Can You Rent a Car Without a Credit Card?

5 min read

Last Updated: November 4, 2025

Table of contents

Key Takeaways

You don’t always need a credit card when renting a car, but some companies require one.
Renting a car with a credit card can make the process simpler and offers additional benefits.
Using a credit card to rent a car might help you earn rewards on travel expenses.

When you show up at the car rental counter, they usually ask for a credit card. But do you need a credit card to rent a car? Can you use a debit card or other form of payment instead?

The short answer is: It depends. Most car rental companies prefer credit cards and sometimes even require them, but there are alternatives available for renters looking to book a car with a debit card. However, if you pay with a debit card, there may be extra steps for you to take in the rental process.

Using a credit card to rent a car may offer you more convenience and more options. In addition, using a credit card offers the chance to earn credit card rewards when you rent a car.

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How to rent a car without a credit card

Rental car companies prefer payment with credit cards over debit cards, and for good reason. Having a credit card on file may offer secondary car insurance coverage (if your card offers this), provide a form of security for any damages to the rental cars, and shows that you’re a responsible borrower.

Some locations may allow you to pay for the rental vehicle with another form of payment, like a debit card or gift card. In these instances, the rental car company may require a credit card as collateral (in case anything happens to the rental car). You may also be required to:

Have a larger hold on funds, or potentially a large deposit withdrawn, to cover potential damages
Undergo a credit check
Provide extra forms of ID beyond your driver’s license, like a passport or proof of address
Purchase the rental company’s insurance or show proof of your own car insurance

Before you sign a rental agreement, make sure you check the rules for the rental car company and branch location that you’re planning to rent with. If you’re planning to pay with a debit card, make sure you’re prepared with the proper documentation.

Benefits of renting a car with a credit card

There are many benefits of using a credit card to rent a car as opposed to using a debit card.

Renting with a credit card gives you more options

When you use a credit card, you’ve got more flexibility in terms of the rental company, branch location, and rental vehicle. For example, some companies only accept credit cards, and certain locations (e.g., airport locations) may only accept a debit card if you have proof of return travel. Additionally, using a debit card may limit the type of vehicle you can rent.

Renting with a credit card is easier

When you use a credit card for car rentals, the process when you arrive at the rental location to pick up the vehicle is far simpler. You’ll avoid the extra steps outlined above, have more available funds in your account, and have the keys in your hand much more quickly.

Renting with a credit card helps you budget

With a debit card, you may have to have the entire cost of the rental, plus a deposit, withdrawn from your account. By using a credit card, you don’t have to worry about the amount of money coming out of your bank account. Some credit card companies provide free rental insurance when you use their card, which means you won’t have to pay for the insurance coverage offered by the rental company.

Plus, your credit card company might have a reward program that helps you earn cash back rewards when you use your card for rental car bookings and other purchases. For someone who frequently travels and/or rents a car, the Discover it^® Miles credit card lets you earn 1.5x miles on every dollar of every purchase.¹ You can turn miles into cash. Or redeem as a statement credit for your travel purchases like airfare, hotels, rideshares, gas stations, restaurants, and more.¹

Did you know?

With Discover it^® Chrome, earn 2% Cashback Bonus^® at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.²

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If you’re looking for the best credit card, check which cards offer rewards or cash back for categories that you frequently spend in. This approach may help you maximize your rewards and save even more.

The bottom line

You don’t need a credit card to rent a car, but it’s usually a more convenient payment option, and can provide an opportunity to earn credit card rewards. With some car rental companies and in certain locations, a credit card may be the only option. Check around to see which companies allow debit cards and confirm that they accept them at the branch location you plan to rent from. Keep in mind that you may still need to present a credit card in the driver’s name as security, even if you don’t use it to pay for the car. As a renter, it's important to have any required documentation ready in advance to avoid issues when you arrive to pick up the car.

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