What rental car companies take debit cards

Debit/Check cards are considered to be any non-credit card bearing the VISA, Mastercard® or Discover logo. Pre-paid cards or any other non-credit card without one of these logos is not accepted. (Discover not accepted in Canada at airports)

At airport locations, debit card deposits are only accepted at the time of rental if accompanied by a ticketed return travel itinerary. The name and address shown on the renter’s driver’s license must match their current home address. Active-duty military personnel are exempt from address requirements. Other than the renter’s spouse or domestic partner, no other additional drivers are allowed.  At the time of rental, charges will be placed on the debit card which reduces the available funds in the account associated with the card used. Renter is responsible for any overdraft fees incurred.

Disembarking passengers will be asked to provide a credit card or debit card with funds to cover the cost of the rental.

Renters without a ticketed return travel itinerary will need to provide a credit card with sufficient available credit to cover the estimated total amount for the rental and a deposit between $300-$400 depending on the rental location and class of vehicle rented.

Canadian locations will only accept US and International Debit Cards at the time of rental with a ticketed return travel itinerary; Canadian Debit Cards are NOT accepted at airport locations.

Does Budget Allow Car Rental with a Debit Card?

Can you rent a car with a debit card?

Yes, you can rent a car with a debit card if you are at least 25 years old and are prepared to have an authorized hold placed on your account for the duration of your reservation. Be aware that some locations don’t accept debit cards at the time of reservation but do accept them at the time of payment. 

What credit, charge and debit cards do you accept?

 Our corporate-operated locations accept the following major credit cards: 

  • American Express

  • Budget Charge Card

  • Budget International

  • Discover 

  • JCB/Japan Card

  • MasterCard 

  • Optima 

  • Visa

Please note that acceptance of these cards may vary at locations outside of the U.S. and at our licensee-owned locations. Contact your pickup location for details.

At some locations, debit and prepaid charge cards are not accepted at rental pickup time, but are accepted for payment at time of car return. See required credentials for information on required rental pick-up holds.

How to Rent a Car Without a Credit Card

Making a car rental with no credit card can seem complicated, but it is possible with Budget.

If you plan to use a debit card, you need to be at least 25 years old. You should also check the location’s rules first (see instructions below) because some locations don’t accept debit cards at the time of car pickup. 

When you come to pick up your car, you’ll be asked to present a debit card or credit card. At this point, Budget will place a hold on some of the funds in your account. The typical hold is equivalent to the total estimated cost of the rental, but it may be higher or lower. For example, the minimum debit hold is $100, and that hold amount usually applies to insurance replacement rentals or prepaid rentals. Be aware that a debit card hold limits the funds available in the attached account.

The hold on the account will be removed after the car is returned and all fees are paid. 

Debit Cards at Airport Locations

In addition to a credit or debit card, you might need to show a ticket or boarding pass as well as proof of a return flight to pick up at airport locations.

What Happens to My Debit Card Hold if I Extend My Rental Period?

It's perfectly fine if you change your rental period. You just need to contact a Budget reservation agent at 800-527-7000 on or before the return date. We will assess a $10 service fee for the extended rental and place up to three additional holds on your card (depending on how long you keep the car) to cover expected rental charges. When you return the car, the holds will be released and you’ll be charged the actual rental costs. 

If you choose to extend your rental, your original rental rate may no longer be available. 

Paying for Your Rental Car with a Debit Card

Renters have the option to prepay for a rental online with a debit card. Some locations may require a credit card at the time of pickup, but you can still pay for the rental with a debit card.

Does My Rental Location Allow Renting with a Debit Card?

We recommend checking the debit card policies at your pickup location in advance, just to be sure. You can do this by searching for the location's page on Budget.com, scrolling down to “Terms & Conditions,” and clicking on “Debit Card Policies.”

Can you use a debit card at a car rental place?

The short answer is yes, you can rent a car with a debit card. Major rental car companies—including Avis, Budget, Enterprise and Hertz—all permit rentals on a debit card.

Which car rental companies allow prepaid debit cards?

rent a car with a prepaid card Enterprise and Hertz both allow you to use a prepaid card to pay for your rental car. Some Enterprise locations accept cash and money orders for final payments only, while others allow you to secure a rental this way. Hertz accepts prepaid cards for final payment only.

Can you use debit card for Hertz?

Hertz will not accept debit cards or prepaid cash cards as a form of payment or guarantee at the time of reservation, or time of pickup. You must present a valid and accepted charge card mentioned above, at the beginning of the rental. Debit cards may be used for payment upon return.

Which rental car company does not require a credit card?

Which rental car companies do not require a credit card? All of the major U.S. rental car companies have non-credit card payment options at certain rental locations, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, SIXT, Thrifty, and Turo.