Can you rent a car without a credit card?
It’s interesting how often I run into the idea that you need a credit card to rent a car. It’s particularly interesting because it isn’t particularly true.
Relevant quote:
“Be sure you check ahead in advance, but I fly all over America and rent cars every week, virtually, I am appearing somewhere, speaking somewhere, doing something. I simply reach into my pocket, pull out one of my two Visa debit cards, on my personal account or on my business, and I can rent a car anywhere except a couple of the majors, and I don’t don’t do business with them anyway — they are too expensive.” — Dave Ramsey, in the “Dumping Debt” session of Financial Peace University
I can vouch for this, too. I’ve rented one car from Rent-A-Wreck and several cars from Enterprise using Visa check cards (aka debit cards).
So the money comes straight out of my checking account, with none of that “I promise I’ll pay it later” nonsense.
Warning, though: I was talking to someone a couple weeks ago who said their car died in the middle of nowhere, and they tried to rent a car from the local Enterprise office, which wouldn’t take their check card. So it may be a regional thing. Be sure to call ahead and check.
Also from my personal experience, when I tried to rent from Budget Rent-A-Car a few years ago, they said they didn’t accept check cards. Which kind of sucked, because they didn’t bother to tell me this when I placed my reservation; I didn’t find out until I got to the counter to pick up the car, with all my other travel arrangements already booked and non-refundable. I wasn’t too happy that day.
Moral: do be sure to specifically ask, ahead of time (this is important), whether the rental agency accepts the Visa check card. But I’ve rented cars on several occasions with non-debt-bearing plastic. Check with the rental agencies in your town; chances are, you’ll find one less reason to keep a credit card.
April 20th, 2006 at 8:49 am
i do not have a credit card however i need to rent a car for a week i also need the nearest location to reidsville georgia
April 20th, 2006 at 11:22 am
Okay. Why are you telling me this?
May 30th, 2006 at 3:03 am
Yes! last year i rented a car without having credit card from simple auto rentals.
June 1st, 2006 at 6:30 am
With us, we require a $300 secuirty hold on a
debit card at the time of the rental, in addition to the rental. This may vary somewhat depending on circumstances. I have noticed,
however, that Enterprise is now not only requiring a security hold, but your firstborn too, especially if you are from out of state. I often advise renters to use a regular cc to avoid the security hold, then reverse the charge and put it on the check card when they
return.
July 25th, 2006 at 5:03 pm
When I inquired about renting a car from Thrifty (Philly location) with a debit Visa I was told that they would run a credit check at the rental counter and if the results were negative(not too sure what the criteria is and neither was the rental agent on the phone)you would not be allowed to present another form of security and would not be allowed to rent from them. Seems you pretty much have to gamble as to whether they will ok your credit or not. I dont want to be stuck with no car at the last minute. Has anyone had experience with Thrify’s credit check through Equifax?
December 26th, 2006 at 11:13 am
What company allows you to rent a car with a debit card?
December 31st, 2006 at 10:28 pm
In my experience, Enterprise has been willing to accept debit cards. I’ve heard from people with other experiences, though. It may have to do with whether you’re renting locally or out-of-state.
February 16th, 2007 at 9:56 pm
I just reserved a rental from Hertz in Springfield, IL, where I am going for a business conference. Hertz said that they accept debit cards with the Visa or Mastercard logo and a $50-$100 deposit. The reservationist also said they run some kind of a credit check on the card with my bank.
I am not sure what that is.
Anyway, I pick up the rental in a couple of days and sure hope that’s all they need since I meet the stated criteria.
March 1st, 2007 at 5:51 pm
Can you rent a car with the card in someone else’s name? I have POA for my 80yr old mother and have to fly to a different state to drive the car back and after making reservations thru Expedia with a rental car, I called the company and they said they won’t rent me the car, it must be the person whose name is on the card–that’s impossible, plus she don’t drive and isn’t flying there. I don’t have my own card… but I do have a car insurance policy in that state, plus cash. How can I rent a car?
March 1st, 2007 at 5:53 pm
I should have said above that I’m buying the car I’m driving back–I’m not driving back the rental car, just the new vehicle.
March 1st, 2007 at 7:09 pm
Try talking to the actual rental location you want to rent from (the *local* number for that location, not the 800 number for the chain). Ask for the manager, and explain the situation with the power of attorney. They might be willing to work with you even if the central office wouldn’t (and if so, they’d be able to tell you exactly what paperwork you need to bring along).
If that doesn’t get you anywhere, try a different location or a different company. Some companies have a central corporate structure, and others are franchises with more local control. You might try Rent-A-Wreck; I know they’re a franchise, and some of their rental policies are more permissive than other chains (e.g. renting to younger drivers), but I have no idea whether that extends to this situation.
Another possibility is that, if you’re buying a new car there, you might be able to arrange something with a dealer in your area, to pay for the car before you leave and have it waiting for you at your destination. Then you wouldn’t need a rental at all. But if you were planning to buy a used car instead of a new one, that probably wouldn’t work.
