which car rental does not require a deposit

[McLillian]

The short answer is that several major car rental companies offer options to avoid a security deposit. Your best bets are typically enterprise Holdings brands (Enterprise, National, Alamo) and Avis Budget Group (Avis, Budget) when you meet specific criteria, primarily by using a qualifying debit or credit card and opting for their respective damage waiver products.

The key to skipping the deposit lies in how you pay and the protections you choose. Most companies require a deposit if you use a debit card or if you decline their Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), also known as Loss Damage Waiver (LDW). This waiver isn't insurance; it's a agreement from the rental company to cover damage to the vehicle, which in turn makes them less likely to require a large security hold on your funds.

Rental Company	Common Policy for Avoiding Deposit	Key Requirement(s)	Estimated Deposit Amount if Required
Enterprise/National/Alamo	Often waives deposit with CDW/LDW purchase.	Must use a major credit card or meet specific debit card rules.	$200 - $300
Avis/Budget	Deposit may be waived with their damage protection.	Requires a credit card in the renter's name.	$250 - $350
Hertz	Strict on deposits; waiver is less common.	Primarily for elite members or specific corporate accounts.	$200 - $400
Silvercar by Audi	No deposit required for qualified renters.	Booking and payment through the app with a verified card.	$0
Turo	Varies by individual car owner (Host).	Host sets the policy; many require a deposit.	$50 - $500+

For a truly deposit-free experience, consider car-sharing services like Zipcar or Kyte. These membership-based services include insurance in their hourly or daily rates and typically do not place a separate deposit hold beyond a one-time application fee. Your driving record will be checked during sign-up.

Always read the full terms and conditions before booking. Policies can vary by location and even by the specific employee at the counter. Calling the rental location directly to confirm their current deposit policy is a highly recommended final step.

[SanCole]

I always use my American Express card when I rent. AmEx has a program called Premium Car Rental Protection that I pay for once per rental. It acts as my primary coverage, so I confidently decline the expensive CDW from the rental company. Because I'm not using their insurance, Avis usually doesn't even bother with a deposit hold on my card. It saves me money two ways: no waiver fee and no tied-up cash. I just make sure the card has enough available credit for the rental cost itself.

[SanKarter]

Skip the big guys if you're worried about a deposit. Look at Silvercar. It's all done through an app—you unlock the car with your phone. Since your payment and driver info are already verified in the system, they don't need to place a security hold. Every car is an Audi, so it's a premium experience without the usual hassle. It's straightforward and modern, which I appreciate. Services like Kyte operate on a similar, no-deposit model.

[Blanco]

As a frequent business traveler, my corporate account is the golden ticket. When I book through our company's contract with National, the deposit is automatically waived. The agreement is between my employer and the rental company. If you travel a lot for work, check if your company has a similar negotiated rate. It streamlines everything. For personal trips, I stick with the same brand to maintain my elite status, which also helps minimize deposit requirements.