In this guide to hiring a car with a debit card, we’ll get you up to date with all the important information and policies to adhere to.
What is car hire with a debit card?
There are lots of reasons why someone might hire a car – road trips, work trips, family holidays, and more. But no matter the reason for hiring a car, everyone has to go through the payment, pick-up and security deposit process. Sometimes, it’s quick, efficient, and seamless, but it can be a long process if you’re unprepared.
While most car hire companies prefer renters to pay for their car hire with a credit card, some accept debit cards. It might be a longer process, so read this guide to stay informed on how to hire a car with a debit card. We’ll get on the road as soon as possible.
What are the benefits of hiring a car with a debit card?
Hiring a car with a debit card has several benefits, such as:
You don’t need a credit card: If you don’t have a credit card, several car hire companies accept debit cards. That way, you can keep all your finances in one place.
Financial stability: While credit cards can be an excellent way of boosting your credit score and gaining benefits, they can cause financial instability for some. Credit cards are only beneficial when the balance is cleared regularly, i.e. the credit card is paid off. Otherwise, you can be faced with debt and high interest rates. If this is the case, then putting your car hire and security deposit payment on your credit card could result in fees and increased debt.
Avoid interest fees: The security deposit does not leave your credit card immediately – it’s put on hold, meaning you can’t spend that amount until you return the car. However, if something goes wrong, some or all of the deposit will need to be recovered – insurance will cover most or all of this, but it can take a while for insurance to be paid into your account. If you have sufficient funds in your bank account, then you know for certain that you are not going to be charged any interest.
What are the drawbacks of hiring a car with a debit card?
You have fewer options: Most car hire companies prefer renters to use their credit card to hire a car. There are a select few that accept debit cards, but universally, all car hire companies accept credit cards. And those that do might have limitations on the type of car that you can hire – some companies don’t permit those paying with debit cards to hire a luxury car.
If you use your credit card to hire a car, you can choose from any car hire company on the market, depending on your preference, location, and budget.
No additional fees: While paying for car hire with a debit card doesn’t incur additional fees, paying for the security deposit might. At the counter, you might be asked to take out additional coverage with the car hire company, even if you already have insurance. Sometimes, this is the only way to hire a car with a debit card, as it provides extra protection for the car hire company.
More spending money: Security deposits can be lofty at around the £1,000 mark. While this amount will be returned to you if nothing goes wrong, it is still put on hold in your account, preventing you from spending it. So, putting the security deposit on your credit card keeps your bank balance separate from it.
What payment options are available for car hire?
Can you pay for car hire with a debit card?
Some car hire companies accept debit card payments for car hire. However, this doesn’t always apply to the security deposit – if you don’t have a credit card, check that the car hire company will accept your debit card for the deposit. Be prepared to pay for additional coverage, as well as provide proof of address, additional ID, and return tickets if hired from an airport.
Additionally, the debit card must be in the driver’s name, the PIN must be activated (it can’t be the first time you’ve used the card), and you must have sufficient funds to cover the payment and deposit.
Can you pay for car hire with a credit card?
Paying for car hire with a credit card is the preferred method for most car hire companies. It’s also the most straightforward, as every car hire supplier accepts credit cards.
Can you pay for car hire with a prepaid card?
Some car hire companies accept payment for car hire with a prepaid card, such as Avis and Hertz. For companies that accept prepaid cards, they are typically used to pay for the car hire online or at the end of the rental period. However, you will still need a credit card in your name for the security deposit.
Can you pay for car hire with cash?
While major car hire companies generally do not accept cash as payment for car hire, select branches might. You might be able to pay with cash in areas where cards are not as prevalent, however, we still recommend bringing your credit card.
Can you pay for car hire with crypto?
Crypto has become a valid payment method for services worldwide, and this is slowly applying to car hire. It’s not widely accepted yet, but some car hire companies, such as OK Mobility are paving the way.
Where can you hire a car with a debit card?
While most major car hire companies accept debit card payments for the car hire, this might not apply to the security deposit. Here’s where you can pay for the car hire and security deposit with a debit card:
Sixt
Sixt accepts all major debit cards for deposits and rentals in select branches across the UK and worldwide. Check that your pick-up location accepts debit cards for security deposits.
Debit cards are not accepted for luxury vehicles above the F*** class.
Enterprise
Enterprise accepts all major debit cards except Electron, Maestro, and pre-paid cards.
Those paying with a debit card cannot hire a vehicle in the Luxury, Premium, SUV, Compact Elite, People Carrier, or Executive categories.
Avis
Avis accepts debit card payments for both the car hire and the deposit. However, if you want to book a premium vehicle in the UK, you will have to present a credit card, too.
Hertz
No need to check if Hertz accepts debit cards for a specific location – you can pay for the car hire and deposit with a debit card wherever you are.
What is the process of hiring a car with a debit card?
The process of hiring a car with a debit card is similar than with a credit card. However, the process might take longer. Without a credit card or debit card, you cannot hire a car – you need a card in your name for the security deposit.
- Check the company accepts debit cards: While you might be able to pay for the car hire with your debit card, the car hire company might not accept security deposit payments by debit card. If that’s the case and you only have a debit card, check if you can buy extra coverage with them to hire the car.
- Payment: Booking car hire is easiest online – with Holiday Cars, you can pay for part of the car hire and settle the rest upon pick-up, or pay the full amount.
- Prepare documents: Ensure you have your reservation details, proof of insurance, driving licence, passport, and proof of address to hand.
- Check the vehicle: Don’t forget to thoroughly check the car for any preexisting signs of damage. Even if you don’t see any damage, you should take pictures and videos of the car.
- Check the car hire agreement: Before signing the agreement, we recommend reading it carefully and asking questions about fees or charges. For example, if you’re planning on driving the car to another country, this might incur an additional fee.
- Pay the deposit: Once you’re happy with everything, use your debit card to pay the deposit.
- Sign the car hire agreement: You’re good to go!
How can you pay for a security deposit with a debit card?
If the car hire company accepts debit cards, the process is fairly simple. You might be required to take a credit score check, and you might have to pay for additional coverage with the car hire company. This usually means you don’t have to pay the deposit, but not always.
The car hire attendant will the deposit amount on hold on your debit card, meaning you cannot spend this. If all goes smoothly and there’s no damage to the vehicle, the deposit hold will be removed and the amount will return to your account. Debit card deposits can take up to 15 days to appear in your account.
Why is it important to check car hire payment policies?
We recommend checking all policies regarding car hire, such as age requirements, local driving laws, and security deposits. But knowing your chosen car hire company’s policy on car hire payments is crucial – the last thing you want upon pick-up is to be turned away for not having the right payment type. While some car hire companies accept alternative payment methods, such as debit cards and prepaid cards, this might not apply to every branch of that agency. Always check the payment policies of the specific branch that you are picking up from.