I have also heard of a case where a travel agent was able to book a car rental for cash. It was, however, a case where the travel agent had a big incentive to make that happen (the client said they’d walk away from the entire trip if they couldn’t rent the car for cash). If you’ve already booked the plane fare online (probably non-refundable), then you wouldn’t have that leverage, but it might be worth a shot.
August 16th, 2007 at 10:00 am
10 Ideas for Living a Life Without Credit or Debt – MuscleMX.com Forums
10 Ideas for Living a Life Without Credit or Debt – MuscleMX.com Forums
December 11th, 2007 at 11:25 am
yes you can. I called Hertz and cited the coinage act of 1965. they caved in about an hour.
January 8th, 2008 at 9:10 pm
I work for Budget.. just wanted to add some comments here..
we take debit & credit.. credit needs a minimum of $200 on it (or more if they rental is more than that), with debits it’s minimum $300 and also it runs a credit check through equifax (minimum score 550) .. and also I’d like to add of course it varies from location to location.. If the location does not take debit, do not give your debit just because it has a visa logo ("But it says Visa on it") Reason some locations do not take debit cards in case you were wondering, is because these are new cars (at least ours our, 2007-2008′s) and if you crash/steal the car, they will take it from your major credit card (different from banks).. You’re renting a vehicle anywhere between ($13,000 and $40,000… we’ve had Hummers, Lincoln MKX,MKZ,etc..) So, what reassurance does the debit have?
April 4th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
Designated (Surrogate) Driver
Disabled Renters with Designated (Surrogate) Driver:
Alamo will rent vehicles to customers with disabilities who do not possess a driver’s license, but are otherwise personally and financially responsible. The rental will be completed using the individual with the disability’s credit card, or cash if cash qualified, and the surrogate driver’s license. The surrogate will not be required to pay an additional driver fee.
As you see, you can use Other people Credit Card – if they travel with you. I rented thru Alamo – but other companies do it too – thanks to American with Disability Act.
April 17th, 2008 at 1:57 am
As Budget chimed in… So will “Another National Car Rental Agency Employee” (Not Supposed to say who I work for…
We also accept credit and debit. First thing to remember: Regardless of which type of card you use – is that we will always need to obtain a credit approval for 1.) The estimated amount of the rental – plus all taxes and fees… 2.) PLUS an additional $250.00 deposit “authorization” – to cover late returns, refuel discrepancies and damage issues. 3.) Even if you prepay via a travel agent / internet company – Almost all rental car companies require the additional deposit authorization – the amount varies by company and location. 4.)Regardless of what credit card / debit card you reserved with – prepaid or not – if you want to use a debit card at time of rental – you will be subject to an Equifax credit approval – If they say no – we have no choice but to say “no”… After 24 hours you can try again… At most locations – prepaid credit cards are not accepted at time of rental, but may be used when cars are returned. PLEASE REMEMBER… Your local car rental agent is most likely a small part of a multi-million / billion dollar corporation that has very stringent rules and regulations for their employees to follow… We all do the best we can to help every customer!
June 12th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
I rented a vehicle from Alamo at a CA airport in Oct 2007. I used my debit card with a VISA embossed logo (Visa Check Card) at the counter. They required me to show my valid driver’s license and the return portion of my round-trip ticket (my e-ticket confirmation receipt was sufficient).
I don’t believe that they ran a credit check because my credit score is far below par and I had no problems. I did have a few thousand dollars in my checking account though.
Their policy about debit cards is stated on their website. Also if you use Alamo, check online for discount rate codes and coupons (some coupons can be used in combination with rate codes for further discounts).
I am traveling there again in a few weeks. Hopefully, I will have no problems. They should have my last rental from their company in their computer files and will not treat me as a risk. It went absolutely smooth last time and I was very happy with the vehicle and quick customer service at pick-up and check-in.
Unfortunately for me, the best rates I can obtain (so far) for this upcoming trip are more than double that of the last one. Must be the time of the year… sigh!
June 12th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
By the way… the vehicle rented from Alamo was a current year loaded Pontiac Grand Prix with less than 3,000 miles on it. Guess they trusted me. Thanks Alamo!
July 19th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
Enterprise requires a major credit card with an authorization of $200 plus prepayment of the rental. You can use a debit/check card at local rental offices if you are a resident of that town and can provide a current paystub and a current PAID utility bill. We are releaseing a 15-20k car to someone we’ve never meant before, if you have bad credit you have burned others in the past and probably lost your credit card, or can’t apply for one. We use this to let us know who has good credit. Cash is not king so don’t pull out a wad of 20′s and think you are all set, Your credit is what matters and for those of you that have already ruined your credit, good luck
July 26th, 2008 at 12:45 am
Re: he December December 11th, 2007 at 11:25 am post, stating:
“yes you can. I called Hertz and cited the coinage act of 1965. they caved in about an hour.”"
I don’t know who is more of a dolt. The guy who posted it, or the Hertz guy for buying into it. The Coinage Act of 1965 includes provisions for acceptance of legal tender for payment of DEBT. If a rental car company chooses, as is their right, NOT to rent a car to somebody without a credit card, no contract has been entered into and thus no debt has been incurred. Showing up with a wheelbarrow of dollar bills, yelling “coinage act of 1965″ will not get you anywhere.
