What can I use instead of a credit card to rent a car?
If you’ve ever thought about renting a car but were afraid of getting turned away, you’re not alone. In fact, some rental car companies don’t require a credit card, which can make it easier for you to rent a vehicle without worrying about being declined.
Some car rental locations do not accept credit cards at the time of pickup and may require you to provide additional forms of identification, such as a passport or utility bill. If this is the case, you can rent a car by paying for it with cash, a debit card or a prepaid debit/gift card.
Most major car rental companies, including Avis, Budget, Enterprise and Hertz, accept debit cards as a form of payment. In some cases, however, the company may limit the types of cars you can rent if you pay with a debit card.
It can be difficult to rent a luxury vehicle, such as a sports car or an SUV, using only a debit card. In addition, if you use a credit card, you’ll be covered by insurance on the car during your trip.
If you want to car rentals that accept cash a high-end vehicle, but can’t because you don’t have a credit card, try Dollar. This car rental company permits drivers under 25 years old to rent a car using their debit card.
Several other credit cards also offer car rental insurance, which can help cover the cost of a rental car if you accidentally damage the vehicle while driving it. You should check with your credit card provider before traveling to see if your card offers this coverage.
Some credit card issuers, such as Capital One and Chase, offer this benefit on Visa Signature cards. You should check to see if your card is eligible for the coverage before you travel and what the cost of the coverage would be.
Another option to consider is a secured credit card. These credit cards work much like regular credit cards, but they require a deposit. The amount of the deposit will vary, but typically starts at $200 or more. The company can then place a hold on your credit card until it has received the money from the deposit.
Many of these types of credit cards are also reported to the three major credit bureaus, which can help improve your credit score. They also have other benefits that can help you save money and earn rewards when you’re traveling.
The main downside to using a credit card to rent a car is that the rental company will be able to charge extras on your account, such as parking tickets and fines when you aren’t present at the location. These charges can add up quickly and aren’t worth it, especially if you don’t plan to use the car during your trip.
If you are looking for a way to rent a car that doesn’t require you to have a credit card, check with your local bank or credit union for a debit card. If you can’t find a debit card at your bank, contact a local ATM to get a pre-paid debit or gift card that will be accepted as a form of payment for the car rental. This type of card will allow you to use the money from your card in a variety of ways, such as to pay for gas or groceries during your trip.
