Greek car hire with no deposit?

Hamsterminator

Hi,

I just picked up a hire car from RHO Airport and as I was taking out my credit card and joked about not remembering the pin, the girl at the desk suggested I pay without leaving a deposit.  The basic premise seemed to include:

1. I can return the car empty
2. I dont need a credit card
3. I pay €90 now (for 6 days) and that's it.

Considering fuel would likely come to €60 anyway, it seems too good to be true. 

I was fairly blindsided by this as I expected the same chat I've had every time I pick up a car: do you want to upgrade your car or increase your cover? As neither of those things happened I'm not entirely sure what I've just signed up to.

Can anyone explain how car hire with no credit card and no deposit works? If it was as simple as they described, surely everyone would do it? What's the catch?

macman

If returned with an empty tank, they'll charge you £££ over the actual cost for the fuel.
Otherwise, it's mystery. 

eDicky

How did you pay the 90€..?

Hamsterminator

The 90 was by cash. That was another odd thing- on offering my debit card they said it had to be cash.

The rental company is SK cars.  I've seen a few of their reviews on Google and there doesn't look to be many who have been caught out, other than by picking up cars with low fuel or in generally poor condition.  

eDicky

Ok, I'd guess that as it's Greece, the cash goes into the pocket of the proprietor of the counter staff, or both, and not through the books, so it's worth it for them to do it that way when they can...