can you rent a car with apple pay

[Vera]

Yes, you can rent a car with Apple Pay at many major rental companies, but its acceptance is not universal and often depends on the specific rental location and the payment method used for the initial reservation. The core takeaway is to always verify with the specific rental branch beforehand. While digital wallets like Apple Pay are becoming standard for in-person transactions, the car rental industry's complex policies on security deposits and credit card authorizations can create limitations.

Major rental agencies like Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis typically accept Apple Pay for the rental transaction itself at their counters. However, the primary challenge is often the hold or security deposit. Rental companies place a substantial authorization hold on your payment method to cover potential charges. This process sometimes requires a physical chip-and-PIN transaction or a swipe of the actual card, even if you pay with Apple Pay. The policies can vary significantly by location, even within the same company.

When planning to use Apple Pay, follow these steps for a smooth experience:

1. Check the App First: Many rental companies allow you to complete most of the booking process, including payment, directly within their official app, which often supports Apple Pay. This is frequently the most reliable method.
2. Call the Local Branch: Don't rely solely on the corporate website. Call the specific location where you plan to pick up the car and ask about their policy on Apple Pay for both the payment and the security hold.
3. Bring a Physical Card: As a backup, always have the physical credit card you added to your Apple Wallet with you. The rental agent may need to see it to verify its presence, a common fraud prevention measure.

The following table outlines the general policies of major US rental companies regarding Apple Pay, based on recent user reports and company information. Note that these are subject to change.

Rental Company	Accepts Apple Pay at Counter?	Notes on Security Deposit / Hold
Enterprise	Often Yes	May require a physical card swipe for the hold even if Apple Pay is used for payment.
Hertz	Often Yes	Generally good acceptance; using the Hertz app with Apple Pay is highly recommended.
Avis	Often Yes	Acceptance is common, but policies on holds can vary by location.
Budget	Sometimes	Similar to Avis; less consistent adoption at smaller or franchise locations.
Alamo	Sometimes	More likely accepted if you use "Skip the Counter" online check-in.
National	Often Yes	Known for a streamlined process, especially for Emerald Club members.

In short, while the technology is widely available, the industry's legacy payment systems for authorization holds are the main hurdle. Using the rental company's mobile app for check-in and payment is your best bet for a seamless, touchless transaction.

[Paula]

I use Apple Pay for everything, and I've rented cars with it a few times. It worked fine at the Hertz counter at LAX. The key is that you still need the actual credit card you used in your Apple Wallet. The agent just scanned my phone to pay, but then he had to swipe my physical card to put the hold on it. It's convenient, but don't leave your wallet at home. It’s not a completely card-free experience yet.

[LaGenevieve]

As a frequent business traveler, my goal is to get in and out of the rental facility as quickly as possible. I've found the most reliable method is to bypass the counter entirely. I use the Hertz or Enterprise app to complete my booking and payment with Apple Pay ahead of time. This often allows me to go straight to the "Skip the Counter" line or even directly to my car. For in-person payments, major airports are generally equipped, but smaller town locations can be hit or miss.

[NolanMarie]

From my experience, the issue isn't the payment—it's the deposit. The rental company needs to authorize several hundred dollars on your card as a security hold. Their systems are sometimes set up to only do this with a physical card swipe or chip insertion. So while they'll happily take your Apple Pay for the rental fee, they might still need to handle your plastic. It's a good idea, but the technology hasn't fully caught up with the industry's policies on holds.

[AniyahAnn]

We tried to use Apple Pay for our family minivan rental on vacation. The person at the counter said their system couldn't accept it for the "pre-authorization," which was a large amount to cover the rental and extra drivers. We had to use a physical credit card instead. It was a bit disappointing. My advice is to call the specific rental office you're going to, not just the 1-800 number, and ask directly. It really depends on the individual branch and their equipment. Always have a backup card.