Don’t have a credit card or don’t want to pay a car rental deposit? Many companies will let you hire a car without a credit card by using a debit card instead. Read on to find out about your options.
In this article.
Can you hire a car without a credit card?
Popular car rental companies that don’t require a credit card.
Requirements and restrictions
Debit card hold
Car hire with no deposit
FAQs
Can you hire a car without a credit card?
Some companies allow drivers to rent a car without a credit card. Many major car hire companies accept debit cards, though this varies by country.
In a few cases, you might be able to use a prepaid card if you’re hiring the car online or paying 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.
Popular car rental companies that don’t require a credit card.
If you don’t have a credit card, or would just prefer to use your debit card, try hiring a car from one of these companies.
| Car rental company | Accepts debit card? | Type of debit card |
|---|---|---|
| SIXT | Yes* | VISA, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club |
| Avis | Yes* | Visa and MasterCard |
| Budget | Yes* | Visa, MasterCard or Maestro |
| Entrerprise | Yes* | All major cards except Maestro & Electron |
| Hertz | Yes* | Visa, MasterCard, Discover |
*Debit card policies can vary depending on the location. We recommend checking with your pick-up location in advance to confirm whether your card will be accepted.
Use the ‘supplier’ filter on KAYAK to search for car rentals from these companies and book a car without a credit card.
SIXT debit card policy.
SIXT accepts debit card payments in the UK and in many European countries. Make sure you check the rules of the country you’ll be in as some, like Ireland, still require a credit card.
You can only use a debit card issued in the driver’s name in their country of residence and valid throughout the car hire period. Present it at the SIXT desk when picking up the car.
Avis Car Rental debit card policy.
Avis Car Rental generally accepts debit card payments, though there are some exceptions. If you’re hiring a premium vehicle in the UK, you might need to show two credit cards 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 debit or credit card at the counter. The 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.
Enterprise debit card policy.
Enterprise accepts car hire payment with major debit cards, except Visa Electron, Maestro or prepaid cards. If you want to hire a premium car or 4×4, you’ll need 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. 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’.
Requirements and restrictions for hiring a car without a credit card.
If you want to hire a car without a credit card, you’ll typically need to meet the following conditions:
- Debit card must be in the main driver’s name: The card must match the name on your driving licence and be valid for the entire time you need the car.
- Money in your account for rental plus deposit: Your account must have enough to cover both the hire cost and the security deposit, which will be held until the car is returned.
- Pickup documents: You’ll need to be present at the pickup and have your debit card, a valid driving licence, and booking confirmation with you.
- Vehicle limits: Premium, SUV and elite-class vehicles are usually not available for hire with a debit card alone.
- Excluded card types: Prepaid cards, Visa Electron, Maestro, and virtual-only cards are commonly not accepted at the counter.
How debit card holds work.
If you use a debit card, the deposit is held as a block on your account rather than a charge. This means that, in most cases, the funds are unavailable for spending, but they haven’t actually been withdrawn from your account. The amount held can be significant, sometimes several hundred pounds, depending on the vehicle type.
How long does it take for funds to be released?
After you return the car, the rental company releases the deposit hold. However, the time it takes for funds to become available again depends on your bank. This can range from a few days to up to two weeks. If you’re relying on those funds for other travel expenses, factor in this delay when planning your budget.
Car hire with no deposit.
In the majority of cases, rental companies won’t let you rent a car with no deposit (especially if you are using a debit card.) The deposit is there to cover any insurance excess you might need to pay if the rental car suffers damage.
When deposits may be reduced.
In some cases, the rental company may reduce the deposit payment if you take on their own car hire excess insurance policy. Purchasing additional coverage can lower the excess amount, thereby reducing the deposit held on your card.
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FAQs
Yes, depending on the location and car hire company, you can hire a car without a credit card. Most major rental companies accept debit cards as an alternative, though you may face restrictions on vehicle types and will need sufficient funds for the deposit.
A deposit is required when hiring a car from most companies. In very few cases, the deposit might be reduced 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 card. A credit or debit card is still required for the deposit due at pickup.
The post Car hire without a credit card: your options. appeared first on KAYAK Blog UK.
