How to rent a car without a credit card

When most of us rent a vehicle, we tend to use a credit card that offers bonus points and primary rental car coverage. However, not everyone has a credit card in their wallet or sometimes emergencies happen that leave us without a credit card. If you find yourself in one of these situations, you can breathe a sigh of relief because you can rent a car without a credit card.

You'll face a few hurdles — additional ID requirements, limitations on the cars you can book and even a credit check — but it is possible. Here's everything you need to know about how to rent a car without a credit card.

Where can you rent a car without a credit card?

Most major rental car companies will accept debit cards instead of credit cards, but there are a few caveats to be aware of.

For starters, many of them require you to be at least 25 years old and will run a credit check before allowing you to rent a car. Companies such as Avis also restrict the type of vehicle you can rent, with high-end options being off-limits. Check the individual rental company requirements before booking with a debit card.

Related: Renting a car? These are the cards you need to get now

Alamo

Alamo accepts debit cards at airport rental counters if you provide proof of return travel and agree to pay a $200 refundable deposit.

Avis

Avis has quite a few restrictions when renting a car with a debit card. While you can pay for the rental with a debit card, some locations will still require you to present a credit card to secure a rental. For example, Avis locations in the Tri-State area, Philadelphia, Mississippi, Louisiana and Hartford, CT do not accept debit cards. Other restrictions include the following:

• Renters must be at least 25 years old (18 years old in New York state)
• Credit check required
• No rentals from the Avis Select Series

Related: Your points, miles and loyalty guide to Avis

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Budget

Budget accepts debit cards for reservations if you're at least 25 years old (18 years old in New York state). Some locations won't allow debit payments, so be sure to confirm this ahead of time. As with other rental agencies, you'll need to account for a refundable security deposit of at least $100 when paying with your debit card.

Dollar

Dollar car rental has slightly more lax rules for renting a car without a credit card. You won't undergo a credit check, and the company accepts debit cards for non-premium or luxury rentals as long as you book your car 24 hours before pick-up. However, you can get around this requirement by presenting a valid ID and proof of return travel.

Just keep in mind that you will be charged the entire cost of your rental upfront, along with a $500 deposit.

Enterprise

Enterprise allows you to rent a car with a debit card at airport locations, assuming you have proof of return travel and can cover the entire cost — plus a $200 deposit. You won't be able to add additional drivers, although your spouse or partner is allowed to drive the vehicle.

You'll face some stringent requirements at non-airport locations if you're paying with a debit card. For starters, not all locations accept debit cards; the ones that do may ask for copies of your utility bills, a recent paystub, proof of insurance and references. You'll also need to pay the full rental cost and a deposit that can take up to 20 days to refund.

Hertz

Hertz allows you to rent a car with your debit card if it's saved to your profile. The rental location may also run a credit check. There is a $500 At airport locations, you'll also need to provide two forms of valid ID and proof of return travel. If you don't meet this criteria, you can still pay for your rental with a debit card if you present a credit card at check-in.

National Car Rental

National only accepts debit cards for rentals made at airport locations and only if you can provide proof of return travel. A $200 deposit will be required, along with the cost of the entire rental. When renting with a debit card, National won't allow you to add additional drivers to the reservation, which can be inconvenient if you're taking a long road trip.

Related: Your points, miles and loyalty guide to National Car Rental

Sixt

Sixt accepts debit cards for car rentals under 28 days if you choose the "Pay Later" option during booking and present two forms of ID. If you're a non-local, you won't be able to rent premium and luxury cars, and you must provide proof of return travel at airport locations. If you're a local renter, Sixt requires you to present a copy of a recent utility bill that matches the information on your driver's license. Debit cards are not allowed for rentals at any location in Canada.

Thrifty Car Rental

Like Avis, Thrifty accepts debit cards if you book your reservation at least 24 hours in advance. You'll need two forms of ID, proof of travel plans and a $500 refundable deposit plus the entire rental cost. If you're a Thrifty's Blue Chip rewards program member, the $500 deposit is waived, assuming you've added your debit card to your online profile and it's not your first time renting. Debit cards are not accepted on premium vehicles and above, including convertibles.

Renting a car with a debit card tips

Enterprise and Hertz allow you to use a prepaid card to pay for your rental car. Some Enterprise locations accept cash and money orders for final payments only, while others allow you to secure a rental this way. Hertz accepts prepaid cards for final payment only. You must still provide a credit or debit card at check-in to secure your rental. Keep in mind that this may not work abroad, where prepaid card acceptance is limited.

Which rental car company does not require a credit card?

Most major rental car companies allow you to book and pay for your car without a credit card. Accepted payment methods include debit cards, while a few will allow cash and money orders for payment. All of the following accept debit cards:

• Alamo
• Avis
• Budget
• Dollar
• Enterprise
• Hertz
• National
• Sixt
• Thrifty

Related: 9 rental car rewards programs you need to know about

Can I rent a car with a prepaid card?

Some rental car companies accept prepaid cards. Hertz accepts prepaid cards for final payments only, while some Enterprise locations allow you to secure a rental car booking this way.

Related: 10 best ways to redeem your points and miles for a car rental

Can I use cash to rent a car?

A few rental car companies allow you to pay with cash, though you'll still need a debit or credit card to make the reservation. Some Enterprise locations allow you to do this, and Dollar accepts cash for car rentals in most states if you're at least 20 years old, complete the Cash Deposit ID Card application and pay a $15 processing fee. It can take 30 days to process this application, so you'll want to plan way in advance if you're choosing this option.

Will I need to pay extra for rental insurance?

While you can use a debit card to rent a car, some significant trade-offs exist. For starters, you'll often be liable for a security deposit that may take a few weeks to be refunded. You will also undergo a credit check in some instances and must provide at least two forms of ID.

Most importantly, you'll forego primary rental coverage, which you normally have to pay for but get as a benefit with some travel cards. If you decide not to and end up in an accident, you'll have to process the claim through your own insurance and risk a higher premium. This trade-off is not worthwhile. I wouldn't recommend renting a car with a debit card unless it's your only option.

Related: Tuesday Travel Tip: The top 3 easiest ways to save on rental cars

Bottom line

Renting a car without a credit card is possible, although you'll forgo important protections and deal with a few hassles. For example, you may not always have two forms of government ID on hand if you're traveling domestically. If you're booking an expensive rental, you'll need to contend with having the entire cost plus a security deposit withdrawn from your checking account.

Lastly, you won't receive the protections that come with credit cards, which can save you time, money and a lot of trouble if you're involved in an accident while driving the rental vehicle.