It’s tough and you forfeit benefits, but it’s possible.
When I rent a car, I pay for it with a credit card that offers bank points and primary rental car insurance coverage. But not everyone has a credit card, or sometimes situations arise that leave us without one. If this is you, take a breath—it is possible to rent a car without a credit card.
True, you’ll face a few hurdles: additional ID requirements, limitations on the cars you can book, perhaps a credit check. Here’s what you need to know about renting a car without a credit card.
Rental car companies that accept debit cards
Most of the major rental car companies will accept debit cards in lieu of a credit card, with a few caveats. First, many require you to be at least 25 years old. Second, many will run a credit check. Third, companies such as Avis restrict the type of vehicle you can rent, with high-end options being off-limits. Be sure to check the individual rental company requirements before booking with a debit card.
Alamo
Alamo accepts debit cards at airport rental counters if you provide proof of return travel and agree to pay a $200 refundable deposit.
Avis
Avis has a number of restrictions when it comes to renting a car with a debit card.
These rules apply to all locations:
-Renters must be at least 25 years old
-Credit check required
-No rentals from the Avis Select Series
In addition, some locations require you to present a credit card to secure a rental. And others—including locations in the Tri-State area, Philadelphia, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Hartford, CT—don’t accept debit cards at all.
Budget
Budget accepts debit cards for rentals if you’re at least 25 years old. There are some locations that won’t allow debit payment, so be sure to confirm beforehand. As with other rental agencies, you’ll need to put up a refundable security deposit of at least $100 when paying with a debit card.
Dollar
Dollar doesn’t require a credit check and the company accepts debit cards for non-premium or luxury rentals as long as you book your car 24 hours before pick-up. (You can circumvent this latter requirement by presenting a valid ID and proof of return travel.) You will, however, be charged the entire cost of your rental upfront, along with a $200 deposit.
Enterprise
Enterprise allows you to rent a car with a debit card at airport locations if you have proof of return travel and are able to cover the entire cost plus a $200 deposit. You won’t be able to add additional drivers, although your spouse or partner is allowed to drive the vehicle.
Some non-airport locations don’t accept debit cards; and the ones that do may ask for copies of your utility bill, a recent paystub, proof of insurance, and references. You’ll also need to pay the full cost of the rental up front, along with a deposit that can take up to 20 days to refund.
Hertz
Hertz allows you to rent a car with your debit card if it’s saved to your Hertz account profile. The rental location may also run a credit check. At airport locations, you’ll also need to provide two forms of valid ID and proof of return travel. If you don’t meet this criteria, you can still pay for your rental with a debit card if you present a credit card at check-in. As Hertz charges a deposit ranging from $900-$2,000, you may not want these funds (temporarily) withdrawn from your checking account.
National
National accepts debit cards for rentals made at airport locations with proof of return travel, plus an up-front payment for the entire rental plus a $200 deposit. You can’t add additional drivers to the reservation.
Sixt
Sixt accepts debit cards for car rentals under 28 days if you choose the “Pay Later” option during booking and present two forms of ID. If you’re a non-local, you won’t be able to rent premium and luxury cars and you must provide proof of return travel at airport locations. If you’re a local renter, Sixt requires you to present a copy of a recent utility bill that matches the address on your driver’s license.
Thrifty
Thrifty accepts debit cards if you book your reservation at least 24 hours in advance. You’ll need two forms of ID and proof of return travel, along with up-front payment for the entire rental plus a $200 refundable deposit. If you’re a member of Thrifty’s Blue Chip rewards program, the $200 deposit is waived, assuming you’ve added your debit card to your online profile.
Renting a car with a prepaid card, cash, or money order
Hertz accepts prepaid cards for final payments only. (You will still need to provide a credit or debit card at check-in to secure the rental.)
Some Enterprise locations allow you to secure a rental car booking with a prepaid cards; others allow you to secure the whole rental.
Keep in mind using a prepaid card, ash, or money order may not work abroad, where acceptance of prepaid cards is very limited.
Some Enterprise locations accept cash and money orders (for final payments only).
Dollar accepts cash for car rentals in most states if you
-are at least 20 years old,
-complete the Cash Deposit ID Card application,
-pay a $15 processing fee.
(Note: It can take 30 days to process the application, so be sure to plan in advance.)
In all instances, you’ll still need to secure the reservation with a debit or credit card.
Should you use a debit or prepaid card to rent a car?
Even if you can use a debit or prepaid card to rent a car, there are some significant downsides.
-You’ll often have to pay a security deposit that may take weeks to be refunded.
-You may have to undergo a credit check and provide at least two forms of ID.
Most importantly, you’ll forego primary rental coverage, which is something you either buy or obtain as a benefit when using certain credit cards to pay for the rental. Without primary coverage, if you end up in an accident the claim will have to be processed through your own insurance, which often results in higher premiums. I don’t think this trade-off is worthwhile, and don’t recommend renting a car with a debit or prepaid card unless it’s your only option.
Twist’s Take: Renting a car without a credit card is possible, although you’ll have more hurdles to clear and may forego important benefits and protections.
