When most of us rent a vehicle, we use a credit card that offers bonus points and rental car primary insurance. However, not everyone has a credit card in their wallet, or sometimes emergencies occur that leave us without a credit card. If you find yourself in one of these situations, you can breathe a sigh of relief because you can rent a car without a credit card.
You may have to overcome some hurdles — additional ID requirements, restrictions on the vehicles you can book, and even a credit check — but it can be done. Here’s everything you need to know about renting a car without a credit card.
Most major car rental companies accept debit cards instead of credit cards. However, there are some caveats you should be aware of. For starters, many providers require you to be at least 25 years old and pass a credit check before you can rent a car. Companies like Avis also restrict the type of vehicle you can rent, with high-end models not allowed. Check out the requirements of each car rental company before booking with a debit card.
Rent cars with Cash
It’s a myth that you can’t rent cars with cash. In fact, there are two options, but be prepared to overcome some hurdles with both.
First, you can make a reservation with a credit or debit card and pay cash when you return the car. This is possible at most car rental agencies, but you should call ahead and let them know.
The second option is to pay a deposit in cash when reserving the car. Some large car rental companies and some smaller, independent rental companies will allow you to pay the deposit in cash, but you will need to plan ahead and clear some hurdles.
These companies require a credit card linked to the reservation in case you are charged later during the rental period. Some companies also require a deposit (or reservation) when you pick up the vehicle.
However, these companies almost always accept cash as final payment once you have returned the car and the vehicle has been inspected for damage. However, this is often at the discretion of the particular dealership. So always call ahead and make sure the agency is okay with a cash payment.
Rent cars with debit card Las Vegas
Each company has a set of requirements that you must meet in order to rent cars with debit cards in Las Vegas. These requirements are usually more stringent than the requirements for credit card customers. Here are some of the requirements you may have to meet.
Higher Deposit: If you use a debit card, you will usually have to pay a higher deposit. It is usually around $100 to $300 more. You will get your money back at the end, but your card will be blocked until the vehicle is returned. You will not be able to access the money until the rental period is over.
Credit Check: This is a big obstacle for many people who want to rent a car. Most companies require a credit check for all customers who do not use a credit card. I will explain in the next section which companies do not do credit checks.
Second ID: Many companies require a second form of ID in addition to a valid driver’s license. A passport or second debit card issued in your name should suffice.
Return travel plan: Many airports will require you to present a return ticket if you do not live in the area. An example of this would be an airline ticket. This requirement is a bit odd, but they probably want to make sure you return the car in a reasonable amount of time.
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