If you see an advertisement about the program in the salon "Auto Plus Choice Yes" with the promise of discounts up to 25% or a loan at 0.01% per annum, do not rush to sign the agreement. Most likely, we are talking about a government preferential program for subsidizing car loans, but with important limitations: not all models participate, and banks often impose additional services, reducing the benefits to zero. For example, in 2026, only Russian-made cars worth up to 3 million rubles, and with mandatory equipment not lower than “Comfort”. The first thing to do is check if a specific model is available in register of the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
The most common mistake buyers make is confusion "Auto Plus Choice Yes" with other dealer promotions (for example, trade-in or corporate discounts). The difference is that the benefit here is provided through budget subsidies, and not through the dealer’s margin. This means that the conditions are strictly regulated: you cannot buy a car on credit for a period of more than 3 years, you cannot register it as a legal entity, and the down payment must be at least 20%. At the same time, banks often “forget” to mention that the real rate after taking into account CASCO insurance and commissions can rise to 8–12% per annum.
In this article, we will look at how the program works in practice: from checking the participation of the model to processing documents. We will pay special attention hidden fees, which dealers do not advertise, and alternative ways of buying a car with similar benefits (for example, through leasing or loyalty points from the manufacturer).
1. What is “Auto Plus Choice Yes” and who can participate
Program "Auto Plus Choice Yes" - This is part of the state initiative to support the automotive industry, launched in 2023 and extended until 2026. Its essence: the state compensates banks for part of the interest on car loans in order to reduce the financial burden on buyers. As a result, the client receives a loan against 0.01–5% per annum (depending on the model), and the bank returns the difference from the budget.
Key conditions for participation in 2026:
- 🚗 Car: only new Russian-made cars (including assembly in the Russian Federation) from list of the Ministry of Industry and Trade. Foreign cars, even those assembled in Russia (for example, Hyundai Solaris or Kia Rio), do not participate.
- 💰 Cost: up to 3 million rubles (for individuals). For preferential categories (large families, disabled people), the limit may be higher.
- 📅 Loan term: up to 36 months. Banks often offer to extend the term to 5 years, but then the preferential rate does not apply.
- 👤 Buyer: only individuals - citizens of the Russian Federation. Legal entities and individual entrepreneurs cannot participate.
Important: the program does not apply to used cars, even if they were purchased from an official dealer. You also cannot apply for a loan for a car that you already own (for example, for refinancing).
⚠️ Attention: Some dealers position their promotions as part of the "Auto Plus Choice Yes" program, although in fact these are regular discounts. Always check the model's participation in official register.
2. Which cars are covered by the program in 2026
List of participating models "Auto Plus Choice Yes", updated quarterly. As of June 2026, it includes:
| Brand | Model | Minimum equipment | Max. price (rub.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| LADA | Granta, Vesta, XRAY, Niva Travel | Comfort | 1 800 000 |
| GAZ | Gazelle Next, Sobol | Standard | 2 500 000 |
| UAZ | Patriot, Pickup, Hunter | Classic | 2 800 000 |
| Moskvitch | 3, 3e (electro) | Base | 2 200 000 |
| Aurora | eTransit (electric bus) | — | 3 000 000 |
Please note: Even if the model is listed, the equipment must be at least as specified. For example, LADA Vesta in the basic version, “Standard” is not suitable - only “Comfort” and higher. Also, some dealers artificially inflate the price of options in order to meet the limit of 3 million rubles.
To check the current list, go to the Ministry of Industry and Trade website in the section "List of industrial goods" → "Motor vehicles". An alternative way is to request a certificate of model compliance with the program from the dealer (the document must be stamped and dated no older than 3 months).
If you do not find your model on the list, but the dealer assures that it is participating, request an official letter from the Ministry of Industry and Trade with confirmation. This often helps identify deception.
3. Step-by-step instructions: how to buy a car under the program
Purchasing process "Auto Plus Choice Yes" consists of 5 stages. Each of them has nuances that can deprive you of benefits.
- Selecting a Model and Dealer. Check that the car is in the register of the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the dealer is an official partner of the program (list on the manufacturer’s website).
- Loan pre-approval. Submit an application in one of authorized banks (Sberbank, VTB, Rosselkhozbank, etc.). Specify the purpose of the loan - “Participation in the subsidy program.”
- Conclusion of a purchase and sale agreement. The document must contain a note about participation in the “Auto Plus Choice Yes” program indicating the number of the agreement with the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
- Registration of a loan agreement. The bank must provide you with a copy of the rate subsidy agreement.
- Registration of a car with the traffic police. The car can be registered only after receiving a loan.
The most common mistake is signing a purchase and sale agreement before the loan is approved. In this case, you lose the right to the benefit, since the program is valid only when the transaction and loan are executed simultaneously.
The purchase and sale agreement contains the phrase “as part of the car loan subsidy program”|The loan agreement specifies a rate of 0.01–5% and a term of up to 36 months|The title indicates that the car is new and has not been used|The dealer provided a certificate of conformity of the model to the program-->
4. Hidden fees and pitfalls
In practice, the benefits of the program "Auto Plus Choice Yes" often eaten up by additional costs that dealers are silent about. Here's what to consider:
- 📄 CASCO: Banks oblige you to take out a policy for the full cost of the car. The average price is 80–120 thousand rubles per year. You cannot refuse, otherwise the loan will not be approved.
