Yes, you can rent a car with your Wells Fargo Cashwise Visa® Credit Card. The card is widely accepted by all major rental agencies, including Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, and Budget. However, the critical detail is that the Cashwise card does not include primary rental car insurance as a standard benefit. This means if you damage the rental vehicle, your personal auto insurance would be the first line of coverage, potentially leading to a claim and increased premiums.
For this reason, the Cashwise card is best for renters who already have robust personal auto insurance or who are willing to purchase the rental company's Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW). This optional coverage, typically costing $15-$35 per day, shifts the financial responsibility for damage from you to the rental company.
To use the card, ensure it has a sufficient available credit limit to cover the rental cost plus a security hold, which can be several hundred dollars. The hold is a temporary authorization that reduces your available credit until the rental is finalized. Always confirm with the rental agent that your card is accepted before proceeding.
| Consideration for Using Wells Fargo Cashwise Card | Details |
|---|
| Rental Insurance Coverage | Secondary or none; primary coverage not provided. |
| Typical Security Hold Amount | $200 - $500, depending on the rental company and vehicle class. |
| Major Rental Companies Accepting Visa | Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget, Alamo, National, Thrifty, Dollar. |
| Recommended Action | Purchase the rental company's CDW/LDW or verify your personal insurance covers rentals. |
| Credit Limit Impact | The security hold will temporarily reduce your available credit. |
Before your trip, contact your auto insurance provider to confirm your coverage extends to rental cars. If you frequently rent vehicles, consider a credit card that offers primary rental car insurance, as this can save you money on optional coverages in the long run.
