Recently I needed to rent a moving truck for the weekend and was surprised to find out the company I have gone through in the past had changed their rules and now required all renters to have a credit card and not a debt card in order to rent their trucks. This got me thinking about other instances where you might be in this situation where you only have a debt card, but the company only accepts credit cards. Take for instance renting a car. There are car rental companies out there that will only accept credit cards as payment for renting their cars. After searching around I have found there are also companies that will accept debt cards and even cash as a payment option. If you need to rent a car, but don’t have a credit card this article may be for you.
Some rental companies that allow their customers to use debit cards or cash have other policies in place that will apply, but nevertheless, you can rent a car without a credit card. If you are using your debit card there are things you are going to want to be aware of such as a possible credit check. If you use cash it might restrict the type of car you can rent and will most likely require a deposit. Whatever the case may be this article provides the important information necessary when you want to rent a car without a credit card.
Things to know when renting a car without a credit card
First lets establish exactly what a debit card is. A debit or check card as some may call it is considered to be any non-credit card that has the Visa, MasterCard or Discover Card logo. If the card is only a cash card or ATM and it does not have one of these logo’s you will not be able to use the card for the purposes of renting a car. If your using a debt card for your rental here are a few things tips your going to want to know.
- Check around beforehand: Once you know your going to rent a car make sure you check with the companies beforehand to make sure they have other options for rental besides a credit card. Do your research ahead of time so there are not any surprises as your standing at the rental counter. Remember there are companies that still require customers to have a credit card issued in their name. Some companies may require a credit card for the reservation, but allow you to pay cash or use debt card when you are settling up after you return the car.
- Possible Credit Check: The rental companies that accept debit cards as payment usually do a credit check. This is usually done via Equifax or a similar company that issues credit reports. If you don’t meet the criteria the car company requires you are going to be turned down, unless of course you have a credit card issued in your name. So as long as you have good credit you can use your debit card to rent a car. Also, keep in mind the credit check will show up on your credit report and this is important because it could affect you negatively.
- Rent with cash: Some companies like Alamo allow customers to rent cars and pay cash for the rental. There are restrictions when renting with cash, but it is a way to rent without a credit card. In this case, restrictions such as a $300 deposit is required and only economy through full-size vehicles are available for cash rentals.
- Bring your paperwork: Some companies that allow for debt or cash rentals will need proof of auto insurance, valid passport, a utility bill, a return airline ticket, etc. This goes back to doing your research ahead of time, but be prepared for a company to want additional verification.
- Have a valid drivers license: This should be common sense but just in case its not – no company is going to rent you a car if you do not have a valid drivers license. If you licenses is expired, it is not valid.
- Your name must be on the card: This pertains to whether you are using a debit or credit card. In order for YOU to rent a car YOUR name has to be on the card. So if a friend or parent is letting you use their card for the rental you are going to have a problem. The driver of the car has to have a card in their name.
- Know the age restrictions: Most car rental companies have an age restriction and it is usually 25. The companies that will allow those under 25 rent usually require you to be at least 21 and sometimes add on an extra fee. In addition, your age can also determine the type of car the company will allow you to rent. For example, if your under the age of 25 your probably not going to be eligible for a sports car.
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