Renting a car with a prepaid debit card is significantly more difficult than using a traditional credit card, and many major rental companies have policies against accepting them outright. While not universally impossible, you should expect hurdles like extensive verification checks and substantially higher security deposits. Your success will largely depend on the specific rental company's corporate policy and the individual location's willingness to make an exception.
The primary reason for this restriction is risk management. When you use a credit card, the rental company can place a large hold (an authorized amount above the rental cost) on your available credit to cover potential extras like fuel, tolls, or damage. This hold is a guarantee of payment. Prepaid debit cards do not offer the same level of assurance because the funds are limited and there's no line of credit backing them.
If you must attempt a rental with a prepaid card, your best chance is often at airport locations of major companies like Hertz, Enterprise, or Avis. You will need to contact the specific location directly—not just the national reservation line—to confirm their policy. Be prepared for a more rigorous verification process, which may include a credit check or proof of return travel. The required security deposit will also be much higher, often hundreds of dollars, and the company will require you to have that full amount available on the card in addition to the rental cost.
| Rental Company | General Policy on Prepaid Debit Cards | Potential Requirements & Notes |
|---|
| Enterprise Holdings (Enterprise, Alamo, National) | Typically not accepted at time of rental; some locations may accept for payment after rental. | May require a credit check and proof of round-trip travel itinerary if an exception is made. |
| Hertz | Varies by location; corporate-owned airport locations are most likely to consider. | Requires a credit check and a larger security deposit hold. Policies are strictly enforced. |
| Avis / Budget | Generally not accepted. | Some franchise locations may have different rules; always call ahead. |
| Dollar / Thrifty | Often stricter policies; frequently not accepted. | Focuses on credit cards due to the lower-risk customer profile they attract. |
A much more reliable alternative is to use a debit card linked directly to your checking account. Most major companies accept these, but they still require proof of a round-trip travel ticket and will perform a credit check. The easiest path, by far, is to use a major credit card in your name.
