can you rent a car with debit card?

11 comments

1. You can, but depending on the rental agency, they’ll want references or utility bills listed under your name.

2. The only issue I ran into one time was trying to rent from a location at an airport. They wouldn’t let me without a return ticket, which at the time I did not have.

3. You’ll have to call them and ask. When my boyfriend rented a car without a credit card they wanted his social security number.

4. I’ve had agencies tell me they require a large deposit (like $500-$1200) if you don’t use a credit card. Basically every company has different policies on it, but it’s always more complicated without a credit card.

5. Yes. but they are going to put a hold on your card for a large amount as a deposit that will be released after you return the car.

   You will be out that money in the interim.

6. Some places do and some don’t – depends on the company. Look at their website – it should have all the requirements listed.

7. This will be completely up to the individual rental companies. You’ll need to contact them to find out. And absolutely make sure you speak to someone who’s actually in the local branch, not a national customer service line.

8. Yes, but they’ll put a significant hold on your account and that hold won’t be released until several days after you return.

   You should use a credit card for major travel expenses if at all possible such as accomodations, cars, gas, etc

9. Where are you traveling from?

10. It will be harder, and some companies don’t do it because they can’t put holds against it like they can with credit cards. When I was 20 I got in a crash and needed a rental for a week. My car insurance company booked the rental, completed the extra paperwork since I was under 25, and already paid the full rental expense, but the company still wouldn’t let me take a car since all I had was a debit card and they couldn’t place a hold on it. It took an extra two hours in the rental office for them to let me use my dad’s credit card # so they couldn’t put the hold with him. I didn’t have a credit card at the time and my dad was okay with me using his card, he was even on the phone with the office.

11. Many do not, especially if you are renting from an airport. Check with them before you leave.