Do you need to rent a car but don't have a credit card? These days, you can rent a car without the help of a credit card, although it's actually still more practical if you have a credit card. For example, now you can rent a car using a debit card. The process of renting a car without a credit card usually takes longer, and you are required to show an ID.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using a Debit Card to Rent a Car
Step 1. Show your debit card
If you don't have a credit card, but do have a bank account, you can use a debit card to pay rent. Most car rental companies accept debit card payments, but the process will take longer.
- The function of a debit card is almost the same as a credit card. It's just that, usually the rental fee is deducted directly from your savings account. That way, you don't "credit" the rental fee. This is why rental companies that accept debit cards will put you through an additional process to rent a car.
- Check the accepted card logo. Some car rental companies accept payments by debit cards with the appropriate logo. Rental companies often accept cards bearing the Visa or MasterCard logo. Check with your rental company first.
- Prepaid debit cards or cards that are not directly linked to a bank account are sometimes not accepted by car rental companies. Don't assume this card will be accepted even though they are both debit cards.
Step 2. Bring your ID card
To save time, it's best to bring an identification card. You may need it when using a debit card or other credit cardless rental methods.
- You may also be asked to show proof of vehicle insurance, proof of purchase of airline tickets, or current utility bills, if you don't pay by credit card. The rental company will implement several ways to verify your identity.
- The name on the identity card must match the name on the SIM.
- Chances are you can't get the best car without a credit card. Rental companies will not allow you to rent a luxury car or SUV.
Step 3. Know that your credit score will be checked
In the US, many rental companies accept debit card payments, but must be preceded by a credit check through the company, such as Equifax. If your credit score is bad, the company won't let you rent a car.
- This means that your report and credit score will be checked, and you will not be allowed to rent if you have a low credit score. Rental companies want a guarantee in case something happens to the rented car.
- Some companies accept debit card payments even if your credit score is very low when the car is finished. However, you should still use a credit card when renting a car.
- If your credit score is good enough, you should still be able to rent a car with a debit card. However, your credit score will decrease slightly when the company publishes your report.
Step 4. Get ready for additional hurdles
The company may require some additional steps if you rent a car with a debit card. Be prepared to spend some time going through additional processes required by the rental company.
- The company may require that you purchase insurance from the rental company.
- The time it takes to pay with a debit card is longer than using a credit card. Your credit score, insurance and identity will be checked.
- Car rental companies tend to prefer payment by credit card so that the payment process without a credit card will be difficult. Your identity will be checked, possibly in several ways.
Step 5. Anticipate a hold on your account
The car rental company will likely hold your account, even if it accepts debit card payments. Make sure you have enough funds to pay for this hold.
- This is a deposit that the rental company holds until you return the rental car. The cost can exceed IDR 2,000,000. When the rental company holds your account, it means that you cannot use the funds.
- The hold of your card can last for 14 days. You'll need to have enough funds in your account to pay rent and deposits.
- Some overseas rentals may not even accept debit cards at all. Check with the credit card company to find out which rentals accept debit card payments. Some domestic rental companies also only accept debit card payments.
Step 6. Use a prepaid card, check, or money order
Some rental companies accept payment by prepaid card. You can buy this card at a supermarket or wholesaler.
- For example, Enterprise (a car rental company in the US) accepts prepaid card payments. There are also rental companies that only accept prepaid cards when you return your rental car. You'll still need a credit or debit card to rent it first.
- Some companies (but only a few) accept payment by check at the time of car return or at the company location. Some rental companies accept payment by money order (Avis is one of them). It's a good idea to check them first as there are fewer of them.
- You may have to pay a down payment (down payment) to be able to use a debit card.
Method 2 of 3: Rent a Car with Cash
Step 1. Rent a car with cash
We recommend that you check first because not all rental companies accept this payment. In addition, some rental companies only accept cash payments when returning the car, not when picking it up.
- However, you can rent a car for cash at independent shops or companies that take a direct approach to marketing their services.
- For example, Rent-A-Wreck is one company in the US that accepts cash without showing a debit or credit card.
- Some online sites have lists of US cities that only accept cash payments.
Step 2. Prove your identity
Be prepared to prove yourself if you want to pay rent with cash. You will be asked to show multiple IDs before being allowed to rent a car.
- You may be asked to show proof of insurance, proof of purchase of travel tickets, and verification of your identity, such as a driver's license.
- Car rental companies will likely limit the types of cars that can be rented, and will often not allow additional drivers.
- In the US, Alamo's cash rental regulations require you to present a utility bill with a current address and active phone number along with the tenant's name. Some large companies allow cash payments, but you'll still need to present a credit or debit card before being allowed to pick up the rental car.
Step 3. Pay cash deposit
You need to prepare extra cash if you want to rent a car with cash. This is because car rental companies usually want a guarantee in the form of cash.
- Usually, you have to provide a cash deposit in addition to the rental fee. Your credit score may also be checked.
- In the US, Alamo asks for a cash deposit of $3,600 in addition to rent. Check with your rental company as the rules may vary.
- Your cash deposit is received back when the car is returned flawless. Usually, the return of the deposit is given in the form of a check sent by the rental company.
Method 3 of 3: Renting a Car with Someone Else's Credit Card
Step 1. Rent a car using someone else's credit card
Some credit card companies require you to use the same card to pay for and pick up the car, but some don't. You can borrow credit cards belonging to family, friends, and pay off your debts to them using cash.
- In the US, Budget is one company that provides this option. Some companies require that the rental car be picked up by the person whose name is on the credit card.
- Of course, you'll need to get permission to borrow someone else's credit card, but there may be a family member, friend, or spouse who will lend their credit card to rent a car if you promise to pay it off right away.
Step 2. Walk around
Not all companies provide this option. You need a rental company that will allow you to use one card to rent a vehicle and another identification to pick up the car. Family or lower end business car rentals, for example companies that specialize in renting used cars, may have less stringent regulations.
- Don't assume that all car rental companies are the same. Contact many car rental companies, and check the terms they specify.
- Maybe you can find an independent car rental company that accepts other people's cash or credit cards. Usually, this cannot be done at the big rental companies.
Step 3. Stop trying and set up a credit card
Some people don't want to have credit card debt, even if they have a good credit score. If you're planning on renting a car, it may be easier to give in and try to get a credit card.
- You can always set aside cash to pay off your rent immediately. Most rental companies still require you to show a card, either credit or debit, to be able to take the car out of the rental place.
- You will be driving someone else's very expensive vehicle. So make sure the car is returned flawless (remember, they already know your identity).
- Improve your credit score. Maybe your problem is with a low credit score, or you have a debit card, but can't rent a car because of a low credit score. Pay your debts, and make sure the debt balance never approaches the credit limit.
Tips
- Some car rentals require full coverage insurance for individual renters who do not use a credit card.
- If you have a credit card, it's a good idea to take it with you in case you need it (for example when your credit report doesn't meet).
- Make sure you have enough funds to pay the holding fund and still have some cash left just in case.
- Renting a car without a credit card may not be the right choice if done outside the United States.
- While some car rental companies accept cash payments, this option is usually available when returning the car. A credit or debit card is still required to get a car and drive it.
Warning
- You probably won't be able to use someone else's credit card to rent a car, even if you have the cardholder's permission.
- You will most likely not be able to borrow an SUV or special vehicle if you don't use a credit card.
