The front desk officer at the car rental shop says your credit card is already maxed out. So, how can you rent a car without it? This article will discuss the cheapest car rental without a credit card – use a debit card instead.
Here are some of the rental companies that offer the cheapest car rental without using your credit card but just your debit card:
- Avis
- Budget
- Enterprise
- National
- Hertz
- Thrifty
- Alamo
- Sixt
Car rental companies will not reject your business because your credit card does not have sufficient funds.
They are willing to accept your business if you use your debit card. Each car rental company has its arrangement in this regard. Also, be aware that there are some restrictions if you pay through a debit card.
Read on to learn more about car rental companies that accept debit cards for payment, their respective arrangements, and how it is done.
Cheapest Car Rental Without a Credit Card
It would not be the end of the world if the sales clerk at the car rental shop told you that you had already maxed out your credit card. If you have a debit card, you can use it instead.
It’s safer to use a credit card, but if you can’t use yours, you have to bite your fingers and use your debit card instead.
The biggest car rental companies won’t reject your business because your credit card is unavailable. They have made arrangements with commercial banks so that they can also accept other forms of payment. If you don’t have cash, they are willing to take your debit card.
The table below will help you remember the car rental companies that are willing to accept your payment through your debit card:
| Car Rental Company | Accepts Debit Card? |
| Avis | Yes |
| Budget | Yes |
| Enterprise | Yes |
| National | Yes |
| Hertz | Yes |
| Thrifty | Yes |
| Alamo | Yes |
| Sixt | Yes |
When using your debit card, be aware that car rental companies may require you to present proof of your capacity to pay. So, be sure that your debit card is backed up by a sufficient amount that will cover the cost of your car rental.
Car Rental Companies Accepting Debit Cards
While car rental companies accept debit cards when their customers can’t use their credit cards, there are some consequences that you need to be aware of. First off, you need to be at least 25 years old.
The rent a car company will also run a credit check on you. There are other things that they may do as well to verify your credit standing. But since you cannot use your credit card, you have to bite your fingers and accept these restrictions.
With that said, here are the car rental companies that accept debit cards for payments, and some of the details of their payment arrangements:
1. Avis
If you want to get an Avis car rental without a credit card, you will be subject to some of their restrictions.
Avis Branches That Do Not Accept Debit Cards
Some of their locations will still require you to present your credit card. They also have several locations where they do not accept payment through debit cards, including:
- Hartford,
- Louisiana,
- Mississippi, and
- Philadelphia.
Must Be At Least 25 Years Old
Avis, one of the cheapest car rentals with a debit card, also requires you to be at least 25 years old before they will allow you to get an Avis car rental with a debit card.
2. Budget
Must Be At Least 25 Years Old
Budget car rental without a credit card is only possible if you are at least 25 years old. However, this rent a car company also has some locations where they do not accept debit cards. So, before going to any of their locations, check first if they accept payments through debit cards.
Deposit At Least $100
And like other car rental companies, you will need to deposit at least $100 if you are using a debit card as your form of payment. This deposit is refundable, though, after they have received your Budget car rental with a debit card payment.
3. Enterprise
Show Proof of a Return Ticket
Enterprise car rental without a credit card is available at their airport outlets. But you have to show proof that you have a return ticket and you have enough money to cover the total rental fee. You will also be required to deposit $200.
Not Allowed to Add Additional Drivers
While your spouse or a partner may be allowed to drive the car, you cannot add additional drivers. Enterprise’s requirements are even more stringent in non-airport outlets if you use your debit card for payment.
Present Copy of Utility Bills, and Other Documents
Some non-airport locations of Enterprise do not accept debit card payments. If the outlet accepts prepay car rental with a debit card, it will ask for you copies of your utility bills, proof of insurance, and references.
Pay a Refundable Deposit
They will also ask you to pay the full rental cost and make a refundable deposit. If you got an Enterprise car rental with a debit card, it might also take 20 days for them to give back your deposit.
4. National
Proof of Return Travel
National car rental with a debit card is allowed but only at their airport outlets and only if you can prove that you have return travel. You will also be required to make a $200 deposit and prove that you can cover the entire cost of renting a car.
Not Allowed to Add Other Drivers
National car rental without a credit card also has some restrictions. You will not be allowed to add other drivers to your reservation. That may inconvenience you if you are going on a long trip.
