Credit Qualified Leads

Credit qualified leads
Know who can buy first

Credit qualified leads (CQLs) are shoppers who ran a soft credit check with your dealership before the first conversation. You see their credit profile, buying power and intent up front, with no impact on their credit score.

The Definition

What are credit qualified leads?

Credit qualified leads arrive with verified credit data attached. The shopper chose to check their own credit through a soft pull, so you get the same bureau data a lender would see, and they get a straight answer on what they can afford. Nobody has to ask the awkward questions on the first call.

Credit profile

Score, payment history, open trade lines and current obligations from a soft pull. No hard inquiry.

Buying power

What the shopper can realistically afford, based on their credit and existing debt.

Buyer type

Each lead is flagged as Prime, Subprime, Newcomer or Negative Equity so it reaches the right person.

Verified identity

Optional government ID and biometric checks confirm the shopper is who they say they are.

Lead vs. CQL

Internet leads vs. credit qualified leads

Internet lead Credit qualified lead
What you get Name, phone, email and a vehicle of interest Contact details plus credit profile, buying power and buyer type
First conversation Asking about budget, credit and down payment Talking about vehicles and payments that fit
Intent Unknown. The shopper could be browsing. The shopper chose to check their credit, a strong buying signal
Routing Round robin or first available rep Prime to sales, subprime to finance, newcomers to the right programs
Credit impact A hard pull later in the process Soft pull only, with no effect on the shopper's score
How It Works

How AVA® creates credit qualified leads

  1. Shopper starts a credit check

    From your website, a QR code in the showroom, an SMS link or an ad, the shopper opens an AVA® credit form branded for your dealership.

  2. Soft pull runs in seconds

    AVA® pulls the credit report with a soft inquiry. The shopper sees their result right away and their score is untouched.

  3. AVA® qualifies and routes

    The lead is scored, tagged by buyer type and sent to the right person on your team.

  4. Your team follows up with context

    The CQL lands in your CRM and the AVA® portal, with the full credit picture ready before the first call.

Where CQLs Come From

Get credit qualified leads from every channel

Credit qualified leads, answered

What dealers ask when they first hear about CQLs.

What are credit qualified leads?
Credit qualified leads are shoppers who have already run a soft credit check with your dealership, so you know their credit profile and buying power before the first conversation.
What does CQL stand for?
CQL stands for credit qualified lead: a lead that comes with soft-pull credit data, buying power and buyer type attached.
Does a soft pull affect the customer's credit score?
No. A soft inquiry is not visible to lenders and has no effect on the shopper's score. A hard inquiry only happens later, if the customer applies for financing.
How are credit qualified leads different from pre-approvals?
A credit qualified lead tells you the shopper's credit profile and what they can likely afford. A pre-approval is a lender's conditional offer. CQLs let you start the right conversation and pick the right lender before you submit a deal.
Why do shoppers agree to a credit check?
They want to know what they can afford without a hard pull or a sales conversation. Seeing their result right away is the reason they finish the form.
Where do credit qualified leads show up for my team?
In the AVA® portal and in your CRM. With the AVA® Co-Driver extension, your team can also see the credit profile from any browser-based CRM, DMS or desking tool.
Start with credit

Start getting credit qualified leads

15 minutes. A working demo of the CQL flow, from the shopper's form to your CRM.

Book your demo

30 minutes, tailored to your store. Pick a time on the next step.

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