Car Loan, Leasing or Cash: Which Is the Cheapest Way to Pay?

How the three options compare in cost, flexibility and risk.

5 min read · Loans & Credit

The payment method can change the cost of a car by thousands.

Cash

No interest and full ownership, but it uses savings.

Monthly lease payment – depending on Residual value (% of price)

Example with default values. Open the calculator →

Loan

You own the car and pay interest. Rates are capped at 10 % for consumer credit.

Leasing

Lower monthly payments.
You do not own the car.
Fees for excess kilometres and damage.

Total cost counts

Compare the total cost over the holding period, including interest, fees, insurance and the residual value. A low monthly payment can hide a higher total price.

Compare monthly payments with the leasing calculator.

Try the calculators

💳 Loans & Credit

Car Leasing Calculator

Estimate the monthly lease payment from price, residual value and interest.

💳 Loans & Credit

Loan Payment Calculator

Monthly instalment and total interest for an annuity loan.

🧾 Budget & Everyday

Total Cost of Owning a Car

All-in monthly and per-kilometre cost.

Keep reading

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Consumer Credit and Debt in Switzerland: Rules and Smart Payoff

The legal interest cap, how leasing works, and how to get out of debt.

💳 6 min read

Debt Collection in Switzerland (Betreibung): Process and Your Rights

What happens after an unpaid bill, how to object and how to avoid a record in the register.

💳 5 min read

Credit Cards and Overdrafts in Switzerland: Costs and Smarter Alternatives

Interest, fees and the habits that keep card debt from growing.