Renting a car without a credit card is possible, but you'll need to bring a debit card, cash, and proof of identity to most rental counters
Major rental companies like Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, and Avis all rent to customers without credit cards, though the process varies by location and company. Instead of a credit card, you'll typically provide a debit card for the security deposit, plus cash for the rental fee itself. Some companies require additional documentation — a second form of ID, proof of address, or a return airline ticket if you're renting at an airport. The catch is that debit card holds can take several business days to release after you return the car, and some locations have higher minimum age requirements or refuse debit cards altogether.
Independent and local rental companies are often more flexible than national chains and may accept cash deposits, skip the deposit for local renters, or work with prepaid cards. If you're renting near you, calling a few local operators first can save time and reduce the friction of the national company process.
Key Takeaways
- Enterprise, Budget, Avis, and Hertz accept debit cards for the security deposit, but you must bring a valid driver's license and a second ID such as a passport or state ID.
- The security deposit held on your debit card is typically $200 to $500 and may not release for three to seven business days after you return the vehicle.
- Some rental locations, especially at airports or in tourist areas, refuse debit cards entirely or require you to be 25 or older, so call ahead before you arrive.
- Independent and local rental companies are often more flexible with payment methods than national chains and may accept cash deposits or skip the deposit altogether for local renters.
- You will need to pay the rental fee upfront — either in cash, with a debit card, or sometimes with a prepaid card — separate from the security deposit.
What to bring to the rental counter
Bring your valid driver's license and at least one additional form of government-issued ID — a passport, state ID card, or military ID all work. The second ID is not optional at most locations; rental companies use it to verify your identity and reduce fraud. If you're under 25, bring your driver's license and expect to pay a young driver surcharge, typically $15 to $25 per day.
Bring a debit card with enough available balance to cover both the security deposit and the rental fee. The security deposit is usually $200 to $500, depending on the car size and rental length. The rental fee itself is separate — you'll pay that upfront as well. If your debit card doesn't have enough available balance for both, the rental company will decline the transaction.
Bring cash for the rental fee if you prefer not to use your debit card for that portion. Some locations accept cash for the daily rate while holding the deposit on your debit card. Bring proof of your return flight if you're renting at an airport — some companies use this to verify you have a reason to return the car on time.
How the security deposit works with a debit card
The rental company places a hold on your debit card for the security deposit amount — typically $200 to $500. This is not a charge; it's a temporary hold that freezes that money in your account. You can still use the rest of your balance, but that held amount is unavailable until the hold is released.
The hold is released after you return the car and the company inspects it for damage. This process usually takes three to seven business days, though some banks take longer. If the company finds damage, they may charge part or all of the hold to your debit card. If there's no damage, the entire hold is released and the money returns to your available balance.
During the hold period, that money counts against your account balance for overdraft purposes. If your account balance is low and you're relying on that held deposit to stay above zero, you could overdraft on other transactions. Plan for the hold to last a full week and keep extra money in your account during that time.
National rental companies that accept debit cards
Enterprise accepts debit cards at most locations for customers with a valid driver's license and a second form of ID. Some Enterprise locations, particularly in airports or high-risk areas, may refuse debit cards or require you to be 25 or older. Call the specific location before you go.
Budget accepts debit cards nationwide, though airport locations sometimes have stricter policies. Avis and Hertz both accept debit cards, but Hertz requires you to be at least 20 years old (with a surcharge under 25), and both may refuse debit at certain airport locations. Alamo and National also accept debit cards at most locations.
All of these companies have the same basic requirement: a valid driver's license, a second ID, proof of a return flight or local address, and enough available balance on your debit card to cover the deposit and rental fee. Call the specific location you plan to visit — policies vary significantly between airport counters and off-airport locations.
Local and independent rental companies near you
Independent rental companies are often more flexible than national chains. Many will accept cash for the entire rental, skip the security deposit if you're a local renter, or accept a smaller deposit. Search "car rental near me" or "local car rental [your city]" to find independent operators in your area.
Call before you visit and ask directly: "Do you rent to customers without a credit card?" and "What forms of payment do you accept?" Independent companies often have lower daily rates than national chains and may waive the deposit if you provide a local address and phone number they can verify.
Some peer-to-peer car rental platforms like Turo allow you to rent directly from car owners. Payment methods vary by owner, and some accept cash or bank transfer. Read the owner's payment policy before you message them.
What happens if a location refuses your debit card
If the rental counter refuses your debit card, ask whether they accept prepaid cards like Visa or Mastercard gift cards. Some locations that refuse standard debit cards will accept prepaid cards, though this is not may provide. The prepaid card must have enough balance for both the deposit and the rental fee.
If prepaid cards are also refused, ask whether they accept cash for the rental fee while holding the deposit on a different payment method — sometimes a family member's credit card, for example. If that's not possible, ask for the manager and explain your situation. Some locations have discretion to make exceptions for local renters or customers with a second form of ID and proof of address.
If the location still refuses, move to a different rental company or location. Call ahead to the next company rather than driving there and being turned away again. Independent rental companies in your area are your most likely alternative.
Prepaid cards and other payment options
Prepaid Visa and Mastercard cards work at some rental locations but not all. The card must be registered with your name and address — an unregistered prepaid card will be declined. The card must also have enough available balance for the security deposit and rental fee combined. Call the rental location before you arrive to confirm they accept prepaid cards.
Some rental companies accept bank transfers or checks from customers without credit cards, though this is rare and usually requires advance notice. Call the location and ask whether they offer this option. You would typically need to transfer funds or deliver a check several days before your rental date.
Money orders and cashier's checks are not accepted at rental counters. Cash is accepted for the rental fee at most locations, but the security deposit almost always requires a card — credit, debit, or prepaid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use someone else's credit card for the security deposit?
Yes. The cardholder does not need to be present, but they must authorize the hold. The rental company will place the hold on that card, and the cardholder will see it on their statement. The cardholder's name will appear on the rental agreement. This is common for family members or friends who are helping you rent.
What if I return the car damaged — will the hold cover it?
The hold covers damage up to the deposit amount. If damage exceeds the deposit, the rental company will charge your debit card for the additional amount. If damage is less than the deposit, only the damage amount is charged and the rest of the hold is released. Always inspect the car before you drive away and photograph any existing damage.
How long does the security deposit hold last?
Most holds release within three to seven business days after you return the car. Some banks take longer. Do not plan to use that money when ready after returning the vehicle. If you need that money urgently, ask the rental company when they typically release holds and plan accordingly.
Do I have to be a certain age to rent without a credit card?
Most national companies rent to drivers 21 and older, though some require 25 or older. Independent rental companies often have lower age requirements. Airport locations frequently have higher age minimums than off-airport locations. Call the specific location to confirm their age policy.
Can I rent a car with just cash and no card at all?
No. All rental companies require a card — credit, debit, or prepaid — for the security deposit. Cash alone is not accepted. You can use cash for the rental fee, but you must have a card available for the deposit hold.