Operational lease, financial lease, renting with a purchase option… the terms sound alike, but the contracts are nothing alike. Here's how to see clearly before comparing offers — whether you're self-employed, a freelancer, or a company.
Indicative table. The exact terms (services, tax treatment, deductibility) depend on the contract, the vehicle and your situation. Always check with the source.
All-inclusive rental, with no resale worries.
An operational lease is a long-term rental at a fixed rent, for a duration and annual mileage agreed in advance. Maintenance, road tax, insurance, tyres and roadside assistance are usually included in the monthly payment. At the end of the contract, you simply hand back the vehicle: there's no purchase option and the car never appears on your balance sheet.
Financing a vehicle you intend to keep.
A financial lease finances the use of the vehicle: you pay a monthly amount to use it, but you take on the other costs yourself (maintenance, insurance, tax). The vehicle is recorded on your balance sheet as an investment, and a purchase option is set for the end of the contract.
Rental with a clearly fixed purchase option.
Financial renting (also called hire purchase) resembles a financial lease, with an explicit purchase option at the end of the contract. The residual value, generally at least 16% of the price excl. VAT, is fixed at signing: you know in advance how much you'll need to pay to exercise the option and become the owner.
In practice both terms describe a long-term rental. "Renting" often emphasises flexibility and the purchase option (hire purchase), while an operational lease emphasises the all-inclusive aspect. Terminology varies from one provider to another — which is exactly why it's worth comparing the actual terms.
No. Self-employed professionals, freelancers and members of liberal professions have access too. belease specifically highlights offers relevant to these profiles, alongside businesses.
It depends on the source: some display the rent excl. VAT, others incl. VAT. Every offer on belease clearly states which, so you can compare on equal terms.
No. belease aggregates and compares listings, then redirects you to the partner's site to subscribe. The comparison service is free and independent.
Filter by contract type and compare real offers in a few clicks.