Can You Rent a Car With a Debit Card?

Renting a car with a debit card is possible at certain car rental agencies. For some people, this may be a preferable way to conduct this transaction, but you may have to take additional steps before you get behind the wheel.

If you don’t have a credit card, it’s a good idea to research which rental agencies allow you to use a debit card — and understand the extra steps you’ll have to take before they hand over the keys.

Learn more about what to expect here, including:

•   Can you use a debit card to rent a car?

•   Which companies let you rent a car without a credit card?

•   What are the pros and cons of renting a car with a debit card?

•   What are alternatives to renting a car with a debit card?

Is It Possible to Rent a Car With a Debit Card?

So, can you use a debit card to rent a car? Yes! You’ve just got to find rental car agencies with a debit card policy. Though their policies differ and this list is not comprehensive, these are among the agencies that allow drivers to rent a car without a credit card:

•   Alamo

•   Avis

•   Budget

•   Dollar

•   Enterprise

•   Hertz

•   Thrifty.

Note that not every franchise follows corporate policy and that airport rental agencies may have additional requirements for renting a car with a debit card. It’s a good idea to call the specific location from which you hope to rent a car using a debit card. You can then make sure you understand what requirements must be met before you get behind the wheel.

If you’re renting a car with a debit card, a rental agency might require a security deposit and run a credit check on you. You may also have to provide multiple forms of identification and proof of return travel, be at least 25 years old, and/or have a debit card with a common logo, like Mastercard, Visa, or Discover.

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Why Do Many Car Rental Companies Require a Credit Card?

While you may be able to use a credit card like a debit card in some situations and vice-versa, renting a car is a special case. Can you rent a car with a debit card? Yes, in many situations. But do rental car companies want you to? Probably not.

Credit cards offer multiple types of assurances to a rental car agency. For starters, a credit card signals to them that you are trustworthy and responsible — two traits that a company might value before lending you a $30,000+ piece of heavy machinery.

Credit cards also enable rental car companies to collect money for any repairs, tickets, tolls, and other fees. Because of the open line of credit on the card, the rental agency knows it can charge you for incidentals as necessary — without requiring a large security deposit from you upfront.

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Pros of Renting a Car With a Debit Card

Renting a car with a credit card certainly seems easier, but are there advantages to using a debit card? Most definitely. Here are some of the pros of using a debit card to rent a car:

•   No credit card necessary: The biggest advantage is also the most obvious. If you can’t qualify for a credit card or simply don’t want one, using a debit card allows you to rent a car without needing a line of credit.

•   No credit card interest: If you pay your credit card off in full each month, you probably aren’t worried about credit card interest. But if you suddenly have a charge for a car rental surpassing $1,000, you might be tempted to just make your minimum payment on your credit card — and rack up interest. By paying with a debit card upfront, you don’t risk accruing credit card interest.

•   No impact on credit utilization: High credit utilization can drive down your credit score. By using a debit card, you won’t tap into any of your available credit. However, if the agency runs a credit check for debit card users, the hard inquiry could impact your credit score temporarily.

Cons of Renting a Car With a Debit Card

Yes is the answer to “Can I rent a car with a debit card?” But paying for a rental car with a debit card can have drawbacks. Here are some of the top downsides of renting a car with a debit card:

•   No perks: By swiping your debit card, you may be missing out on credit card travel insurance offered to cardmembers. If you have a rewards credit card that earns cash back or points for every purchase, you may also be leaving money on the table by using a debit card.

•   Security deposit: When using a debit card, you’ll often have to pay the full cost of the rental upfront. On top of that, an agency may hold additional funds as a security deposit. This could reduce the cash you have in your checking account to spend while on your travels.

•   Credit check: Without a credit card, the rental car agency may perform a credit check before allowing you to get behind the wheel. This can result in a hard inquiry on your credit report.

•   More hoops to jump through: In addition, rental agencies may require multiple forms of ID, might have age requirements, and may even need to see proof of scheduled return travel to allow you to pay with a debit card.

