Close Brothers is a leading specialist lender for passenger transport vehicles, with consistent appetite for minibuses operated by schools, care providers, private hire operators, and community transport organisations. DBF can access Close Brothers rates and compare them across our full panel.
Close Brothers Minibus Finance Rates - October 2026
| Finance Type | Indicative APR | Term | Min Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP - new minibus | 4.5–7.5% | 24–60 months | 10% |
| HP - used minibus (up to 5 yrs) | 6.5–9% | 24–48 months | 10% |
| HP - used minibus (5–10 yrs) | 8–12% | 12–36 months | 15% |
| Finance Lease - new | 4.5–8% | 24–60 months | N/A |
| Wheelchair-accessible minibus | 5–10% | 24–60 months | 10% |
Who Close Brothers Will Lend To
- Private hire and chauffeur operators
- Schools and educational establishments
- Care homes, domiciliary care providers, and care charities
- Community transport organisations and church groups
- Hotel and leisure transport operators
Vehicle Types Accepted
- 9–17 seat minibuses (factory-built and high-quality conversions)
- Wheelchair-accessible and adapted minibuses
- Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Ford Transit, Volkswagen Crafter minibuses
- Specialist conversion manufacturers: Alexander Dennis, Mellor, Treka Bus
Advantages
- Competitive rates on new and recent minibuses
- Wheelchair-accessible vehicles funded
- Wide range of operator types accepted
- 24–48 hour credit decisions
Limitations
- 12+ months trading required for most applications
- Adverse credit typically referred to specialist lenders
- Older vehicles (>10 years) may not qualify