
  • repairs;
  • registration;
  • and emergencies.

Does Infiniti Finance Offer Balloon Financing?

The previous article described balloon financing as a standard option.

Do not assume a balloon product is available unless it is specifically included in the current financing program offered by your INFINITI retailer.

If the contract contains a large final payment, understand:

  • the amount;
  • due date;
  • refinancing risk;
  • and what happens if you cannot make that payment.

Infiniti Lease-End Options

IFS provides dedicated lease-end support for customers approaching the end of their contract.

The official finance website maintains lease-end videos, FAQs and account resources.

Returning the vehicle

IFS says leased vehicles should generally be returned to an authorized INFINITI retailer, and customers should schedule an appointment before returning the vehicle.

Purchasing the vehicle

Your lease agreement may include a purchase option.

Request current purchase or payoff information rather than assuming the residual value alone equals the final amount required.

Another INFINITI

You may also decide to replace the existing vehicle with another INFINITI, depending on available offers and your needs.

Wear and mileage

Review:

  • contracted mileage;
  • excess mileage charges;
  • wear standards;
  • inspection requirements;
  • and return procedures.

For official help, use the IFS lease-end resources.

Protection Products and Optional Coverage

The original article broadly listed GAP insurance, extended warranties and maintenance plans as standard Infiniti Finance features.

Optional protection products can vary by retailer, vehicle and transaction.

Ask these questions before buying

  • Is the product optional?
  • What does it cost?
  • What does it cover?
  • What exclusions apply?
  • Is the cost being financed?
  • Can it be cancelled?

Financing an optional product means interest can also apply to its cost.

Infiniti Premium Care

INFINITI currently promotes Premium Care as an integrated routine maintenance plan for model-year 2023 and newer qualifying INFINITI vehicles.

This is a vehicle ownership benefit and should not automatically be confused with financing or loan protection.

Check eligibility for the specific vehicle you plan to purchase.

Applying for Infiniti Finance

The Infiniti Finance application process can begin online through INFINITI’s pre-approval tools or at a participating retailer.

Prepare before applying

Have relevant information available, including:

  • identity details;
  • address;
  • employment information;
  • income information;
  • proposed down payment;
  • trade-in information;
  • and vehicle preferences.

Approval is not guaranteed

The old article suggested applications could frequently receive instant approval.

Do not assume approval will be immediate or that everyone will qualify.

Underwriting depends on the specific applicant and transaction.

Credit Score Requirements

There is no one public minimum credit score that guarantees approval for all Infiniti Finance transactions.

Credit approval can consider factors beyond a score, including:

  • income;
  • employment;
  • payment history;
  • existing debts;
  • amount financed;
  • down payment;
  • vehicle;
  • and term.

Weak credit?

If current rates are expensive, consider:

  • improving credit first;
  • increasing your down payment;
  • selecting a less expensive vehicle;
  • or comparing additional lenders.

See our subprime auto loans guide and affordable auto loan guide.

Customer Support

INFINITI currently lists dedicated IFS support for customers with finance or lease accounts.

Official contact information currently includes:

  • IFS Customer Service: 866-456-4124
  • Customer Service hours: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–7:00 PM CT
  • Separate lease-end support is also available.

Verify current details through the official INFINITI contact page before calling.

Common Infiniti Finance Mistakes to Avoid

Assuming the first APR is automatically the best

Compare outside financing before signing.

Focusing only on monthly payment

A lower payment can result from a longer term and higher total interest.

Assuming every promotion applies to you

Offers can be limited by model, location, credit tier and expiration date.

Ignoring optional products

Review every item included in the amount financed.

Waiting too long to plan lease-end

Review mileage, condition and available choices in advance.

Using outdated rates from old articles

Always verify current offers directly with INFINITI or the retailer.

Questions to Ask Before Signing

  • What is the vehicle’s out-the-door price?
  • What is my APR?
  • What is the finance charge?
  • How much am I financing?
  • What down payment is required?
  • What is the repayment or lease term?
  • What is my monthly payment?
  • What is the total of payments?
  • Are any optional products included?
  • Which current INFINITI incentives apply?
  • Is the promotional rate replacing another incentive?
  • Can I pay off the contract early?
  • What happens at lease-end?
  • What mileage allowance applies?
  • What wear-and-use standards apply?
  • Who should I contact for servicing questions?

Related Best Finance Live Guides

Conclusion

Infiniti Finance provides a convenient route to financing or leasing an INFINITI through participating retailers and INFINITI Financial Services.

The strongest financing decision, however, comes from comparing the complete transaction rather than choosing an offer solely because it is associated with the manufacturer.

Review the APR, finance charge, vehicle price, down payment, term, monthly payment and total payments. Compare outside lenders where appropriate and verify current INFINITI incentives before signing.

Existing IFS customers can also use online account-management tools for payments, statements and account history, while lease customers can access dedicated lease-end support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Infiniti Finance?

Infiniti Finance commonly refers to vehicle financing and leasing arranged through participating INFINITI retailers and INFINITI Financial Services.

Can I apply for INFINITI financing online?

Yes. INFINITI currently provides an online pre-approval application for eligible U.S. applicants.

Does pre-approval guarantee my final rate?

No. Final financing terms are discussed with the participating retailer and can depend on the vehicle, credit profile, down payment and other transaction details.

Can I make Infiniti Finance payments online?

Eligible IFS customers can use the Online Account Manager to set up payments and review payment information.

Can I see my payment history online?

Yes. INFINITI states that eligible Online Account Manager customers can view account details and payment history.

Does INFINITI offer Certified Pre-Owned financing?

Yes. Participating INFINITI retailers have access to INFINITI Financial Services financing and offers for eligible Certified Pre-Owned vehicles.

Does Infiniti Finance require a specific credit score?

No single publicly stated score guarantees approval for every transaction. Credit history, income, debt, vehicle and financing structure can all affect underwriting.

Can I buy my INFINITI at the end of a lease?

Your lease may include a purchase option. Review your agreement and obtain current purchase information from IFS before deciding.

Where do I return an INFINITI lease?

IFS currently instructs customers to return the vehicle to an authorized INFINITI retailer and to schedule an appointment before the return.

Should I compare IFS with a bank or credit union?

Yes. Compare the APR, term, fees, incentives and total cost of each offer before deciding which financing source provides the best overall value.

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