can u rent a car with a discover it card

[McLorenzo]

Yes, you can generally rent a car with a Discover it card, as it is accepted by most major rental companies. However, there are important caveats regarding deposits and insurance that you need to understand before you rely on it as your primary payment method.

The key challenge is not the rental transaction itself but the security deposit (often called a "hold") that companies place on your card. Major agencies like Hertz, Enterprise, and Avis do accept Discover. Yet, policies can vary by location, especially at franchisee-owned or non-airport branches. It is always best to call the specific rental location ahead of time to confirm.

Unlike some Visa or Mastercard offerings, standard Discover it cards do not include primary rental car insurance. Discover does offer a secondary collision damage waiver if you use your card to pay for the entire rental and waive the rental company's insurance. Secondary coverage means it only pays for damages after your personal auto insurance policy has been exhausted. This can still lead to out-of-pocket costs and potential premium increases.

The table below outlines the Discover card acceptance and deposit policies for major U.S. rental companies.

Rental Company	Accepts Discover?	Typical Deposit (Hold) Amount	Notes
Enterprise	Yes	$200 - $300	Policy is consistent across most locations.
Hertz	Yes	$200 - $500	Varies by car class and location; higher for premium vehicles.
Avis	Yes	$200 - $400	Confirm with specific location, particularly non-airport offices.
Budget	Yes	$200 - $350	Similar to Avis (its parent company).
Alamo	Yes	$200 - $300	Generally accepted at corporate-owned locations.
National	Yes	$200 - $400	Typically accepted, but always verify.
Thrifty	Varies	$200 - $300	Crucial to confirm as many franchise locations may not accept it.
Dollar	Varies	$200 - $300	Similar to Thrifty; acceptance is less guaranteed.

To ensure a smooth rental process, call the rental office directly, ensure your Discover card has a available credit limit significantly higher than the rental cost to cover the hold, and consider your existing auto insurance coverage before declining the rental company's collision damage waiver.

[DeElisa]

From my experience, it's a bit of a gamble. The big names at the airport usually take it, but I got turned away once at a smaller town Budget location. They only took Visa. The main headache is the huge hold they put on your card—it can be $300 or more, which ties up your credit. I always call the exact spot I'm renting from now to avoid any surprises.

[LeTanner]

As a frequent business traveler, I rely on my Discover card for its rewards. I've successfully used it with Hertz and Enterprise without issue. The critical step is planning ahead. I recommend using the rental company's app or website to pre-pay for your reservation; this often locks in a better rate and confirms payment method acceptance. The security hold is standard, but it's essential to have ample available credit.

[CharlieMarie]

Sure, you can, but you have to think about insurance. Discover doesn't give you primary coverage like some other cards. That means if you get a dent, your own car insurance has to pay first. If you have good personal insurance, it's probably fine. But if you don't, paying for the rental company's coverage might be the safer, less stressful choice. Always check your card's benefits guide first.