When you show up at the car rental counter, they usually ask for a credit card. But do you need a credit card in order to rent a car? Couldn’t you just use a debit card instead?
It depends. While most car rental companies prefer credit cards and sometimes even require them, there are alternatives available for people who are looking to rent a car with a debit card. But you’ll need to do your homework up front to find a company that allows debit cards and be prepared to jump through a number of hoops when you get to the rental agency. You may be required to provide additional documentation, and in some cases, even undergo a credit check. You may also have limited vehicle options.
Do You Need a Credit Card to Rent a Car?
Last Updated: January 10, 2024
4 min read
Key points about: car rentals with a credit card
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You don’t always need a credit card when renting a car, but some companies will require one.
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Renting a car with a credit card can make the process simpler and offers additional benefits, such as which type of vehicle you can rent.
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Using a credit card to rent a car can also help you earn rewards on travel expenses.
Using a credit card to rent a car can 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.
You don’t need a credit card to rent a car
Rental car companies prefer credit cards to debit cards, and for good reason. Having a credit card on file can help streamline car insurance coverage, provides a form of security, and shows that you’re a responsible borrower.
You don’t need a credit card to rent a car, but having a credit card can make some things easier and give you more options. For example, some rental locations (such as airport locations) may not accept debit cards to book the rental if you don’t have proof of return travel.
Some locations may allow you to pay for the rental vehicle with a debit card or use a gift card, but the rental car company may require a credit card as collateral, in case anything happens to the rental car.
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. Rental car companies can vary considerably across the board–airport locations may differ from a standard rental location within the same national car rental company.
Benefits of renting a car with a credit card
There are a number of benefits of using a credit card to rent a car as opposed to using a debit card.
You’ll have more options
Using a credit card means more options when choosing a car rental company, branch location, and rental vehicle. Some companies only accept credit cards. Some allow debit cards but only at certain locations. Additionally, companies may not let you rent a premium vehicle with a debit card, or they may require a significant deposit up front.
It’s easier
When you use a debit card, you might need to provide additional forms of ID, along with proof of address in the form of utility bills. In some cases, you may need a return ticket as well. You may also need to have a credit check done, depending on the car rental company.
A credit card can help you budget
With a debit card, you may have to have the entire cost of the rental plus a deposit taken from your account. Using a credit card means that you won’t have to worry about the amount coming out of your bank account. And according to the Federal Trade Commission, some credit card companies provide free rental protection when you use their card, which means you won’t have to pay for the insurance coverage offered by the rental company.
Some credit cards offer rewards programs that could help you earn cash back rewards when renting a car. For someone who travels a lot, and may occasionally rent a car on their trip, the Discover it® Miles travel card could be a good option because you could earn 1.5x Miles on every dollar of every purchase. You can turn Miles into cash. Or redeem as a statement credit for your travel purchases like airfare, hotels, rideshares, gas stations, restaurants and more1.
Did you know?
Someone who enjoys taking extended road trips with rental cars may find the Discover it® Chrome card more rewarding. With Discover it® Chrome, earn 2% Cashback Bonus® at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically2.
If you’re looking for a credit card, check to see which cards offer rewards or cash back for categories that you frequently spend in—this approach can help you maximize your rewards and save even more.
You don’t need a credit card to rent a car, but it’s usually a more convenient 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. Be sure to check around to see which companies allow debit cards, and make sure they accept them at the branch location you plan to rent from. Then ensure you have any documentation required to rent. Keep in mind that you may still need to present a credit card in the driver’s name anyway as security, even if you don’t use it to pay for the car.
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- Redeem Miles: Starting at 1 Mile, you can redeem your Miles as a credit to your account to pay for all or part of your bill, for cash as an electronic deposit to your bank account, or for a credit for Travel Purchases made on your statement within the last 180 days. Travel Purchases include airline tickets, hotel rooms, car rentals, travel agents, online travel sites, commuter transportation, restaurants and gas stations. Restaurant purchases include those made at merchants classified as full-service restaurants, cafes, cafeterias, fast-food locations, and restaurant delivery services. Gas Station purchases include those made at merchants classified as places that sell automotive gasoline that can be bought at the pump or inside the station. Gas Stations affiliated with supermarkets, supercenters, and wholesale clubs may not be eligible. Even if a travel purchase on your statement appears to fit in a Travel Purchase category, the merchant may not have a merchant category code (MCC) in a Travel Purchase category. Merchants and payment processors are assigned an MCC based on their typical products and services. Discover Card does not assign MCCs to merchants. Certain third-party payment accounts and digital wallet transactions may not be eligible for credit redemption if the technology does not provide sufficient transaction details or a qualifying MCC. See Terms and Conditions for more information.
- You earn a full 2% Cashback Bonus® on your first $1000 in combined purchases at Gas Stations (stand-alone), and Restaurants each calendar quarter. Calendar quarters begin January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1. Purchases at Gas Stations and Restaurants over the quarterly cap, and all other purchases, earn 1% cash back. Gas Station purchases include those made at merchants classified as places that sell automotive gasoline that can be bought at the pump or inside the station, and some public electric vehicle charging stations. Gas Stations affiliated with supermarkets, supercenters, and wholesale clubs may not be eligible. Restaurant purchases include those made at merchants classified as full-service restaurants, cafes, cafeterias, fast-food locations, and restaurant delivery services. Purchases must be made with merchants in the U.S. To qualify for 2%, the purchase transaction date must be before or on the last day of the offer or promotion. For online purchases, the transaction date from the merchant may be the date when the item ships. Rewards are added to your account within two billing periods. Even if a purchase appears to fit in a 2% category, the merchant may not have a merchant category code (MCC) in that category. Merchants and payment processors are assigned an MCC based on their typical products and services. Discover Card does not assign MCCs to merchants. Certain third-party payment accounts and digital wallet transactions may not earn 2% if the technology does not provide sufficient transaction details or a qualifying MCC. Learn more at Discover.com/digitalwallets. See Cashback Bonus Program Terms and Conditions for more information.
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