Car Rental With Debit Card It becomes a bit tricky when you want to rent a car with a debit card instead of a credit card. However, it is possible and can be quite convenient for those who want to manage their expenses directly from their bank accounts. Here’s everything you need to know about renting a car with a debit card.
Can You Use a Car Rental With Debit Card?
Yes, you can rent a car with a debit card, but it comes with challenges. You may need to pay a deposit, show extra ID, or go through a credit check. Companies often offer limited car types like economy models, and age restrictions are also there. Every rental company and location has different rules, so it is important to check before you make any decision. Enterprise and Hertz accept prepaid cards for final payments, while some Enterprise branches take cash or money orders. Hertz only accepts prepaid cards at checkout.
Note: These options may not be available internationally as prepaid cards do not work in every country.
Consider Some Common Factors While Renting A Car With a Debit Card
Extra Paperwork: Car rental companies might ask you for more ID and proof of travel if you use a debit card. Each company has its own rules, so check carefully.
Hold on Funds: When you use a debit card for a car rental, the rental company might temporarily take some extra money from your account. This is called a “hold.” For example, Dollar might hold an extra $500 to make sure you have enough money for the rental.
Car Choices: You can usually rent a car with a debit card, but there might be limited options of car for you to choose from. Fancy cars like convertibles might not be an option.
Credit Check: When you use a debit card to rent a car, some companies will check your credit score. Not all companies do this, so it is a good idea to ask them first to know about the checking.
Prepaid Cards: You cannot use prepaid cards to book a rental car, but many companies accept them for paying at the end of your rental.
Popular Car Rental Companies That Accept Debit Cards
Avis
You can use debit cards for car rentals from Avis, but there are some important rules to follow. You need to be at least 25 years old (or 18 in New York) and have enough money in your linked Visa or Mastercard debit card account when you pick up the car. Avis might place a hold on these funds if needed. They require credit cards if you rent premium cars. You can use several credit cards, including Avis Charge Card, American Express, AT&T Capital, China Union Pay, Diners Club International, Discover, JCB, MasterCard, and Visa. Contact Avis directly to know the specific policies at different locations.
Budget
At Budget car rental, you can use a debit card to rent a car, but it depends on the location. You can pay with a debit card when you return the car, along with credit cards or cash. Not all Budget car rental locations allow you to use a debit card when you first get the car. It is best to call them and check all the payment policies for the specific location you plan to rent from. Following this process will help you avoid any surprises and make sure about how to pay for your rental without using a credit card.
Dollar
The next is the Dollar. It is a popular car rental company that lets you pay with a debit card while renting a car. You can book a car 24 hours in advance using just your debit card and driver’s license. If you book later, you will also need another ID and proof of return travel. Dollar is one of the few rental agencies that accepts cash, but you must apply for a Cash Deposit ID Card in advance, which takes about 30 days. They also accept various credit cards like American Express, MasterCard, and Visa. Visit their website to learn more about the process.
Enterprise
Enterprise allows you to rent a car with a debit card at airports if you show proof of your return flight. However, renting with a debit card at non-airport locations can be more difficult. They might ask for proof of insurance, utility bills, and personal references. Enterprise does not accept cash but takes Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and JCP (Japan Credit Bureau) credit cards. Call them to know exactly what is needed when you rent a car with debit cards from Enterprise.
Hertz
You can use a Visa or Mastercard debit card to pay when you return your rental car to Hertz. When you pick up the car, you must have a credit card to cover the security deposit. You can use cards, like Hertz Charge Card, American Express, Visa, Mastercard, or Diners Club. Hertz accepts cash in special cases, such as bookings through an insurance company. It is important to understand Hertz’s payment rules to avoid all future problems.
Alamo
You can use Visa, Mastercard, and Discover debit cards, but only those issued in the U.S. when you rent a car from Alamo. At the airport location, you need to show a confirmed return travel plan and your driver’s license address must match your current home address. If you do not have a return ticket, you will need a credit card plus a refundable deposit of $300 to $400. Only spouses or domestic partners can be added as extra drivers. It’s best to confirm these details directly before you make any deal.
