Enterprise does not require a credit card, but you will need one form of payment and a valid driver's license
Enterprise accepts debit cards, cash, and prepaid cards at most locations, though the specific payment methods available vary by branch and region. You do not have to own a credit card to rent from them. However, Enterprise will place a hold on your payment method — typically $200 to $500 — as a security deposit, which means your account needs enough available funds to cover both the rental cost and that hold at the time you pick up the car.
The hold is released after you return the car and the rental is complete, usually within three to five business days. If you use a debit card, the hold reduces the money you can access during the rental period, so plan accordingly if your account balance is tight.
Key Takeaways
- Enterprise accepts debit cards, prepaid cards, and cash at many locations, so a credit card is not required to rent.
- Enterprise places a hold of $200 to $500 on your payment method as a security deposit, which reduces your available balance until the rental ends.
- You must have a valid driver's license and be at least 21 years old; some locations charge extra for drivers under 25.
- Payment method options vary by location, so call your local Enterprise branch before you arrive to confirm what they accept.
- If you have no credit history or poor credit, renting with a debit card is often easier than building credit through a credit card.
What payment methods Enterprise actually accepts
Enterprise's official policy allows credit cards, debit cards, and prepaid cards. Many locations also accept cash, though this varies — some branches in urban areas may not take cash due to security concerns. The safest approach is to call the specific location where you plan to rent and ask what payment methods they have available that day.
If you are renting through Enterprise's website or phone line, you will be asked to provide a payment method during booking. The card you use at reservation does not have to be the same card you bring to pickup, but it must be a valid card in your name. If you want to pay with a different method at pickup — such as switching from a credit card reservation to a debit card payment — tell the agent when you arrive, and they will process the change if that method is available.
How the security hold works with different payment types
When you pick up your rental, Enterprise places a hold on your payment method. This hold is not a charge — it is a temporary block that reduces your available balance. With a credit card, the hold typically does not affect your ability to use the card elsewhere because credit cards have a separate credit limit. With a debit card or prepaid card, the hold reduces the actual money in your account, which can matter if your balance is low.
For example, if you have $800 in your checking account and Enterprise places a $300 hold, you can only spend $500 of your own money until the rental ends and the hold is released. The hold is removed three to five business days after you return the car, though some banks take longer to process the release.
If you are paying with cash, Enterprise typically does not place a hold — they collect the full rental cost upfront. However, cash payments are less common at Enterprise locations, and you may be asked to provide a credit or debit card anyway as a backup in case of damage or additional charges.
Why Enterprise asks for a payment method at all
The hold and payment method serve two purposes: to cover the rental cost and to protect Enterprise if you damage the car or incur extra charges like fuel, tolls, or late fees. If you decline the optional damage waiver, Enterprise can charge you for any damage beyond normal wear and tear. The hold ensures they have a way to collect that money.
This is why Enterprise requires a payment method in your name — they need to be able to charge you if something goes wrong. If you rent under someone else's card, you may face delays or disputes if damage occurs, because Enterprise will need to contact the cardholder to authorize the charge.
Renting without a credit card if you have credit challenges
If you have no credit history, poor credit, or are rebuilding credit, renting a car with a debit card is often simpler than trying to use a credit card. Enterprise does not run a hard credit check for car rentals — they check your driver's license and verify your payment method has funds, but they do not pull your credit report. Your credit score does not affect whether you can rent from them.
The main limitation is the security hold. If your debit card account does not have enough available funds to cover both the rental cost and the hold, you will not be able to complete the rental. If this is a problem, you have a few options: add funds to your account before pickup, ask a family member to co-sign the rental using their card, or look into whether a local credit union offers a small secured loan that could give you access to more funds.
What to bring and confirm before you arrive
Bring your valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and the payment method you plan to use. If you booked online or by phone, bring the confirmation email or number. Call the location 24 hours before pickup to confirm they have your payment method available — this is especially important if you plan to pay with cash or a prepaid card, since not all branches accept these.
If you are under 25, ask about the young driver surcharge when you call. Enterprise charges extra for drivers under 25 at most locations, and this fee is added to your rental cost. The amount varies by location and age, so confirm the total cost before you arrive.
If you are renting with a debit card and your account balance is close to the rental cost plus the hold, let the agent know when you arrive. They can sometimes adjust the hold amount or work with you on payment timing, though this is not may provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use someone else's credit card to rent a car from Enterprise?
No. The card must be in your name and present at pickup. If you do not have a card in your name, you can ask someone to co-sign the rental, but their card will be the one charged and held. This creates liability issues if damage occurs, so most co-signers are reluctant to do this.
What happens if my debit card is declined when Enterprise tries to place the hold?
The rental will not be completed. You will need to provide a different payment method with sufficient available funds. If you do not have another option, you will not be able to rent that day. Contact your bank beforehand if you think your account might be flagged for a large hold.
Do I get the security hold back if I return the car on time with no damage?
Yes. The hold is released within three to five business days after you return the car, assuming there are no damage claims or additional charges. Your bank or card issuer may take a few extra days to process the release, so the money may not appear in your account when ready.
Can I reserve a car online with a credit card and pay with a debit card at pickup?
Usually yes, but call the location first to confirm the debit card payment method is available. When you arrive, tell the agent you want to pay with a different card than the one on your reservation. They will process the change if the payment method is available at that branch.
Does Enterprise check my credit score before renting to me?
No. Enterprise does not pull your credit report for car rentals. They verify your driver's license and check that your payment method has available funds, but your credit score does not factor into the decision.