You can rent a car without a credit card, but you will need to bring a debit card, a cash deposit, and proof of identity and insurance
Most rental companies require a credit card because it gives them a way to charge you if the car is damaged or returned late. Without a credit card, you can still rent — but the process changes. You will use a debit card instead, pay a larger upfront deposit in cash or by debit, and provide proof of insurance. Some companies make this straightforward. Others charge extra fees or require you to call ahead rather than book online.
The rental company will still run a background check and verify your driver's license. What changes is how they find the rental: instead of authorizing a charge on a credit card, they hold a cash deposit on your debit card, which they release when you return the car undamaged and on time.
Key Takeaways
- Enterprise, Hertz, and Budget all rent to debit card holders, but each has different deposit amounts and fees — call the specific location before you book.
- You will need a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a debit card with enough available funds to cover the rental plus a deposit that can range from $200 to $500.
- Some rental companies charge a debit card fee (typically $15 to $25) on top of the daily rate when you do not use a credit card.
- Booking online may not show debit card options — you often have to call the location directly or select "debit card" at the counter.
- Prepaid credit cards and secured credit cards do not work the same way as debit cards; rental companies treat them differently and may decline them.
Which rental companies accept debit cards
Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis, and National all state that they rent to debit card holders, but the terms vary by location and by the specific branch you contact. Enterprise tends to be the most flexible — many Enterprise locations will rent to debit card holders with a valid license and proof of insurance, though they require a larger deposit. Hertz and Budget also accept debit cards at most locations, but both charge a debit card fee on top of the daily rental rate.
Avis and National accept debit cards but often require you to call ahead or book through their customer service line rather than online. Smaller regional companies like Fox Rent A Car and Payless Car Rental also rent to debit card holders, sometimes with lower deposit requirements than the major chains.
The key is that policies vary by location. A Budget in one city may accept debit cards with a $250 deposit, while a Budget 50 miles away may require $400 or may not accept debit at all. Call the specific rental location where you plan to pick up the car, not the national customer service line, because the local manager sets the rules.
What you need to bring and how much the deposit will be
You will need a valid driver's license, proof of insurance (your insurance card or a digital copy), and a debit card with available funds. The rental company will place a hold on your debit card for the rental cost plus a deposit. That deposit typically ranges from $200 to $500, depending on the company and the car type. A compact car may require a $200 hold; a full-size SUV may require $500.
The deposit is not a charge — it is a hold. When you return the car on time and in the condition you rented it, the hold is released within 3 to 7 business days. If you damage the car or return it late, the rental company will charge against that hold.
Some companies also charge a debit card fee, which is a separate charge added to your bill. Enterprise typically does not charge this fee. Hertz and Budget often charge $15 to $25 per rental. Avis charges a debit card fee at some locations but not others. Ask about this fee when you call to book.
How to book a car with a debit card
Online booking systems often do not show debit card as an option — they default to credit card. If you try to book online and cannot select debit card, call the rental location directly. Give them your driver's license number, the dates you need the car, and the car type. They will tell you the daily rate, the deposit amount, the debit card fee (if any), and whether they can hold the reservation for you.
When you arrive to pick up the car, bring your driver's license, proof of insurance, and your debit card. The rental agent will run the debit card for the rental cost plus the deposit hold. You will sign the rental agreement, and you will be given the keys.
Some locations may ask for a second form of ID or a phone number to contact you if there is damage to the car. This is normal. If the agent says they cannot rent to you on a debit card, ask to speak to a manager — policies can differ between staff members at the same location.
Why rental companies charge more for debit cards
A credit card company guarantees the rental company's money. If you damage the car and refuse to pay, the credit card company can charge you and the rental company gets paid. With a debit card, the rental company has to pursue you directly if there is a dispute. That extra risk is why they charge a fee and require a larger deposit.
The debit card fee also reflects the cost of holding the deposit. When a rental company places a hold on your debit card, your bank may charge them a fee for that hold. The rental company passes that cost to you.
Prepaid and secured credit cards do not work the same way
If you do not have a credit card but you have a prepaid card or a secured credit card, do not assume the rental company will treat it like a debit card. Most rental companies will decline a prepaid card because they cannot verify your identity through the card issuer the way they can with a bank debit card. Secured credit cards (which are credit cards backed by a cash deposit you make to the bank) sometimes work, but many rental companies decline them because the authorization process is different.
Call ahead and ask specifically whether the rental company accepts your prepaid or secured card. If they decline it, your best option is to use a debit card instead.
What happens if you do not have proof of insurance
Proof of insurance is required by law in most states, and rental companies will not rent to you without it. If you own a car and have an insurance policy, bring your insurance card or a digital copy from your insurance company's app. If you do not own a car, you can purchase rental car insurance from the rental company at the counter — this typically costs $15 to $30 per day. Some credit card companies offer rental car coverage, but you cannot use that benefit if you are not using a credit card to rent.
If you have questions about whether your insurance covers rental cars, call your insurance agent before you go to the rental counter. Some policies cover rentals; others do not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a prepaid debit card like a Visa gift card?
Most rental companies will decline a prepaid card because they cannot verify your identity through the card issuer. A standard bank debit card linked to a checking account works much better. If you only have a prepaid card, call the rental location and ask — some smaller companies may accept it, but the major chains typically will not.
What if I do not have enough money in my account for the deposit hold?
The rental company will decline the transaction. You need enough available funds in your debit account to cover both the rental cost and the deposit hold at the same time. If your account has $300 and the rental is $200 with a $250 deposit hold, you do not have enough. Deposit money into your account before you go to pick up the car.
Do I have to pay the debit card fee if I use a debit card?
It depends on the company and location. Enterprise generally does not charge a debit card fee. Hertz and Budget usually do, but the fee varies. Call the specific location where you plan to rent and ask whether they charge a debit card fee. If they do, factor that into your budget.
How long does the deposit hold stay on my debit card?
The hold is typically released within 3 to 7 business days after you return the car. If the rental company finds damage and charges you, that charge will come out of the hold. If there is no damage, the full hold amount is released back to your account. Do not plan to use that money when ready after you return the car.
Can I rent a car with just a debit card and no insurance?
No. You must show proof of insurance to rent a car in most states. If you do not have your own insurance, you can buy rental car insurance from the rental company at the counter, which typically costs $15 to $30 per day. This is a separate purchase from the rental itself.