Building credit takes time, and the first vehicle usually arrives before the credit history does. The Rising Star Program was built for that gap — for buyers with limited or emerging credit histories.
Sales: (888) 881-6670
Customer Bonus
$1,000◊
On a qualifying lease or retail finance contract through Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, dated on or after November 3, 2026. Available on eligible new Mercedes-Benz models and eligible Ex-CVP vehicles utilizing New Car Programs.
Rising Star reviews your application under one of four customer profiles rather than against automotive credit history alone. One of these four is your path in.
Customers financing their first vehicle
Limited credit history; does not require a significant amount of financing
Domestic and international students
Seeking a path toward credit approval
Degree holders progressing in their careers
Limited automotive credit history
Those actively serving in the U.S. military, Reserve, or National Guard
Limited automotive credit history
The $1,000 Customer Bonus◊ now reaches eligible Ex-CVP vehicles utilizing New Car Programs. Ex-CVP stands for former Courtesy Vehicle Program — Mercedes-Benz models that served as courtesy vehicles loaned to customers during service visits, and that have since been released for retail sale.
Until this program period, that inventory sat outside the Rising Star bonus. It no longer does.
Each profile carries its own requirements — credit history, amount financed, capitalized cost, down payment and security deposit are all profile-specific. Our finance team can tell you where you stand in a single call, or you can apply for financing online and let us take it from there. If you’d rather see numbers first, start with our payment calculator.
Matching a profile description does not by itself guarantee approval — every application is subject to Mercedes-Benz Financial Services credit approval. The current MBFS Sales Program Rules & Guidelines govern all profile requirements.
Customer Bonus
$1,000◊
Eligible vehicles
Eligible new Mercedes-Benz models, and eligible Ex-CVP vehicles utilizing New Car Programs
Required contract
A qualifying lease or retail finance contract through Mercedes-Benz Financial Services
Contract date
On or after November 3, 2026
Customer profile
Approval under one of the four Rising Star profiles
Availability
In effect until further notice, and subject to modification or discontinuation
We work with Rising Star customers from El Cajon, San Diego, La Mesa, Chula Vista, Bonita and Escondido. Stop by our Finance Center, call, or start online — whichever gets you moving.
Mercedes-Benz of El Cajon, 1111 Wagner Drive, El Cajon, CA 92020 | Sales: (888) 881-6670
◊ $1,000 Customer Bonus available to eligible customers who qualify under an approved Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Rising Star Program customer profile (First-Time Buyer, Student, College Graduate, or Military) and enter into a qualifying lease or retail finance contract with Mercedes-Benz Financial Services. Available on eligible new Mercedes-Benz vehicles and eligible Ex-CVP vehicles utilizing New Car Programs. Offer effective for qualifying contracts dated on or after November 3, 2026, and available until further notice. Program may be modified or discontinued at any time, subject to applicable law. For complete Rising Star Program eligibility requirements and approval criteria, please refer to the current MBFS Sales Program Rules & Guidelines. See Mercedes-Benz of El Cajon for details.
This information is for general educational purposes only and is not financial or legal advice. All financing is subject to credit approval; terms, rates, and approval depend on your situation and your specific agreement.
Mercedes-Benz USA — current national Mercedes-Benz offers and Rising Star Program announcement
Mercedes-Benz USA and Mercedes-Benz Financial Services — 2026 Rising Star Program dealer bulletin, effective November 3, 2026
