Rising Stars Program

Mercedes-Benz Financial is proud to announce the Rising Star Program. Mercedes-Benz Financial Services has opened the offering to college students, first-time buyers and military. With minimal requirements, this select group of customers can enjoy their early success and start the journey as Mercedes-Benz customers for life.

Many of these opportunities require no down payment and no security deposit and provide low finance rates with variable term lengths. Take a closer look at how to qualify for the Mercedes-Benz Rising Stars Program and specific details below. For more information contact the Mercedes-Benz of Marin sales team.

Program Eligibility Details

ElementsFirst Time Buyer
New/Certified Pre-Owned		StudentCollege GradMilitary
VehiclesMBMBMBMB
ProductLease* / RetailLease / RetailLease / RetailLease* / Retail
Term LimitNoYes**NoNo
Amount Financed / Max cap$50K$55K$55K$55K
Down Payment RequiredNo20%NoNo
Security DepositNo10%***NoNo
Proof of IncomeYesYesYesYes
Student / Graduate StatusNoYesYesNo
Reference RequiredYesYesNoNo
Proof of ResidencyYesYesNoNo
24 mo. Clean credit history required****YesNoYesYes
Payment to income not to exceed 20% of Gross Monthly IncomeNoNoNoYes

*Lease applies to the First Time Buyer program for new cars only.

**Term cannot exceed Student Visa (if applicable), or appropriate F1 Visa and I-20 documentation.

***Security deposit not applicable in NY. Down payment requirement in NY 25%.

****No collection accounts, credit lines must not exceed credit limits.

Program checklists

Program checklists for each of the 4 paths that can be used for organizing the required documentation prior to transmitting to the Retail Credit Analyst for review and approval.

First Time Buyer (New/Certified Pre-Owned) Approval Checklist

1. Proof of Income

  • Last three months personal bank statements showing sufficient cash flow to support payment/debt

2. Advanced Requirements

  • Amount financed or capitalized cost not to exceed $50,000
  • Advance within standard guidelines for approved tier

3. Proof of Residency

  • Utility bill with service address
  • Signed and dated Lease Agreement

4. Three verifiable personal references

5. Credit Requirements

  • 24 months of established trade line credit history on file*
  • No derogatory credit history, including public record or collections

Student Approval Checklist

1. Name of College/University

  • Must be an accredited four-year college or university –or-
  • Accredited graduate program –or-
  • Accredited registered nursing program

2. Proof of Enrollment

  • Official transcript –or-
  • Letter from Registrar’s Office

3. Program Requirements

  • Term cannot exceed F1 Student Visa expiration
  • Expired F1 Student Visa okay with I-20 documentation demonstrating length of stay greater than term

4. Proof of Income

  • Last three months personal bank statements showing sufficient cash flow to support payment/debt

5. Advance Requirements

  • Amount financed or capitalized cost not to exceed $55,000
  • Advance within standard guidelines for approved tier

6. Credit Requirements

  • No derogatory credit history, including public records or collections

7. Cap Reduction/Security Deposit

  • 20% Cap Reduction
  • 10% Security Deposit
  • In NY, no security deposit; 25% Cap Reduction

College Graduate Approval Checklist

1. Name of College/University

  • Must be an accredited four-year college or university –or-
  • Accredited graduate program –or-
  • Accredited registered nursing program

2. Proof of Enrollment or Graduate Status

  • Proof of graduate status (copy of graduate’s diploma or official transcript) –or-
  • Letter from Registrar’s Office stating intent to graduate within the next 6 months

3. Proof of Income

  • Last three months personal bank statements showing sufficient cash flow to support payment/debt

4. Advance Requirements

  • Amount financed or capitalized cost not to exceed $55,000
  • Advance within standard guidelines for approved tier

5. Credit Requirements

  • 24 months of established trade line credit history on file*
  • No derogatory credit history, including public records or collections

Military Approval Checklist

1. Proof of U.S. Military, Reserve, or National Guard Enrollment

  • Military ID Card (for dealer’s records only, do not forward to MBFS)

2. Proof of Income

  • Last three months personal bank statements showing sufficient cash flow to support payment/debt

3. Advance Requirements

  • Amount financed or capitalized cost not to exceed $55,000
  • Advance within standard guidelines for approved tier

4. Credit Requirements

  • 24 months of established trade line credit history on file*
  • No derogatory credit history, including public records or collections
  • Payment to income not to exceed 20% of Gross Monthly Income

*Must be individual or joint. Authorized user will not qualify.

Completing the checklists above do not guarantee credit approval. All information must be provided before credit approval.

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