No matter where you rent with a debit card, expect to comply with one or more of the following requirements:
- Provide a bank-issued debit card with a Visa, Mastercard or Discover logo. Rental car companies are unlikely to accept prepaid cards.
- Pony up a deposit. If you pay with a debit card, you’ll be charged an additional deposit on top of the rental fee when you pick up your car. ...
- Provide extra identification. ...
- Offer proof of insurance. ...
- Undergo a credit check. ...
- Show a return ticket. ...
Full Answer
Can you rent a car with a prepaid credit card?
The answer is qualified yes, you can rent a car with a prepaid credit card, a secured credit card, a debit card or even cash.
Can you use a debit card to rent a car?
Yes, you can typically use a debit card, a prepaid card or even cash to rent a car. However, each rental company has its own rules about acceptable payment options – which often vary by location – and not paying by credit card often carries certain ramifications.
What is the best credit card to use to rent a car?
Types of card you can use to hire a car Mastercard and Visa credit cards are the most commonly accepted by rental companies. Prepaid, recharge or virtual credit cards are not usually accepted. Cards without raised or embossed characters have traditionally been rejected.
Who needs their own credit card to pick up a rental car?
The main driver needs their own credit card with them when they pick up a rental car – regardless of whose card, or what type of card, was used to pay for the car online beforehand.
Can I use a prepaid Visa card to rent a car?
Yes, you can typically use a debit card, a prepaid card or even cash to rent a car. However, each rental company has its own rules about acceptable payment options – which often vary by location – and not paying by credit card often carries certain ramifications.
Do rental car companies take prepaid debit cards?
In the United States and Canada, debit or check cards can be used at the end of the rental for payment of rental charges. Prepaid debit/gift cards are also accepted as a form of payment at time of car return.
Does Hertz accept prepaid credit cards?
Hertz will not accept debit cards or prepaid cash cards as a form of payment or guarantee at the time of reservation, or time of pickup. You must present a valid and accepted charge card mentioned above, at the beginning of the rental. Debit cards may be used for payment upon return.
Which rental car company does not require a credit card?
Which rental car companies do not require a credit card? All of the major U.S. rental car companies have non-credit card payment options at certain rental locations, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, SIXT, Thrifty, and Turo.
Which rental car companies allow you to use a debit card?
Car rental companies that accept debit cardEnterprise. Debit cards are accepted in the US, Puerto Rico and Canada (non-airport locations only). ... Dollar. Dollar changed its debit card policy in 2019 to make it easier for customers to pay debit. ... Alamo. ... Avis. ... Budget. ... Sixt. ... National. ... Hertz.
Do Hertz take debit cards?
You must pay Hertz for all charges with a credit, Visa/Mastercard debit or charge card that is accepted at the pick up location (Card) or by cash.
Does Enterprise have a pay Now option?
Rent a vehicle now and save. with our pay now option. Select any vehicle and save up to 10% off with our pay now option.
How much does Avis hold on credit card?
Generally, at the time of rental, we'll require a credit card hold of total estimated charges or $200 USD, whichever is greater. If you have prepaid with a debit card, the hold is only $100 USD. A prepaid charge card is not accepted for this required hold.
Can I use my cash app card to rent a car?
You can only rent a car with a Cash App card if the rental company accepts Visa debit cards. If they do, you will also need to provide three forms of identification, plus two forms that will verify your address such as bills or bank statements.
Does Avis require a credit check?
Avis Rent a Car Avis requires a car rental credit check when paying with a debit card. It's done at the time of rental. You'll also have a hold placed on your account for the estimated charges of the rental.
Does enterprise require a credit check?
Enterprise rent-a-car This agency based in the US too does not require a credit check but their requirements are as follows; You must be at least 21 to rent a car, and at least 18 if you are working for the government. You can pay for the car using your debit card too. Cash payment is accepted after the car is returned.
Can you use someone else's credit card to rent a car?
The renter of the vehicle must be present to sign the rental agreement and provide their credit card at the time of pick up. The renter cannot provide a credit or debit card belonging to someone else for their use.
Can I use a prepaid card at Enterprise?
Enterprise accepts pre-paid gift cards with a Visa®, Mastercard® or American Express® logo as a form of payment at the end of a rental. We do not accept gift cards at the beginning of the rental*. Payment is never required when making a reservation.
Why do some companies not accept prepaid cards?
There are a number of possible reasons why a purchase could be declined: You don't have enough money left on your card. You haven't activated or registered your card. The address you gave to make an online or phone purchase is different from the address you have on file with your prepaid card provider.
