Yes, you can book a hire car without a credit card, but your options will be more limited and the process will involve stricter requirements. Many major rental companies have policies to accept debit cards or alternative payment methods, though these often come with additional hurdles like a more rigorous identity verification, a higher security hold placed on your funds, and proof of return travel.
The primary reason for the preference for credit cards is risk mitigation. A credit card allows the company to place an authorization hold (a temporary block on a portion of your credit limit) to cover potential charges like fuel, tolls, or damage. With a debit card, this hold is placed directly on your checking account, tying up your actual cash for the duration of the rental.
| Rental Company | Debit Card Policy at Airport Locations | Typical Security Hold | Key Requirements |
|---|
| Enterprise | Often accepted | $200 plus estimated rental cost | Proof of return travel, additional ID, higher age minimum |
| Hertz | Varies by location; stricter at airports | $200 - $500 | Two forms of ID, utility bill, plane ticket |
| Avis | Selective acceptance | Varies significantly | Prepaid reservations may not be allowed with debit |
| Budget | Similar to Avis | Varies | Must meet specific location criteria |
| Local/Independent Agencies | Most likely to accept | Often lower | Policies are highly flexible; call ahead |
To streamline the process, have all your documents ready: a valid driver's license, a major debit card (Visa/Mastercard), and proof of insurance if you're declining their coverage. The most reliable strategy is to call the specific rental location directly, as policies can differ even within the same company based on whether it's an airport or neighborhood branch. Renting from a non-airport location often increases your chances of a smoother experience with a debit card.