5. Hertz
Requirements
Hertz car rental without a credit card is allowed, but the location may run a credit check on you. If you rent the car at an airport location, you will be asked to give them two valid IDs and show proof of your return travel.
Accepts Prepaid Card Payments
If you cannot satisfy the requirement of a Hertz car rental with a debit card, you can still pay your rent a car with a debit card if you will present a credit card at your check-in. Hertz also accepts prepaid card payments for their rental cars.
6. Thrifty
Book Reservation in Advance
By booking your reservation 24 hours in advance, you can pay for a Thrifty car rental with a debit card. You also need to show them two forms of ID and proof of your travel plans. You will only get your Thrifty car rental without a credit card if you make a $200 refundable deposit.
Waived Deposit If You Are a Blue Chip Rewards Program Member
But if you are a Blue Chip rewards program member, this refundable deposit is waived. Be sure that you have added your debit card to your online profile for this to happen.
7. Alamo
Alamo car rental also accepts debit cards at their airport outlets. However, you can only enjoy Alamo car rental without a credit card if you show proof of your return travel.
In addition, you will only get an Alamo car rental with a debit card if you will deposit $200. This deposit is refundable as soon as your debit card payment pulls through.
8. Sixt
Choose the “Pay Later” Option
Sixt Car Rental allows payment through debit cards for car rentals under 28 days. But to get this Sixt car rental with a debit card, you have to choose the “Pay Later” option upon booking. You will be asked to show two forms of ID.
Present a Recent Copy of Utility Bill
For local renters, this Sixt car rental without a credit card requires the renter to present a recent copy of their utility bill that matches their driver’s license information. For non-local renters, Sixt requires them to provide proof of return travel at their airport outlets.
Advantages of Using Debit Card for Rent-a-Car
As you can see, big rental car companies allow debit cards as a form of payment for renting their cars. These rental car companies generally require their clients to be at least 25 years old and to show proof of identity and return travel.
So, if you happen to lose your credit card, or you have maxed it out unknowingly, use your debit card to continue your travel plans. There are many benefits to using your debit card in this manner. Here are some of these benefits:
1. Price Quoted Is the Actual Price
If you rent a car using your debit card, you will be quoted a price you will pay. This is advantageous because you won’t be paying any interest if you use your debit card.
As you know, paying with a credit card means interests are added to the principal amount you have borrowed.
2. No Monthly Payments to Worry About
Monthly payment requirements won’t burden you if you pay for the rented car with your debit card. Since your debit card paid for the rental amount, it is considered paid in full. So, you won’t be bothered with keeping up with monthly payments for the rented car.
How to Pay a Rented Car Without Using Your Credit Card
Paying your car rentals with credit cards is not the only way to do it. What if you lost your credit card or have insufficient funds in your credit card account? Is that the end of your trip? It shouldn’t be because there are other ways to pay for your rented cars:
1. Search for Rent-a-Car Company That Accept Debit Cards
This is what we have been discussing in this article. As you now know, several rent-a-car companies accept debit card payments for their rented cars. To repeat, these rent-a-car companies include:
- Avis,
- Budget,
- Enterprise,
- National,
- Hertz,
- Thrifty,
- Alamo, and
- Sixt.
These are some of the biggest car rental companies you can choose from. Perhaps there are other companies in your locality that you can also approach and ask if they are also accepting debit cards as payment for their services.
2. Examine the Options Each Rent-a-Car Company Offers
Since they are different, these rent-a-car companies also have different offerings and requirements. Some of them have limited types of cars that they rent out if you use your debit card.
So, you may have to set your sights lower. If you are thinking of renting a plush car, your debit card may only qualify for a standard automobile.
No worries, though, because these standard cars still offer the quality and comfort that will make your trips enjoyable and relaxing. And they are fewer gas guzzlers than those high-end limousines.
3. Choose a Company that Offers the Best Price and Option
Pick the best rental car company that offers the best price and options from your research. This will depend on your budget and other preferences. Don’t just focus on the cost; consider your safety too. Read reviews online.
3. Expect to Pay a Deposit
If you have nothing but your debit card to pay for your rented car, then be prepared to pay a deposit or a hold on your bank account for the amount of renting the car.
But don’t fret because soon as you can pay for everything and have returned the car, the deposit will be refunded to you. They will remove the hold on your bank account.