Can I use my cash app card to rent a car?
You can only rent a car with a Cash App card if the rental company accepts Visa debit cards. If they do, you will also need to provide three forms of identification, plus two forms that will verify your address such as bills or bank statements.
Does Turo accept prepaid debit cards?
Verifying your payment card To book a car on Turo, you must have a current, eligible payment card listed on your account. We accept credit and debit cards but don't accept prepaids cards, except for Revolut. When you request to book a trip, we send your payment card information to your bank.
Do car rental agencies offer prepaid discounts?
Yes, several rental car agencies offer prepaid car rental discounts.
How do I take advantage of prepaid car rental discounts?
We automatically apply prepaid car rental discounts in our booking engine to help you get the best price. Use CarRentalSavers.com/Prepaid to automa...
Why use CarRentalSavers.com for your prepaid car rental?
We are the car rental specialists and only do car rentals. We show multiple rental companies and build in prepaid discounts so you can compare savi...
What does it mean to have a credit card?
1.) Having a credit card actually means u have a line of credit with the bank and not just money sitting in the bank. Kind-of proves that you have been verified before.
Do you need a rental agency to accept a rental?
You will need to find a rental agency who will accept it.
Can you use a credit card with an authorized user?
If they are an authorized user they are able to use your credit card just like anyone else (unless the credit card company allowed you to put limits on what an authorized user can do). Nothing would stop them from renting a car with your card, the rental company will simply look at it as a card and person who has permission to use it.
Can you rent a car with your dad's credit card?
The only way is if you and your dad share the same name. I have used my Dad's credit card multiple times while using my own ID/DL to rent a car. There is no way for the rental company to know the details of your bank account. As long as the names match. Believe me I know from experience. That's it end of story!
Do rental companies require a driver's license?
Every rental company (at least the major national chains) will require the name on the driver's license and credit card to match .
How old do you have to be to rent a car?
For starters, many of them require you to be at least 25 years old and will run a credit check before allowing you to rent a car. Companies such as Avis also restrict the type of vehicle you can rent, with high-end options being off limits.
How much back can you get on a restaurant card?
Plus, earn up to $100 back in statement credits for eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants with your card within the first 3 months of membership.
Does Hertz accept cash?
Some Enterprise locations accept cash and money orders for final payments only, while others allow you to secure a rental this way. Hertz accepts prepaid cards for final payment only. You still need to provide a credit or debit card at check-in to secure your rental.
Does Budget accept debit cards?
Budget accepts debit cards for reservation if you’re at least 25 years old. There are some locations that won’t allow debit payment, so be sure to confirm this ahead of time. As with other rental agencies, you’ll need to account for a refundable security deposit of at least $100 when paying with your debit card.
Can I use a debit card to rent a car at Avis?
Avis has quite a few restrictions when it comes to renting a car with a debit card. While you can pay for the rental with a debit card , some locations will still require you to present a credit card to secure a rental. For example, Avis locations in the Tri-State area, Philadelphia, Mississippi, Louisiana and Hartford, CT do not accept debit cards.
Do rental car companies accept debit cards?
Rental car companies that accept debit cards. Most of the major rental car companies will accept debit cards in place of a credit card. There are a few caveats to be aware of. For starters, many of them require you to be at least 25 years old and will run a credit check before allowing you to rent a car.
Can you add additional drivers to National Car Rental?
When renting with a debit card, National won’t allow you to add additional drivers to the reservation, which can be an inconvenience if you’re taking a long road trip. Related: Your points, miles and loyalty guide to National Car Rental.
How long does a car hold on credit card?
Longer Hold: If you reserve a car with your credit card but settle the final bill with a different card or other form of payment, the hold will remain on the initial card you used for up to 15 days because the card issuer won’t know the transaction has been finalized. Always try to pay with the same card.
Why do rental companies require security deposit?
They do this in order to protect the company in case a customer absconds with or damages one of their rental cars .With that being said, each rental company has its own rules in terms of acceptable payment options, and not paying by credit card often requires a security deposit of some form as well.
Is a debit card more restrictive than a credit card?
Debit Holds are More Restrictive: A hold on your credit card generally is less worrisome than a hold on your debit card unless you’re near your credit limit. That’s because a hold on your debit card is placed on your actual money, not just a portion of your credit line that you may never use.
Do car rental companies check credit?
Credit Check for the Credit-less: Many car rental companies make it a policy to check the credit of customers who do not pay by credit card, as this enables them to evaluate the trustworthiness of customers who may have less readily available collateral to put down.
