Car rental companies that do not require a credit card

If you don’t have a credit card or don’t want to pay a deposit, you might still be able to hire a car to drive during your next trip. Read on to find out about your options.

Car hire without credit card

Having a credit card is not always an absolute requirement when hiring a car. Most major car hire companies will accept debit cards, however this might vary depending on the country and usually includes some restrictions when it comes to the type of car you can hire.

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, however you are usually still required to bring a credit or debit card to the counter when picking up the car.

Car hire with debit card – Policies of popular car rentals

If you’ve hired a car in the past, you already know that most car hire companies require you to use a credit card in the renter’s name when you pick up the vehicle. However, many people don’t have or want a credit card, so it’s helpful to know which car hire companies will allow you to rent a car with a debit card. Find out which car hire companies take debit cards and learn about their requirements to enjoy a stress-free travel experience.

Sixt Debit Card Policy

Sixt accepts debit card payments in the UK and most European countries, however make sure you check the rules of the country you’ll be in as a few, such as Ireland, still require a credit card. A debit card can only be used if it is issued in the name of the driver in their country of residence, and if it is valid throughout the car hire period. It must be presented at the Sixt desk when the car is picked up. In some locations, it is not possible to hire premium cars using a debit card.

Avis Car Rental Debit Card Policy

Avis Car Rental generally accepts debit card payments, however there are some exceptions to keep in mind. If you are hiring a premium vehicle in the UK, you might need to show both a debit card and a credit card at the counter when picking up the car. Prepaid cards can be used when booking online or to pay at the end of the hire period, but they always need to be presented with a non-prepaid card at the counter. The debit card must be issued in the driver’s name and must match the name on the driving licence.

Budget Car Rental Debit Card Policy

Budget Car Rental accepts debit card payment in some countries, but it is best to check the terms and conditions for your specific car hire location. American Express Travellers Cheque cards and Visa Electron debit cards are not accepted, nor are prepaid cards. If you are hiring a premium vehicle you might be required 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 all major debit cards, with the exception of Visa Electron, Maestro, Solo and prepaid cards. The debit card must be issued in the driver’s name. If you are looking at hiring a premium car or a 4×4, you will be required to use 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 issued in the driver’s name and must be presented at the counter with a valid driving licence. The driver must be present in person at the time of pick-up.

Car hire without deposit

In the majority of cases, a deposit is required if you want to hire a car. This deposit is used to cover any insurance excess that you might need to pay if the car is damaged during the car hire period. In very few cases, the deposit might be reduced or waived if you take on the car hire excess insurance policy offered by the car hire company itself.

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.

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.

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.

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 pick-up.

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