Same as cash, explained
The cheapest exit from a lease-to-own agreement, and the one most people miss because nobody explained the deadline properly.
The short answer
A same-as-cash window lets you buy the item outright within a short period — commonly 30 days, or 90 to 101 days — for close to the cash price plus a modest fee, instead of continuing to the full total of payments. Used properly it is the single largest saving available on a lease. Missed by a day, you are on the full-term path.
Deadlines
Windows by provider
Published windows as of October 2026. The exact payoff figure and any fee vary by provider and sometimes by state.
| Provider | Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Snap Finance | 100 days | The longest among the major providers |
| Acima | 90 days | Standard early purchase option |
| Koalafi | 90 days | Buyout fee of roughly $0–$79 depending on state |
| Progressive Leasing | 90 days | Standard early purchase option |
| Katapult | 90 days | Standard early purchase option |
| Through Terrace Finance | 30 days, or 90–101 days | Depends on the matched program |
Using it
Four steps to actually hit the window
Note the date on day one
Write the deadline in your calendar the day you sign, with a reminder two weeks before. The window runs from the agreement date, not from delivery.
Ask for the payoff figure
Call the provider and ask what it costs to own the item outright today, in writing. It is usually the cash price plus a modest fee.
Set the money aside deliberately
Treat it as a short savings goal rather than something you will get to. Most people who miss the window intended to use it.
Pay and get confirmation
Pay the payoff amount and ask for written confirmation that the agreement is closed and ownership has transferred.
Traps
Three things that catch people out
The clock starts at signing
Not at delivery, and not at the first payment. On a special-order item that arrives three weeks later, you have already used a fifth of a 90-day window.
“Same as cash” is not always exactly cash
Most providers charge a modest processing or buyout fee on top of the cash price. Ask for the number rather than assuming it is the sticker.
Regular payments do not count toward it
On most agreements the payments you have already made are credited, but the figure is not simply the price minus what you have paid. Always ask for the current payoff amount.
Questions
Common questions
Is same as cash really the same as paying cash?
Close, but usually not exactly. Most providers add a modest fee, so expect the cash price plus a small percentage. It is still far cheaper than running the agreement to term.
What happens if I miss the window by a few days?
The agreement continues on its normal schedule toward the full total of payments. Most providers still allow early payoff later, just on less favourable terms — ask for the figure anyway.
Can I extend the window?
Generally no. Some providers offer a different early purchase calculation after the window closes, which is worth asking about but is not the same deal.
How much does using the window save?
On a typical 24-month lease, roughly the difference between about 1.1 times the cash price and about 2 times it. On a $1,200 purchase that is often more than $1,000.
Does using it affect my credit?
If the provider reports, a completed agreement is generally a positive entry. Some providers specifically report completed leases.
Keep reading
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