Do you need a security deposit for a car rental?
Expect to Place a Security Deposit: The reason a credit card is the preferred method of reserving a rental car, and cash is not sufficient, is that the rental companies require a form of payment on which they can place a hold for the cost of the rental, plus $100 - $300 to cover incidentals. They do this in order to protect the company in case a customer absconds with or damages one of their rental cars.With that being said, each rental company has its own rules in terms of acceptable payment options, and not paying by credit card often requires a security deposit of some form as well.
What happens when you rent a car with a credit card?
When you rent a car using any debit or credit card, the rental car company puts an authorization hold on your card. This hold essentially makes part of your credit limit unavailable until you return the car and the final transaction is settled. This security deposit ensures the rental car company gets reimbursed for your rental fee, any damage to the rental vehicle, and additional fuel charges.
Do you need a credit card to rent a car?
Most rental car companies require a credit card to rent a car. If you’re trying to build (or rebuild) your credit with a secured credit card, you may be wondering: can you rent a car with a secured credit card?
Is there a better way to pay for a rental car?
Each of the major rental companies has different payment policies. Credit cards — even secured credit cards — are the preferred method of payment. Here’s a look at some other payment options.
Do rental companies accept debit cards?
Debit cards. Most rental companies accept debit cards, but they may require a credit check and place a higher authorized hold on your account. You may also need to show another form of ID, such as a utility statement or passport and a return travel ticket (airline or cruise) with an itinerary that coincides with your rental dates.
Do car rental companies accept cash?
Cash. Very few car rental companies accept cash at the time you pick up your car. Dollar, Hertz, and Thrifty do, but be prepared to start the process well before your rental date and jump through some extra hoops. All three companies require customers paying with cash to apply for a Cash Deposit Identification Card by mail, pay a non-refundable $15 processing fee, and undergo a credit check. The process takes around 30 days. Most rental companies allow you to reserve and rent the car with a secured credit card, then pay the final bill in cash when you return the car but call ahead to be sure.
Do rental car companies check credit?
Some rental car companies check credit as part of the reservation process, which puts a hard inquiry on your credit report. The impact of one hard inquiry on a credit score varies from person to person based on their overall credit history, but according to myFICO [1],
Will renting a car with a secured credit card hurt my credit?
Now you may be asking: how much will a secured credit card raise my score when renting a car? Renting a car with a secured credit card can potentially hurt your credit, although the impact is minimal and short-lived.
Why do you need a credit card to rent a car?
Why you need a credit card to rent a car. If a rental car is in an accident, the repairs could end up costing the rental company more than the security deposit every renter leaves when they pick up the key. And if the renter gets a parking ticket, a speeding ticket, or a fine for not paying a toll, for example, ...
How to hire a car if you don't have a credit card?
There are three ways to hire a car if you only have a debit card: Compare car hire companies online and look for one that will accept a debit card for the deposit. Rentalcars.com has a filter to help you see companies that take debit cards.
How to buy extra insurance for rental car?
Buy extra cover from the rental company when you get to the counter. Most rental companies will sell optional extra cover, which avoids the need to leave a security deposit. They should accept a debit card for this, as long as it’s in the main driver’s name. The cost of this cover can be considerable. To find out more about rental car insurance, see Insuring your rental .
What credit cards do rental companies use?
Mastercard and Visa credit cards are the most commonly accepted by rental companies. Prepaid, recharge or virtual credit cards are not usually accepted. Cards without raised or embossed characters have traditionally been rejected. However, these cards are becoming more common, and some rental companies now accept them.
Can a rental company take money from a debit card?
If the renter used a debit card for the deposit, the rental company might find there’s not enough money in the renter’s bank account to cover the bill. But with a credit card, the rental company can be more confident they’ll be able to take the money (as long as the card-holder's credit limit isn’t exceeded).
Do rental companies take credit cards?
This is why rental companies tend to take credit cards, but not debit cards, for deposits: in case a repair bill ends up being bigger than the security deposit, or a fine doesn’t show up until months later. If the renter used a debit card for the deposit, the rental company might find there’s not enough money in the renter’s bank account ...
Can you use a security deposit on a credit card?
Rental car security deposits and credit card interest charges. Rental companies often ‘hold’, ‘block’ or ‘pre-authorise’ the security deposit on a credit card, rather than actually charging the amount. This means that while the deposit is held, you will not be able to use that part of your credit allowance.
What happens when you rent a car over?
When the car rental is over, the held funds will be reversed and released, but keep in mind that banks may take time to post them back to the account.
