How to Rent a Car Without a Credit Card (from Car Rental Companies Near You!)

How to Rent a Car Without a Credit Card

Probably the simplest way to rent a car besides using a credit card is with a debit card.

Most of us have a debit card so this should be pretty simple.

The only caveat here is that many rental companies make you jump through more hoops if you do present a debit card than you would if you were to ask to pay with a credit card.

Exactly how much additional information you’ll need to provide will depend on the company. Different car rental companies require different things when you rent a car using a debit card. It’s important to check with the particular rental company to see what documents they require.

Like I said though, you’ll generally need to jump through more hoops when you pay with a debit card and there are often more restrictions too.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Many companies require you to be at least 25 years old to rent a car.
• Some companies will run a credit check on you if you’re using a debit card.
• Things that companies will ask for can include a pay stub, proof of car insurance, and a recent bank statement. Others may even ask for a utility bill with an address that matches the one on your driver’s license.
• If you are paying with a debit card, some rental companies will limit the types of cars you can rent with high-end options being off-limits. Make sure you check with the rental company to see which types of vehicles they allow you to rent if you’re using a debit card.
• Many rental companies will put holds or deposits on your card, which tie up funds until the rental car is returned.

Car Rental Without a Credit Card Near Me

Okay, so now you know what types of things to expect when using a debit card, you’re probably wondering what companies actually accept this type of payment.

There are quite a few car rental companies nowadays that will let you rent a car using your debit card. I’ve listed these companies below. I’ve provided some details for each company, but to get more information, click on the link in the section heading for the company you plan to use.

1. Avis

Most Avis locations in the United States will allow you to rent a car using a debit card that has a Visa or MasterCard logo. There are some restrictions. For example, some vehicle types can’t be rented if you present a debit card rather than a credit card.

You also need to be at least 25 years old to rent a car with Avis if you’re using a debit card.

2. Alamo

Alamo also allows you to rent a car using a debit card that has a Visa, MasterCard or Discover logo. Again, there are some restrictions here. You will need to provide a ticketed return travel itinerary.

3. Budget Car Rental

You can rent a car using a debit card at Budget Car Rental. But, you will need to be at least 25 years old and agree to have an authorized hold placed on your account for the duration of your reservation.

The typical hold is equivalent to the total estimated cost of the rental, but it could be higher or lower. The minimum debit hold is $100. This will limit the funds available in the attached account. The hold on the account is removed once the car is returned and all fees are paid.

4. Dollar Car Rental

Dollar Car Rental has fewer restrictions for those looking to pay with a debit card compared to some of the other companies on the list.

With the company, you can rent a car with debit cards that are issued under a Visa, MasterCard or Discover logo. You can use your debit card if your reservation for the rental was made 24 hours prior to vehicle pickup.

If the reservation wasn’t made 24 hours before vehicle pickup, or you are renting a luxury or premium vehicle, you can still use a debit card if you can:

• Show a valid driver’s license and one other form of identification.
• Show proof of a return travel ticket to coincide with the rental (airline or cruise).

5. Enterprise

With Enterprise, you can rent a car using a debit card that has a Visa, MasterCard, or Discover logo. Now, there are restrictions here. Firstly, debit card deposits are only accepted at the time of rental if they are accompanied by a ticketed return travel itinerary.

Also, the name and address shown on your driver’s license needs to match your current home address. Active-duty military personnel are exempt from the address requirements though. Also, disembarking passengers are asked to provide a debit card with funds to cover the cost of the rental. No additional drivers are allowed other than the renter’s spouse or domestic partner. You can find more details on the page linked above.

6. Hertz

With Hertz you can also use your debit card to rent a car. There are, however, more restrictions as you’ve seen with most of the companies on this list so far.

You will need to make your reservation at least 24 hours in advance of your rental pick up date to qualify for a rental using a debit card. You must also be 25 years old. And, you will need to have a proof of return trip travel ticket to coincide with the rental dates (airline or cruise) or have a Corporate Discount Plan (CDP) number listed in the reservation. That’s not all. You will also need to present two valid forms of identification.

At airport locations, you will need to provide proof of a return airline flight to coincide with the rental, and present two valid forms of ID.

Most Hertz locations will also perform a credit check to determine credit worthiness at the time of rental. Make sure you check the page linked in the section heading for more details.

7. National Car Rental

Another place where you can rent a car without a credit card is at National Car Rental. Anyone with a debit card that has a Visa, MasterCard, or Discover logo on it can rent a car through the company. There are restrictions of course. The company will only accept debit cards at the time of rental if they are accompanied by a ticketed return travel itinerary.

Also, the name and address shown on the renter’s driver’s license needs to match their current home address. Active-duty military personnel are exempt from address requirements though. No other additional drivers except for the renter’s spouse or domestic partner are allowed. And, at the time of rental, charges are placed on the debit card, which reduces the funds available in the account that’s associated with the card used.

8. Sixt

You can use a debit card at specified Sixt locations depending on whether you are an in-state or out-of-state renter. Like with the other places on the list, there are some restrictions here. The requirements vary depending on whether you are a local or non-local renter.

Non-local renters will need to present a return airline ticket/roundtrip flight itinerary upon pick-up. And, they can’t rent any premium, luxury, or extraordinary vehicles.

Local renters need to present an original and current utility bill that matches the name and address on the driver’s license.

International customers whose debit card is issued in their country of origin can rent any category vehicle besides Specialty cards. They must present a return airline ticket/roundtrip flight itinerary upon pick-up.

Other Ways to Pay for a Car Rental without a Credit Card

Okay, so the best way to get a car rental if you don’t have a credit card is to use a debit card. This method is pretty straightforward and a lot of popular rental companies accept debit cards for booking and paying for a car rental.

There are, however, a few more options you can try.

It’s important to note though that the options below are better for paying for the rental, rather than booking it.

Use a prepaid card

Some places will allow you to use a prepaid card to pay for your car rental. Sometimes though, it’s only for final payments, rather than for securing the rental.

Companies that allow you to use a prepaid card include:

• Hertz
• Enterprise
• National Car Rental

Use cash

Many people want to know, “Can I rent a car with cash only?”

The answer is it depends.

Sadly, for security reasons, not many rental companies will allow you to use cash to rent a car.

Most require a credit or debit card.

That being said, there are a few rental car companies that allow you to pay with cash. However, you will usually still need a debit card or credit card to make the reservation.

You will need to check with specific companies and locations to see their policies on using cash for reservations and as payment.

Here are some examples of companies that allow you to pay for a car rental with cash:

• Enterprise
• Dollar Car Rental
• Budget Car Rental

Use a money order

Another option when renting a car is to use a money order. Not that many places will accept money orders as a form of payment, but some will.

Places where you can pay for a rental using a money order include Enterprise and National Car Rental.

Like when using cash, most places won’t allow you to book the rental using a money order but will allow you to use a money order to pay for the rental. Also, not every location will accept money orders, as with cash.

Closing Thoughts

Thankfully, a lot of places will let you rent a car even if you don’t have a credit card. There are, of course, a few downsides.

You often have to provide more details and have to undergo a credit check. Plus, many places put a hold on your account, which can tie up funds.

That being said though, using a debit card is a great option for anyone who doesn’t have a credit card.

In terms of which company is best, I think that Dollar Car Rental is good. It doesn’t have as many restrictions and hoops to jump through if you’re using a debit card to pay.

Using a money order or cash is possible at a few locations. Most of the time though, you’ll need to present a card to book the reservation. So, I really would recommend using a debit card.

Which company do think makes it the easiest to rent a car without a credit card? Let us know in the comments section below.