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Don’t have a credit card or don’t want to pay a car rental deposit? You might still be able to hire a car to drive during your next trip. Read on to find out about your options.
Can you hire a car without a credit card?
You don’t always need a credit card to rent a car. Many major car hire companies will now accept debit cards, though it varies depending on the country. This often includes some restrictions when it comes to the type of car you can hire, too.
In a few cases, you might be able to use a prepaid card if you’re hiring the car online or if you pay at the end of the hire period. But you’ll likely still need to bring a credit or debit card to the counter when collecting the car.
If you’re travelling with someone who has a credit card, consider asking them to rent the car and adding you as a driver. This will help bypass some of the restrictions around using just a debit card.
Car hire with a debit card – popular car rental policies
Typically, car hire companies will ask for a credit card in the renter’s name when you collect your vehicle. To save hassle at the rental counter, it’s helpful to know which companies you can hire a car from with a debit card.
Avis Car Rental debit card policy
Avis Car Rental generally accepts debit card payments, albeit with some exceptions to keep in mind. If you’re hiring a premium vehicle in the UK, you might need to show both debit card and credit card when picking up the car.
You can use a prepaid card to book online or to pay at the end of the hire period, but you’ll also need a non-prepaid card at the counter. The debit card must be in the driver’s name and match the name on the driving licence.
Budget Car Rental debit card policy
Budget Car Rental accepts debit card payment in some countries, so check your car hire location before booking. It doesn’t accept American Express Travellers Cheque cards, Visa Electron debit cards or prepaid cards.
If you’re hiring a premium vehicle you might need to show two payment cards at the counter. The driver’s name must be on the debit card and should match the name on the driving licence.
Enterprise debit card policy
Enterprise accepts car hire payment with major debit cards except Visa Electron, Maestro and Solo. Nor does it accept prepaid cards. As always, the debit card must be in the driver’s name. If you want to hire a premium car or 4×4, you’ll have to have a credit card.
Hertz debit card policy
Hertz accepts debit card payments in about ten countries across Europe, including the UK, France, Belgium and Italy. The debit card must be in the driver’s name and presented at the counter with a valid driving licence. The driver must be present in person at the time of pickup.
Go to the Hertz debit card policy for a specific location for more information – just select the location you want and then ‘Forms of payment’.
Car hire with no deposit
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Car hire without credit card – FAQs
Yes, depending on the location and car hire company, you might be able to book a car rental without a credit card. You can do this by paying for your car hire using a debit card, or in a few cases, using a prepaid card.
The deposit is a requirement when hiring a car from the majority of companies. In very few cases, the deposit might be reduced or even waived if car hire excess insurance is included in your hire agreement.
Most major car hire companies accept debit card payments, including SIXT, Avis, Budget, Enterprise and Hertz. Keep in mind that the debit card policy is location dependent, so make sure you check the terms and conditions of the local branch you’re hiring from.
Some car hire companies will accept cash payments, however, don’t assume you’ll be able to book the car rental with no credit card. A credit or debit card is still required for the deposit due at the time of pickup.
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