If you’ve rented a car in the past, you already know that most rental car companies require you to use a credit card in the renter’s name when you pick up the vehicle. However, many people don’t have or want a credit card. Find out which rental car companies take debit cards and learn about their requirements to enjoy a stress-free travel experience.
In this article
What you need to rent a car with a debit card.
Car rental companies that accept debit cards: comparison.
Avis car rental debit card policy.
Budget car rental debit card policy.
Dollar debit card policy.
Enterprise debit card policy.
Hertz debit card policy.
Pickup payment vs. return payment: what’s the difference?
FAQs
What you need to rent a car with a debit card.
Renting with a debit card requires meeting a few core conditions at pickup. Here’s what most rental companies expect:
- Advance reservation: Some companies require booking at least 24 hours before pickup when using a debit card.
- Accepted card networks: Your debit card must display a Visa, Mastercard or Discover logo.
- Name match: The name on your debit card must match the name on your driver’s license and reservation.
- Age requirement: Most companies require renters to be at least 25 years old when paying with a debit card.
- Available funds: You’ll need enough money in your account to cover the rental cost plus a security hold (often $200-$500 or more).
- Valid ID: Bring your driver’s license and a second form of identification, such as a passport or utility bill.
Car rental companies that accept debit cards: comparison.
Here is a table comparing the biggest car rental companies’ policies on forms of payment.
| Car rental company | Accepts debit card? | Type of debit card |
|---|---|---|
| Avis | Yes* | VISA® or Mastercard® |
| Budget | Yes* | Unknown |
| Dollar | Yes* | VISA®, Mastercard® or Discover® |
| Entrerprise | Yes* | VISA®, Mastercard® or Discover® |
| Hertz | Yes* | VISA®, Mastercard® or Discover® |
*Debit card policies can vary depending on the location. We recommend checking with your pick-up location in advance to confirm whether your card will be accepted.
Avis car rental debit card policy.
Avis accepts debit cards, though requirements can vary by location and some renters may be subject to a credit check. In some cases, Avis will even accept prepaid gift or debit cards as forms of payment at some locations when you return the car. Avis payment policy.
Make sure to contact the rental office directly to see specific location policies regarding payment. Keep these restrictions in mind:
- You must be 25 years of age per their company policy.
- You must have enough money in the account linked to your Visa or Mastercard debit card at the time that you pick up your rental. Avis will put a hold on the funds in your account.
- Avis requires credit card only payment on certain premium model vehicles.
- The accepted credit cards include American Express, Diners Club International, Discover, JCB, MasterCard and Visa.
Budget car rental debit card policy.
If you are wondering if you can rent a car with a debit card at a Budget location, the answer is yes. Budget accepts credit cards, debit cards, or cash when you drop off your rental. However, only some locations will allow you to pay with a debit card at the time that you pick up a vehicle. You can clarify any questions regarding their payment policy for a specific location by calling in advance. Budget payment policy.
Dollar debit card policy.
Dollar stands out as another top-rated rental service that accepts debit card payments. They recently changed their policy so that customers only need their debit card and driver’s license to pay after booking with them 24 hours in advance.
Even if you don’t book 24 hours in advance, you can still pay with a debit card. However, in this circumstance, you’ll need another form of ID in addition to your driver’s license, as well as a return travel ticket (airline or cruise) with an itinerary that coincides with your rental dates.
If you prefer to pay with a credit card, Dollar accepts major credit cards. Dollar payment policy.
Enterprise debit card policy.
Enterprise accepts debit cards for customers renting a car at one of their airport locations. To pay, you need your debit card (Visa, Mastercard, and Discover) and a ticketed return travel itinerary.
With that said, Enterprise has strict policies for renting with a debit card at a non-airport location, which can vary from place to place. You may need to show proof of insurance or current utility bills, as well as provide personal references. You can find out the payment policy at a specific location by contacting Enterprise directly with questions.
Many Enterprise branches do not accept cash payments, but some may accept cash or a money order at the end of the rental after the vehicle has been returned. They accept the following credit cards at US airport locations: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. Enterprise payment policy.
Hertz debit card policy.
Hertz accepts debit cards that display the Visa, Mastercard, or Discover logo and draw funds directly from the cardholder’s account for the security deposit (Hertz payment policy).
General Requirements:
- Vehicle classes: Debit cards can be used to qualify for rentals of vehicle classes ranging from Compact through Full-size.
- Advance reservation: Reservations must be made at least 24 hours prior to the rental pickup date.
- Age requirement: Renters must be at least 25 years old.
- Identification: At the time of rental, renters are required to present two valid forms of identification.
Airport rentals: For rentals at airport locations, additional requirements include:
- Proof of return travel: Renters must provide proof of a return airline flight that coincides with the rental period.
- Identification: Presentation of two valid forms of identification.
Please note that Hertz policies can vary by location and are subject to change. It’s advisable to contact the specific Hertz location where you plan to rent to confirm their current debit card policies.
Pickup payment vs. return payment: what’s the difference?
Understanding when your card gets charged can save you from surprises at the counter.
At pickup: The rental company places a hold on your debit card to cover the estimated rental cost plus a security deposit. This hold reduces your available balance until the rental ends. Not all locations accept debit cards at pickup, so confirm with your specific branch beforehand.
At return: Once you bring the car back, the company processes the final charge based on your actual rental. The security hold is released, though it may take several business days for funds to return to your account. Some companies that don’t accept debit cards at pickup will accept them for final payment at return.
Frequently asked questions about renting a car with a debit card.
Yes, most major rental car companies accept debit cards, but policies vary by location. Airport branches tend to be more flexible than neighborhood locations. Always confirm with your specific pickup location before arriving.
Airport rental locations generally accept debit cards more readily than non-airport branches. You’ll typically need to show a return travel itinerary (airline or cruise ticket) along with your debit card and driver’s license.
Rental companies often require two forms of valid identification when you pay with a debit card. Bring your driver’s license plus a secondary ID such as a passport, utility bill or government-issued card.
Rental companies place a hold on your debit card at pickup to cover the estimated rental cost plus a security deposit. This hold reduces your available balance and typically releases within several business days after you return the vehicle.
Premium, luxury and specialty vehicles usually require a credit card for payment. Debit cards are typically accepted only for standard vehicle classes below the Premium tier.
This post is part of our Car Rental Guide. Thinking about renting a car but have questions? We get it. Find out how to rent a car in our comprehensive guide.
