Renting a car -debit card not allowed

book12

I would like to rent a car, but don't have a credit card (only a debit card).

Are there any car hire companies accept debit card payments?

vikingaero

Enterprise for definite. But you need to tell them when you book and bring along additional ID/utility bills.

bigjl

Just get a prepaid card, job done.

I haven't done it myself but have been told that is OK, as a credit card is a credit card.

dzug1

bigjl wrote: »

Just get a prepaid card, job done.

I haven't done it myself but have been told that is OK, as a credit card is a credit card.

But a prepaid card is not a credit card - by definition.

Some prepaid cards allow themselves to be used for car hire - some don't. And of those that do, some have to be authorised in advance.

So it can work, but it's not a question of 'just' getting one blindly.

The problem is not really one of paying for the rental - but of leaving a sufficient deposit (maybe £1000 or more) as surety for the car.

Dontknowanymore

Yes enterprise, My mum had to do it for me and she only has a visa debit.

jazabelle

We rent for Enterprise all the time with a debit card.

property.advert

Cashplus by APS will, when you have verified yourself, allow you to raise a barring on hiring cars. The main issue is not whether it is a debit card or credit card but rather that you have sufficient funds. With a credit card, they mark the excess against your credit limit but do not charge it whereas with a debit card they have to charge in full and then refund you.

colino

Hire Car companies also prefer credit cards so they can charge for damage they have identified and put it through card user not present.

gilbert_and_sullivan

We hired Hertz in Ireland and only carry debit cards so they must have been ok.

mollysmum

any that let you rent without having your licence on you ie can do a dvla check? also with a dr on ure licence from 8 yrs ago?

DaveF327

dzug1 wrote: »

The problem is not really one of paying for the rental - but of leaving a sufficient deposit (maybe £1000 or more) as surety for the car.

... for them to invent mickey mouse charges for barely visible cosmetic blemishes that they always seem to "find". The only way I'd hire a car now is with a prepaid card topped up with the hire cost - nothing more.