Most car rental companies require a credit card, but debit cards and other payment methods work at some locations
You do not automatically need a credit card to rent a car. However, the vast majority of major rental companies — Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, Budget, National — will ask for one at the counter. A few will take a debit card if you meet their conditions. Some smaller, independent rental agencies accept cash or prepaid cards. The catch is that even if you pay with a debit card or cash, the rental company will still place a hold on your account for a security deposit, which can be substantial.
The hold is not a charge — it is a temporary block on funds to cover potential damage, fuel, or tolls. It can take days or weeks to release after you return the car. If you use a debit card, that hold reduces the money you can actually spend while traveling. A credit card spreads the hold across your credit limit instead, which is why rental companies prefer them.
Key Takeaways
- Major rental chains require a credit card at most locations, though some will accept a debit card with a larger security hold.
- The security hold is not a charge — it is a temporary block that can take one to two weeks to release after you return the car.
- Independent rental agencies and some regional companies are more likely to accept debit cards, cash, or prepaid options than national chains.
- If you use a debit card, expect a hold of $200 to $500 or more, which reduces the cash available in your account during your trip.
- Calling the rental company before you arrive is the fastest way to confirm what payment methods they will accept at that specific location.
Why rental companies prefer credit cards
Rental companies use credit cards as a may provide against damage, lost keys, fuel charges, and toll violations. A credit card gives them a way to charge you after you leave if something goes wrong. With a debit card or cash, they have less recourse — they cannot easily charge you later, so they protect themselves by holding a larger amount upfront.
Credit cards also signal to the rental company that you have been vetted by a bank. A debit card does not carry that same signal. This is why even if a rental company says it accepts debit cards, the hold will be bigger and the approval process more rigid.
Renting with a debit card
Most major rental companies will rent to you with a debit card, but with conditions. You will typically need to show a government-issued ID, proof of your address, and proof of insurance. Some companies require the debit card to be in your name and linked to a checking account (not a savings account). A few ask for a second form of ID.
The security hold on a debit card is usually $200 to $500, though it can be higher depending on the car type and location. This money is locked in your account and unavailable to you for the duration of the rental plus several days after you return the car. If you are traveling on a tight budget, this can be a real problem — you may not have enough left to pay for gas, food, or other expenses.
Call the rental company before you book to ask what their specific debit card policy is. Policies vary by location, and some branches may be stricter than others. Ask for the hold amount in writing if you can, so there are no surprises at the counter.
Renting with cash or prepaid cards
Very few major rental companies accept cash as a primary payment method. Some regional and independent agencies do, but they are uncommon. If a company does take cash, they will still require a credit card or debit card for the security hold — the cash is only for the rental fee itself.
Prepaid cards (like Visa or Mastercard gift cards) are treated like debit cards by most rental companies. They work at some locations but not others. The rental company will place a hold on the prepaid card just as they would on a debit card. If the prepaid card does not have enough available balance to cover both the rental cost and the security hold, the transaction will be declined.
Independent and regional rental agencies
Smaller rental companies and local agencies are often more flexible about payment methods than national chains. Some will rent to you with a debit card and a smaller hold, or accept cash with a larger deposit upfront. Turo, a peer-to-peer car rental platform, works differently — you book through the app and pay with a credit or debit card, but the process is designed for people without traditional credit.
The trade-off is that independent agencies may charge higher daily rates, have older vehicles, or offer less roadside support. Check reviews and confirm their cancellation policy before you book. Ask about their security hold policy and what happens if you return the car early — some will refund the hold when ready, while others take longer.
What happens if you do not have any card
If you have no credit card and cannot use a debit card, your options narrow significantly. Some car rental companies will rent to you if you prepay the entire rental cost in advance and provide a large cash deposit for the security hold. This is rare and usually only available at independent agencies.
Another option is to ask someone else to make the reservation and provide their credit card. The card holder does not have to be present at pickup, but they will be responsible for any charges. This works if you have a family member or friend willing to help, but it puts their card at risk if damage occurs.
If neither option works, consider ride-sharing services, public transit, or a taxi for your trip. These are not ideal, but they avoid the card requirement entirely.
How to prepare before you arrive
Call or email the rental company at least one week before your trip. Tell them you plan to pay with a debit card and ask for their specific requirements: What documents do you need? What is the security hold amount? How long does it take to release? Will they accept a prepaid card instead?
Get the answers in writing if possible — an email confirmation or a note of the representative's name and what they said. This protects you if the counter agent tries to enforce a different policy. Bring all required documents: your ID, proof of address, proof of insurance, and your debit card.
If the rental company will not work with you, contact other companies at the same airport or location. Budget and Enterprise sometimes have different policies than Hertz or Avis, even in the same city. Checking multiple companies takes 20 minutes and can save you from a failed rental at the last minute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use someone else's credit card to rent a car?
The person whose name is on the credit card must be present at pickup and must be the primary driver on the rental agreement. Some companies allow additional drivers, but the card holder is always the one liable for damage or violations. You cannot use someone else's card without them present.
How long does the security hold take to release?
Most holds release within three to five business days after you return the car, though some take up to two weeks. The exact timing depends on your bank and the rental company. If the hold has not released after two weeks, contact the rental company and ask for a release confirmation number, then give that to your bank.
What if the rental company charges me after I return the car?
Charges after return are usually for damage, fuel, tolls, or late fees. The rental company will charge your card on file. Check your receipt and photos before you leave the lot. If you dispute a charge, contact the company within 30 days with your evidence — photos, the original receipt, or proof that you paid for fuel.
Do I need a credit card if I prepay the rental online?
Yes. Even if you prepay the rental fee online with a debit card, the rental company will still place a security hold on a card at pickup. The prepayment covers the rental cost, but the hold covers potential damage and other charges. You will need a card present at the counter.
Can I rent a car with only a debit card and no credit card at all?
Yes, at most major companies, though the security hold will be larger and the approval process stricter. You will need a government ID, proof of address, and proof of insurance. Call ahead to confirm the specific location will accept a debit card — policies vary by branch.