Renting a car with only Debit Card

[Simon1006]

Hi there,

I notice a lot of the big companies state that a credit card must be used when collecting the car, I have only debit cards - will this be a problem? Has anyone ever had rental refused due to only having a debit card?

Thanks

[Oaks79]

From what I've read on here and other sites, credit cards are what Americans call all cards that have Visa, Mastercards etc etc on them. Also I'm sure read on here of people having no problems with debit cards

[hellin family]

I've used a debit card the last two trips no problem. I think that was Dollar and Alamo.

This year we are using Avis and the T & C say you must have a credit card, so we may have to do that but will try using debit card first.

[carolmc]

I know Dollar and Hertz both take debit cards - saw lots of folks using them.

[RM2016]

I have had no problem using a Debit Card at the Car Rental Desks. A hold may well be applied though so bare that in mind if you are relying on funds in the account.

[CC71]

Originally Posted by hellin family

I've used a debit card the last two trips no problem. I think that was Dollar and Alamo.

This year we are using Avis and the T & C say you must have a credit card, so we may have to do that but will try using debit card first.

See more...

At the Avis preferred desk at Miami airport, two weeks ago, there was a sign stating that they will accept debit cards provided you can show either your return flight information or cruise documents. We always use a credit card but I thought this information might be helpful to any Dibbers booked through Avis.

[hellin family]

Originally Posted by CC71

At the Avis preferred desk at Miami airport, two weeks ago, there was a sign stating that they will accept debit cards provided you can show either your return flight information or cruise documents. We always use a credit card but I thought this information might be helpful to any Dibbers booked through Avis.

See more...

Really good to know, thanks Claire.

[tinkerella123]

As long as your debit card is showing the visa sign then you are good to go.

[PPM]

Originally Posted by tinkerella123

As long as your debit card is showing the visa sign then you are good to go.

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Or MasterCard

[chmurf]

It's stated on your rental agreement (or T&Cs before booking)

usually it's under "Debit Cards Policy"

most rental companies will accept a debit card bearing the Visa, Mastercard or Discover, as long as you can produce an airline itinerary showing your return date and origin/destination

to avoid any fuss with a Debit, prepay for your rental, do not choose pay on arrival.

here's what alamo has to say about this

Debit/Check cards are considered to be any non-credit card bearing the VISA, MasterCard or Discover Card logo. Any other non-credit card without one of these logos is not accepted.

Please review the following guidelines:

When renting in the US, Debit/Check cards are accepted for customers with proof they have deplaned or disembarked at the rental location. Customers must have proof of a ticketed return or outbound trip from the location where the vehicle will be returned on an airline, cruise ship or train. For customers not deplaning or disembarking at the rental location and/or do not have evidence of a return or outbound trip, Debit/Check cards are only accepted as a form of payment at the time of return. This applies to all airport, sea port, train and bus station locations in the US and Canada.

See more...

alamo/en_US/car-rent...rd-policy.html