September 12th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
Rental car companies are scum. They are no different from landlords. They are not doing anyone any favors, but they pretend otherwise. You’re paying them an absorbent amount of money to use something they own and you need. You are helping them by making them rich. Credit is a scam, rental is robbery, property is theft.
December 23rd, 2008 at 3:01 pm
Rental car companies are a joke, credit check on a fracking car rental? common!
If you are so concerned over damages and discreptancies make the customer buy the insurance coverage you offer. Its ridiculous that someone will get a credit inquiry on their record trying to rent a mediocre focus for a day.
April 6th, 2009 at 7:03 am
Here you can find some tips to rent without a creditcard in europe
http://blog.agc-it.com/2009/04/how-to-rent-car-without-credit-card.html#links
May 21st, 2009 at 8:56 pm
Well I have had enough after trying to rent a car all week form soemone who will take a debit card. I have a full coverage insurance policy that has a specific coverage for rental cars. If I wreck it the car and passengers are covered. I dont why I pay extra for that now since no company will even look at me if I dont have a deposit or a credit card. Just ridiculous.
August 20th, 2009 at 11:58 am
Jason: “We are releaseing a 15-20k car to someone we’ve never meant before, if you have bad credit you have burned others in the past and probably lost your credit card, or can’t apply for one.”
–choosing not to have a credit card doesn’t make you an automatic loser, additionally, having “bad credit” doesn’t mean you are scum either. Life happens. What about the people who wreck the cars but have used a credit card that’s nearly maxed out? How is the rental company’s recourse any different from someone who has has used a debit card? I wouldn’t mind the rental company requiring me to purchase the additional insurance if that makes them feel better. You can guarantee that they’ve insured themselves against loss as well.
September 3rd, 2009 at 5:51 am
there is so much pure horseshit on this blog, lol.
the prices are higher at places like Sears, RC Willey and JC Penny not because it costs them anything more to buy the products they sell, but because they are trying to get people who don’t have enough money in the first place to FINANCE their purchases on loosely issued credit cards so they can really make money on the interest and fees.
the only reason the big chains want to PUSH you into using a credit card is because those big chains are AFFILIATED WITH the credit card industry, doh!
the rest of this monkey puck about cash and debit card users being an increased risk is canned BS for general consumption. All rental car companies carry insurance and all licensed drivers carry insurance. True, if something goes wrong, those insurance rates go UP. BTW, guess who the insurance companies are AFFILIATED WITH? Yeah, you got it, the credit card industry.
Guess who the credit card industry is affiliated with? Let’s just say that when slavery ended, they had to find a way to keep the ignorant masses doing their work so the economy wouldn’t collapse. Nasty, isn’t it?
So bottom line, find a local company in the area that rents cars and will be glad to take your card. They may not be as new, but not because of the BS reasons some in these articles say –it’s because they’re a small local company that obviously doesn’t have “fleet buyers” to secure volume prices (but would you want to admit that when credit cards give such a great excuse/cover? lol)..but if you’re renting a car, do you really care if it is brand new or just in respectable condition?
October 9th, 2009 at 9:17 am
Jason you are a dick. The only reason these companies want to check your fucckin credit is because they don’t want to rent to people with debit cards but they have to accept them in order to accept Visa credit cards. I don’t have a credit card because I believe in paying for things with the money I have. I think there is a huge difference between not paying a light bill and grand theft auto you fuccking dick. Just because you have bad credit does not mean you are going to steal a car nor does it mean that you don’t have insurance to cover the rental car while you are driving it. It is their way of protecting themselves from loss while completely discriminating against consumers. I went to a car dealership and they let me take a new $50,000 car home to test drive for a week with nothing more than my drivers license so don’t give me this BS about not wanting to get burned on a 15K car. It’s the credit card fraud that is killing the car rental business, they just have no recourse if the fraud occurs with a debit card. Be honest you a55hole and quit judging consumers.
January 28th, 2010 at 5:08 pm
kenetoken and robberbaron, well said!!! Being denied a rental car because you don’t have good credit is just another example of how these big companies always try to screw the consumer. That’s why I go with the smaller non-national companies whenever possible. And cash is still king in my book, despite all the attempts by the banks and big biz to try to enslave me to their cards witht their outrageous interest rates.
November 4th, 2011 at 1:49 pm
WOW. I have never read an entire entry to so many opinions on the computer ever. I will say that I need to see my family soon n I do need a credit card and it sux bc one reason i dont want a cc is so that i dont mess up my credit but then again, if i get it on debit, they have to still check it which is low im sure. its a lose lose situation and i understand both parties to a certain extent, but i just want a frickin car. Why do they have to make it so hard.
February 8th, 2012 at 11:45 am
Well I have had enough after trying to rent a car all week form soemone who will take a debit card. I have a full coverage insurance policy that has a specific coverage for rental cars. If I wreck it the car and passengers are covered. I dont why I pay extra for that now since no company will even look at me if I dont have a deposit or a credit card. Just ridiculous.