National
National Car Rental also accepts debit cards at pickup locations. For airport rentals, you need to show a confirmed return travel plan. Without it, you will need to pay a $300 to $400 refundable deposit and a credit card for rental fees. Your driver’s license details must match your current address, and only spouses or domestic partners can be additional drivers. It is important to verify these requirements directly with National before booking for a smooth rental process and to avoid any unexpected charges or complications when you pick up your car.
Sixt
At Sixt, you can use a debit card to pay for renting a car at most of their locations, but this option is mainly available if you’re renting the car for at least 28 days or longer. The card must be in the driver’s name, and you need two proofs of ID at pickup. Some types of vehicles might not be available for renting with a debit card. So, there are other specific rules and conditions to follow for those. If you are renting a car from Sixt and you live in the same state as the rental location, you cannot use a debit card at airport locations (and sometimes even at downtown locations). And, if you are from out of state, you can rent from airport locations, but you will need to show proof that you will go back. Locals might rent from non-airport spots, but they will need a bill from the last month as proof of residency. Always check these rules before you rent a car from Sixt.
Thrifty
You can use a debit card at Thrifty to rent a car but they will check your credit history for this. At airports, you will need proof of your return trip and two IDs. They will place a hold on your card for an amount that covers the rental fees plus an additional $500 deposit. This deposit will be temporary. You will not be able to spend until you have the rental car.
Note: If you are a loyal member of Thrifty’s Blue Chip program and you have a Visa debit card linked to your account, you do not need to pay the usual $500 deposit when renting a car.
Why do Companies Prefer Credit Cards, Not Debit Cards?
When you use a debit card to rent a car, you need to be there to enter your PIN for any charges. This means if there are extra costs like toll fees or fines after you return the car, the rental company cannot charge your debit card. But with a credit card, they can bill these expenses even if you are not around. This is why credit cards are safer for car rentals. If you use a debit card and there are extra charges later (like for damages or tolls), the rental company might have to pay those costs if you do not have a credit card. This can make them worry about whether you can pay these additional fees or not.
Benefits Of Using Credit Cards To Rent Cars
Better Insurance Coverage
Renting a car with a credit card can offer better insurance coverage compared to using a debit card. Credit cards can offer more insurance coverage than rental companies. If you say no to the rental company’s collision damage waiver, your credit card may still protect you against theft, damage, injuries, and even death. They often offer higher coverage limits than rental companies. But, it is important to understand if your credit card offers primary or secondary insurance. Secondary insurance means you must first file a claim with your own insurance company if there is an accident. Primary insurance from your credit card covers you directly without involving your insurance first.
Higher Status In Rental Car Rewards Programs
Renting a car with a credit card can offer many advantages, like higher status in rental car rewards programs. Certain credit cards can boost your rank in their rewards program with car rental companies, giving you special benefits and discounts. For example, The Platinum Card from American Express gives you special perks like better cars with Avis and an extra four hours to return your Hertz rental car without extra charges. It also automatically gives you Emerald Club Executive status at National Car Rental. This means you get special benefits and upgrades without having to rent cars often or spend a lot of money.
Extra Reward Points Or Miles
Renting a car with a credit card can earn you more rewards like points or miles for travel purchases. Some credit cards give you extra points when you use them to book cars or hotels. For example, cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card give you 10 points for every dollar you spend on these things. This means you can get more rewards quickly that you can use for future travel or other things you want.
Tips for Renting
To ensure a smooth experience when renting with a debit card:
- Rental Requirements: You must verify the specific requirements of the rental company regarding debit card use.
- Necessary Documentation: Keep your driver’s license, proof of insurance (if required), and any other documents ready.
- Understand the Terms: Read the rental agreement carefully to understand fees, deposit policies, and other terms.
Conclusion
Car Rental With Debit Card offers flexibility and convenience, allowing you to manage your expenses. You must understand the requirements of rental companies and the necessary documentation to enjoy the freedom of traveling without the need for a credit card. Always remember to inquire about any additional fees and policies to get a hassle-free rental experience. Whether for business or vacation, renting with a debit card can be a practical choice for many travelers.