Is Avis responsible for checks?
Avis is not responsible for any returned checks or overdrafts based on this policy.
Do you need a credit card to rent a car with Avis?
At all U.S. and Canada locations, renters must present a credit card at the time of rental for all cars in the Avis Select Series and for certain other premium vehicles. Debit cards are not acceptable to pick up premium car rentals.
Does Avis accept debit cards?
Yes, most U.S. Avis locations accept debit cards with the Visa or MasterCard logo as credit identification at the time of rental if you are at least 25. A hold is usually placed on the funds in your account for at least the estimated cost of the rental. Some vehicle types cannot be rented if you present a debit card instead of a credit card.
Does Avis have a split payment option?
Avis also offers a split billing payment option which provides billing flexibility. Customers may split their rental charges on two separate credit/debit cards. In addition, corporate customers have the ability to charge counter products, optional services that are not covered as a company expense to a personal credit card. ...
Which companies allow rental cars on debit cards?
Major rental car companies, including Avis, Budget, Enterprise and Hertz, all permit rentals on a debit card. But it’s important to read the fine print.
What happens if you don't have a credit card for a rental car?
What’s more, if you don’t have a credit card, it signals to rental companies that you could be a credit risk.
How old do you have to be to rent with a debit card?
Even after jumping through all the hoops to rent with a debit card, you may face other restrictions as well. For instance, you may have to be 25 or older to rent with a debit card.
How much to pony up a deposit on a car rental?
Typically, this involves placing a hold of $200 or more on the account tied to your card. Provide extra identification.
What is secondary rental car insurance?
Secondary rental car insurance up to the actual cash value of the car for theft or collision damage
How much insurance does a secondary rental car have?
Secondary rental car insurance (meaning you will have to file a claim) including $5,000 if injured in an accident, up to $300,000 in death or dismemberment coverage, $1,000 per person to a max of $2,000 in lost or stolen property and $75,000 for theft or damage to the car.
Do credit cards cover rental cars?
While credit cards typically provide some insurance coverage for a rental car, debit cards do not . That means you may have to show that you have sufficient coverage or purchase more from the rental company. Undergo a credit check.
Why don't rental car companies use debit cards?
Many rental car companies prefer not to let customers use debit cards because it increases the risk they take on when renting to you. Unlike a credit card, a debit card only has as much money on it as you put in your bank account.
What happens if you use a debit card for a rental car?
This protects them, ensuring that the money is available if necessary.
Which rental companies allow debit cards?
Some major rental companies will allow debit card rentals at select locations, including: Alamo 2. Avis 3. Budget 4. Enterprise 5. Hertz 6. Not every location these companies own will allow rentals with debit cards, and the additional requirements you'll have to meet will vary by company.
Do you need a credit check to rent a car?
A credit check might be required before you are allowed to rent with a debit card. If your score is too low, you might not be able to rent the car.
Do credit cards cover rental cars?
Remember, while credit cards typically cover damage to rental vehicles, debit cards do not , so you might want (or be required) to purchase additional coverage .
Are There Restrictions When I Rent With a Debit Card?
Whether or not there are restrictions on your rental for using a debit card depends on the rental car company and location. Make sure you check the website of the specific location you’re headed to, not just the national site, so there are no surprises.
Rental Car Companies That Accept Debit Cards
Rent A Car with A Prepaid Card
- Enterprise and Hertz both allow you to use a prepaid cardto pay for your rental car. Some Enterprise locations accept cash and money orders for final payments only, while others allow you to secure a rental this way. Hertz accepts prepaid cards for final payment only. You still need to provide a credit or debit card at check-in to secure your renta...
FAQ
- Which rental car company does not require a credit card?
Most of the major rental car companies allow you to book and pay for your rental car without a credit card. Accepted payment methods include debit cards, while a few will allow cash and money orders for payment. All of the following accept debit cards: 1. Alamo 2. Avis 3. Budget 4. … - Can you use a prepaid card to book a rental car?
Some rental car companies accept prepaid cards. Hertz accepts prepaid cards for final payments only while some Enterprise locations allow you to secure a rental car booking this way. Related: 10 best ways to redeem your points and miles for a car rental
Bottom Line
- Renting a car without a credit card is possible, although you’ll forego important protections and deal with a few hassles. If you’re traveling domestically, for example, you may not always have two forms of government ID on hand. If you’re booking an expensive rental, you’ll need to contend with having the entire cost plus a security deposit withdrawn from your checking account. Lastly…