What Is a Customer Reserve Account (CRA)?
Last updated June 2, 2026
A Customer Reserve Account (CRA) is an optional amount some rent-to-own programs let you put toward your agreement. It can lower your monthly rental payment and may be applied toward your early purchase option. Availability and rules vary by funder.
Not every program offers a Customer Reserve Account, but where it's available it can be a useful tool to manage your payment.
What a CRA does
- It's optional — you choose whether to add one
- It can lower your monthly rental payment
- It may be applied toward your early purchase option payoff
- Refund rules (if you return the building) vary by funder and state
Should you use one?
A CRA can make sense if you want a lower monthly payment or expect to pay off early. Ask the dealer and funder how the CRA works in your agreement before you decide. You can model a CRA in the payment calculator.
CRA availability, amounts, and refund windows are set by the funder and vary by state. Confirm the details in your agreement before signing.
Common questions
- Can I pay off my agreement early?
- Yes. You can exercise the early-purchase option at any time. The early payoff amount is set under the funder's terms and will be less than the remaining total of payments. Contact the funder for your exact payoff amount.
- How much do I pay at signing?
- It depends on the funder and your state. Typically an initial payment, an administrative fee, applicable tax, and (where applicable) a security deposit are due at signing. The exact amount due is set out in your agreement with the funder before you sign.
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This guide is general information, not legal, financial, or code advice. Rules, pricing, and availability vary by state, local government, dealer, and rent-to-own provider. Always confirm current requirements and terms before ordering.