preloadYoung woman on vacations using phone and credit card. Online shopping concept THEME_TRAVEL_GettyImages-698025966

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, so it’s helpful to know which car rental companies accept debit cards. Find out which rental car companies take debit cards and learn about their requirements to enjoy a stress-free travel experience.

Avis Car Rental Debit Card Policy

Avis accepts debit cards without extensive paperwork like other rental companies. 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 (18 in New York) 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. Otherwise, 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 Avis Charge Card, American Express, AT&T Capital, China Union Pay, Diners Club International, Discover, JCB, MasterCard and Visa.
A black car rental signage hung at the airport.

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.

Dollar is also one of the few car rental agencies that accepts cash. To do so, you should plan ahead and pre-qualify for a Cash Deposit Identification Card. The application process takes approximately 30 days to complete. Applying for the Cash Deposit ID card comes with a $30 fee to offset the cost of a credit check.

If you prefer to pay with a credit card, Dollar accepts American Express, MasterCard, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Visa, and China Union Pay. 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 proof of an outgoing flight at the Enterprise location where you plan to drop off the car.

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.

Enterprise does not accept cash payments, but they do accept the following credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and JCP (Japan Credit Bureau). Enterprise payment policy.

Hertz Debit Card Policy

Although Hertz accepts Visa or Mastercard debit cards when you return your rental, you must have a credit card when you pick up your car in order to put down a security deposit. Payment options for this rental service include Hertz Charge Card, American Express, Visa, Mastercard, or Diners Club card to make your deposit. Hertz only accepts cash in certain circumstances, like booking through an insurance company. Hertz payment policy.

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.

See the guide

About the author

Jeanifer BreklingGrowing up in Alaska, Jeanifer took the beauty of its nature for granted. Now that she lives in a more cosmopolitan place, Jeanifer loves to get back to nature wherever she goes, with hiking, camping, snowboarding and diving always a highlight. As a mother of three, Jeanifer is always looking for new places to go that the whole family will enjoy. Follow Jeanifer on Linkedin for more travel inspiration.

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