What is the credit card test for lease returns?

The credit card test is an industry standard: if a scratch, dent, or other damage can be covered by a standard credit card (approximately 2 inches), it's generally considered normal wear and tear, not chargeable damage.

Can I dispute lease-end charges after I've returned the car?

Yes. You have the right to dispute charges and request an independent appraisal under Federal Regulation M. There's no deadline for disputing, though it's best to act promptly after receiving the final bill.

What is Federal Regulation M?

Regulation M (12 CFR 1013) implements the Consumer Leasing Act and requires lessors to use "reasonable" wear standards. It also gives you the right to an independent appraisal whose determination is final and binding.

What counts as normal wear and tear?

Each manufacturer publishes wear guides defining acceptable wear. Generally, minor scratches under 2 inches, small dents that don't break paint, light interior wear, and tire tread above minimum are considered normal wear.

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Charged for 'Excess Wear' That Isn't? Fight Back.
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Most lease return charges fail the Credit Card Test or exceed manufacturer standards. Upload your inspection report — we build your dispute.

Charge Extraction → Every excess-wear and mileage line item

Wear Standard Map → Credit Card Test + manufacturer thresholds

Dispute Letter → Itemized rebuttal, court-ready format

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Reg M · §1667b

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Upload Inspection Report

Upload the inspection or condition report from your lease return showing charges

Charge Extraction

Every excess-wear and mileage line item

Wear Standard Map

Credit Card Test + manufacturer thresholds

Dispute Letter

Itemized rebuttal, court-ready format

Regulatory Authority

Your Lease-Return Charges vs Federal Wear Standards

Federal

Reasonable Wear

Federal Regulation M (12 CFR 1013.4(h)) requires lease-end wear standards to be reasonable, not punitive.

Reg M

Statute

Independent Appraisal

Under §1667b(c)(2), the lessee may obtain a binding third-party appraisal of the vehicle's value.

15 USC §1667b

Industry Std

Sub-2" Wear

Industry norm: damage that fits within a credit card's footprint is generally normal wear.

Credit Card Test

$1,000

Median Recovery

$1,530

Median Disputed

Recent Wins

"They hit me with $1,200 for bumper scuffs and a door ding. Both marks were tinier than a credit card. Disputed it and got the whole thing dropped."

— Birmingham, AL

"Excess mileage charge of $900 on a 36-month lease. Recalculated and they'd overestimated by 2,000 miles. Knocked it down to $350."

— Hoover, AL

"Dealer tried charging $475 for floor mats they said were missing. I had photos proving they were in the trunk. Refunded in full."

— Baldwin County, AL

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