Renting Cars Without a Credit Card

Traditionally renting a car meant that only those with a reliable and established credit history were able to access car rentals. Credit cards were required in order to even reserve a car for rental and those looking to rent a car who lacked a credit card were often turned away. However since many debit cards are also on the same processor as the major credit cards some car rental agencies do allow debit card holders to use the debit card to make a deposit on the rental and pay with the card for the rental fees.

Contact the car rental company before going to rent a car. Ask them about the possibility of using a debit card instead of a credit card to rent the vehicle with. If possible you want to utilize a debit card that has a Visa, MasterCard, or American Express imprint on it as these companies process both credit cards and debit cards.

If the card rental company does accept debit cards pay attention carefully to the additional requirements they may demand to accept debit instead of credit. These requirements may include a minimum age requirement, additional forms of ID along with the required driver's license, and a recent pay stub. Each car rental agency is different in terms of what they will request.

Ensure that the checking account linked to your debit card has sufficient funds in it before going to the car rental company. Note that you may need to have more than the actual rental cost in the account due to "holding," a process where a company or merchant "holds" a certain amount of money until the debit clears or the rental is returned in good condition. If you are unsure if you have sufficient funds you should inquire with the car rental company in advance to see what the "hold" amount will be.

Contact your bank that issued the debit card if you will be getting the car rental outside of your normal shopping area or away from home as some banks restrict purchases outside your home area. Inform them that you will be renting a vehicle out of state and where this will take place.

Bring the required forms of ID and other paperwork requested by the rental company for debit card rentals. Bring the debit card. If possible bring a second debit card just in case the first one is declined.

Provide all the documentation to the car rental agency employee. Carefully read over the terms and conditions of the rental agreement including fees and penalties for damage to the vehicle, late returns, processing fees for use of debit, and any overdraft fees charged for insufficient funds in your account.

Be aware that some car rental agencies may limit which cars are available to rent to debit card only users and the "hold" amount may be higher for more expensive models.