- 💳 Loan issue fee: Up to 3% of the amount (for example, 60 thousand rubles with a loan of 2 million).
- 🔧 Additional equipment: Dealers impose an alarm, tinting or crankcase protection, increasing the total amount.
- 📉 Loss of early repayment discount: If you close the loan ahead of schedule, the bank may require you to return part of the subsidy.
Calculation example for LADA Vesta Comfort worth 1.8 million rubles:
- Loan for 3 years at 0.01%: monthly payment ~50 thousand rubles.
- CASCO: +100 thousand rubles per year.
- Bank commission: +54 thousand rubles.
- Total overpayment: ~200 thousand rubles (instead of the promised “almost interest-free” conditions).
⚠️ Attention: If a dealer offers a 5-year loan “to reduce your monthly payment,” be aware that the reduced rate will only apply to the first 3 years. You pay the rest of the term at the standard rate (15–20% per annum).
How to bypass the mandatory CASCO insurance?
Some banks allow you to take out a policy for a minimum amount (for example, only for theft), but this is risky: in the event of an accident, you will be left without insurance. An alternative is to search for credit programs not linked to CASCO (for example, at Rosselkhozbank for rural residents).
5. Alternatives to the program: which is more profitable?
If you do not meet the conditions "Auto Plus Choice Yes" or want to buy a foreign car, consider alternative ways to save:
| Method | Benefit | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Trade-in | Discount up to 100 thousand rubles | Only when returning an old car |
| Leasing | Tax deduction for individual entrepreneurs, rate from 3% | The car is owned by a leasing company |
| Corporate discounts | Up to 15% at official dealers | Proof of employment required |
| Loyalty points | Discount up to 50 thousand rubles | Only for owners of cars of the same brand |
For example, if you own Toyota Camry and want to buy a new one, then use the loyalty program Toyota Financial Services you can get a discount of up to 70 thousand rubles without being tied to a loan. This is often more profitable than a preferential car loan with mandatory CASCO insurance.
Another option is to purchase through recycling fee auctions. Cars are sold there at a 20–30% discount, but require checking for legal purity (for example, through the service Autocode).
Before choosing a purchase method, compare the total cost of ownership (including insurance, commissions and overpayments on the loan). Often, “preferential” programs are more expensive than alternatives.
6. Documents for registration: complete list
To participate in "Auto Plus Choice Yes" The following documents will be required:
- 📋 Passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation (original + copy).
- 💳 SNILS and TIN (for checking credit history).
- 📊 Certificate of income (2-NDFL or according to the bank form).
- 🚗 Sales and purchase agreement with a note about the program.
- 📄 PTS and STS (for a new car - only PTS).
- 🏦 Subsidy application (to be filled out at the bank).
If you belong to a preferential category (large family, disabled person, veteran), additionally provide:
- 👨👩👧👦 Certificate of a large family.
- 🦽 Certificate of disability (if the car is adapted for PMG).
The bank has the right to request additional documents (for example, an extract from the Unified State Register of Real Estate). If you are not officially employed, you will need a guarantor or collateral.
If you have bad credit, get pre-approved from several banks. Some (for example, Rosselkhozbank) are more loyal to late payments.
7. Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Even if all conditions are met, buyers lose the right to benefits due to formal errors. Here are the most common:
- Buying a car from an unofficial dealer. The program is valid only in accredited salons. Check whether the dealer has an agreement with the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
- Changing the package after loan approval. If you add options that exceed the limit of 3 million rubles, the benefit will expire.
- Applying for a loan for a period of more than 3 years. Banks may offer to extend the term, but then the rate will rise to the market rate.
- Waiver of CASCO. Without a policy, the bank will not provide a subsidized loan.
- Trying to refinance a loan. Refinancing will cancel the benefit.
To avoid problems, follow the checklist:
Do not sign the purchase and sale agreement before the loan is approved|Do not change the equipment of the car after submitting the application|Do not agree to a loan for a period of more than 36 months|Check that the title is marked “new car”|Save all documents until the loan is fully repaid-->
If a bank or dealer refuses to provide a benefit without explanation, request a written refusal and contact Ministry of Industry and Trade or Central Bank of the Russian Federation.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
Is it possible to buy a car under the Auto Plus Choice Yes program on credit without a down payment?
No, the minimum down payment is 20% of the cost of the car. Some banks may reduce it to 10%, but then the preferential rate does not apply.
Can I participate in the program if I already have a car loan?
Yes, but only if you are not in arrears on your current loan. The bank will check your credit load: if payments on both loans exceed 50% of income, the benefit will be denied.
What should I do if the dealer refuses to provide a discount under the program?
Request a written refusal stating the reason. If the model is in the register of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and you meet the conditions, contact department with a complaint. Often dealers “forget” to mention the program in order to sell the car at full price.
Is it possible to sell a car purchased under the program before the loan is repaid?
Yes, but first you need to close the loan. In case of early repayment, the bank may require the return of part of the subsidy (up to 10% of the benefit amount).
Which banks are participating in the program in 2026?
List of partner banks: Sberbank, VTB, Rosselkhozbank, Promsvyazbank, Gazprombank, Alfa-Bank. Full list on the website Ministry of Industry and Trade.