But make sure that you don’t spend the amount being held by them at your bank, or you won’t be able to pay your rented car, and you will not get your deposit back. As always, be prepared and be careful with your money.
4. Age Requirements
Be sure that you are at least 25 years old before considering this option of paying with your debit card. Many of these popular car rental companies require their customers to be at least 25 years old if they use their debit cards instead of their credit cards for payment.
Be thankful if the rent a car company allows you to do it. Some don’t allow clients even 25 years old to pay their rent with their debit cards.
5. Prepare to be Credit Checked
If you can’t use your credit card but still want to rent the car with your debit card, be prepared for a credit check. This is understandable, especially if this is the first time you are renting a car from this rent a car company.
They don’t know you from Adam, so they would like to know if their car is safe with you and that you have the financial capacity to pay for the services that you are asking from them.
6. Bring a Valid Driver’s License
You are asking the rental car company for a favor since you will be paying the rent with your debit card and not the usual credit card. So, one of the things you can do is make sure that your driver’s license is up to date.
They would want to be sure that their vehicle is safe with you and that nothing bad will happen to it as you drive it all around.
7. Check Your Travel Plan Requirements
If you are paying with your debit card, these car rental companies may want to get a peek into your travel plans. So, be prepared to give them a plan of where you want to go.
Most car rental companies will ask you to show proof of your return flight. That’s one of the assurances that you will return their cars to them once you are through with your touring activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions that will give you additional information about using your debit card to pay for a rented car:
Which Car Rental Companies Accept Debit Card Payment?
Several big car rental companies accept credit card payments for their cars for rent, including:
- Avis,
- Budget,
- Enterprise,
- National,
- Hertz,
- Thrifty,
- Alamo, and
- Sixt.
Can I Use a Debit Card to Rent a Car?
You can use your debit card to pay for a rental car. If for any reason you can’t use your credit card, many rent-a-car companies accept debit card payments.
This is not the usual way to do it but if you don’t have any cash or your credit card has insufficient funds, you can certainly use your debit card.
What Are the Requirements of Car Rental Companies If I Use a Debit Card?
Most rent-a-car companies have several requirements that you need to satisfy for them to accept your debit card payment. One of the fundamental requirements is that you are not under 25 years old.
Another requirement is that you have the financial capacity to pay the car rental fee in full. This means that your bank account balance is sufficient to cover the amount. Most of these car rental companies also require that you deposit about $200 at the very least.
This deposit is refundable, though, as soon as your debit card payment clears. And since this is a debit card payment, you will also be asked to show proof of your identity, show them a utility bill, and so forth.
If I Want to Extend My Rental Period, What Will Happen to My Debit Card?
There is no problem if you want to extend your car rental period. Car rental companies expect that. With Budget Car Rental, you have to communicate with their reservation desk on or before your expected return date.
They will charge an additional $10 fee for extending your rental period. Budget will also place additional holds on your debit card. It could be three additional holds depending on the extended time you are using the rented car.
Upon the return of the car, they will remove the holds. Then they will bill you for the actual rental costs.
Can I Pay with Cash for a Rented Car?
Some of the car rental companies accept cash for payments. However, you still need a credit card or a debit card to make a reservation.
Enterprise allows cash payments in some of their locations. They may still require other things if you choose to pay in cash. So, figure out if you prefer to use cash to pay for your rental car.
Are There Car Rental Companies That Do Not Require Their Car Renters to Be 25 Years Old?
At least three rent-a-car companies don’t require their car renters to be 25 years old. They are Dollar, Thrifty, and Hertz.
They accept debit cards from drivers who are under 25 years old. But it is still easier for them to use their credit cards instead because there will be fewer restrictions for credit card payments, as usual. With Hertz, the minimum age is only 18 years old, while it is 20 years old with Thrifty and Dollar.
Conclusion: Cheapest Car Rental Without a Credit Card
Several car rental companies accept debit card payments if their customers don’t have or have maxed out their credit cards. Here are some of these companies:
- Avis
- Budget
- Enterprise
- National
- Hertz
- Thrifty
- Alamo
- Sixt
Car rental companies want to make money, so they won’t reject your business because your credit card is not sufficiently funded. They are willing to accept your payment through a debit card. But be aware that using a debit card carries with it some restrictions.
Also, be sure that your sensitive financial information will not be compromised with the use of your debit card.
