The term incentives as it relates to new car buying and leasing refers to special promotional offers from a car manufacturer to help sell or lease their vehicles. These offers are usually time-limited, often being good for only one month. Furthermore, the deals are typically restricted to only certain vehicle models and styles. Not all car companies offer incentives every month. Incentives can change from month to month.

Forms of incentives are: factory to customer rebates, low interest loan deals, zero interest rate loans, special “subvented” lease deals, loyalty bonuses, trade-in bonuses, equipment bonuses, military discounts, new-buyer discounts, and hidden factory to dealer cash. Some incentives cannot be combined. Other incentives, such as low interest or zero interest loans and special lease deals require customers have a high credit score.