Is It Better to Rent a Car With a Debit or Credit Card?

Do you need a credit card to rent a car? Not necessarily. If you cannot qualify for a credit card or do not want one, renting with a debit card is the right choice for you.

That said, using a credit card can offer some perks. Doing so is likely the better approach for many drivers since it won’t require a security deposit, may have built-in car insurance, and won’t necessitate a credit check by the agency.

Is It Safer to Rent a Car With a Debit or Credit Card?

If you’re wondering about using a credit card vs. debit card, renting a car with a credit card is generally safer than renting a car with a debit card.

While paying with both debit cards and credit cards is often an option, credit cards offer a heightened level of zero-fraud liability thanks to stricter federal regulations. Your credit card may also offer rental car insurance as part of its perks, meaning extra protection on the road.

Alternatives to Car Rentals With Debit Cards

You’ve just learned the answer to “Can I use a debit card to rent a car?” is often yes. But what if you don’t have a debit card or don’t want to use your debit card to rent a car? Consider some alternatives:

•   Using a credit card: The main alternative is paying for a car rental with a credit card. In fact, this is usually the better option for the driver and the rental agency.

•   Riding with another driver: If someone else in your party has a credit or debit card and is willing to pay for the rental, let them get behind the wheel. Many companies allow you to pay an additional fee to add a second driver if you’d also like a turn in the driver’s seat.

•   Paying with a prepaid card or cash: While rental car agencies will likely require a credit or debit card to secure the rental, some agencies may allow you to pay with a prepaid gift card, money order, or even cash at the end of the rental agreement — once the car has successfully been returned.

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Ways to Protect Yourself While Renting a Car

Renting a car can be stressful, but it also enables you freedom to travel, allows you to put miles on a car that isn’t yours during road trips, and may come in handy when your vehicle is being worked on. Here’s how you can protect yourself when renting a car:

•   Research the car before driving it: Once you know the year, make, model, and trim of your rental, you can research it online to understand any nuances to how it works, especially if you aren’t accustomed to newer safety technologies. The owner’s manual should be in the glove compartment and is worth reviewing if you’re uncomfortable driving an unfamiliar vehicle.

•   Carry insurance: Before renting a car, it’s a good idea to check with your car insurance agent and your credit card company to see what coverage you have. If you don’t have coverage for the rental through any other means, make sure you opt in for the insurance offered by the rental agency.

•   Follow the rules of the road: You should always abide by traffic laws, but they’re especially important when you’re learning a new vehicle. If you’re traveling in a foreign country, it’s a good idea to study their laws and traffic signs at home before your trip.

The Takeaway

Renting a car with a debit card is possible, but you’ll miss out on some of the perks of paying with a credit card — like potential cashback rewards and car insurance. Plus, rental agencies may require you to fulfill more requirements to get behind the wheel, like paying a security deposit or agreeing to a credit check.

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FAQ

Which rental car companies allow you to use a debit card?

Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, and Thrifty are just some of the rental car companies that allow you to pay with a debit card. However, these and other rental car companies may have additional criteria for renting the car using a debit card, like paying a security deposit or providing multiple forms of identification.

Are there any restrictions when renting with a debit card?

Each rental car company may have its own restrictions when you rent a car with your debit card. For example, they may require you to be 25 or older, pay a security deposit, and/or agree to a credit check. It’s a good idea to call the specific agency before arriving to understand what you’ll need in order to rent a car with a debit card.

What is the process of renting a car with a debit card?

Rental agencies have varying processes for renting a car with a debit card. It’s a good idea to check online and even to call the specific agency to understand the process ahead of time. In general, companies may require full payment plus a security deposit upfront, they may run a credit check, and they might want to see multiple forms of identification. If you’re renting at an airport, they may also require you to provide proof of a return plane ticket.

Photo credit: iStock/Khaosai Wongnatthakan

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