How to rent a car without a credit card (2023)

First, you need to look for car rental companies that do not require a credit card to book a vehicle. The good news is that most major car rental companies do not require you to show your credit card when paying. Here are some of the most popular companies that don't require credit cards:

• Alamo
• Zeitung
  
• Budget
  
• Dollar
  
• Pursue
  
• Herc
  
• National

Before you book, double-check that the rental company you're planning to use doesn't require a credit card (and accepts any form of payment, such as a debit card). Each rental company has different payment policies, which may vary depending on the state, age and car chosen.

If you don't have a credit card, you may only have limited types of vehicles that you can rent. For example, high-end sports cars and even luxury SUVs may not qualify if you can only pay with a debit card. Since the rental company cannot provide a deposit without a credit card, renting an expensive car carries a higher risk.

Fortunately, economy vehicles (like compacts and sedans) can usually be rented without a credit card. These cars are also the cheapest and often have the best gas mileage, so they can save you some money if you're traveling on a budget.

If you rent a car without a credit card, chances are the rental company will want to check your credit. Although your credit score and driving history are not strictly linked, your credit score can give the rental company an indication of how responsible you are. For example, if your credit history shows a series of unpaid bills or overdrafts, you may be dealing with a risky customer.

In short, car rental companies trust you to take good care of your vehicle and return it safely. But they also know that accidents happen. Therefore, if something happens to the car, the rental company wants to make sure that you can afford the damage - and that is your responsibility.

If you're wondering why most car rental companies require (or prefer) credit cards, there are several reasons.

When you book a rental car with a credit card, the rental company takes a deposit. This money is basically frozen until the booking is completed. If something happens to the car during the rental period, the company can easily recover this money; The deposit becomes a charge that appears on your monthly credit card statement.

However, depositing with a debit card is not possible in the same way. This would require the rental company to pay the money up front and later refund it when the car is returned. More importantly, if your debit account does not have sufficient funds, the rental company cannot recover any money in the event of damage to the vehicle.

Ultimately, renting a vehicle to customers with a credit card is less risky for the car rental company because the deposit can be easily reclaimed. When using a debit card, you often run into more difficulties as the landlord wants to make sure you cover any damage. Otherwise, the landlord may pay for it.

If you have the opportunity, it is always a good idea to book your rental car with a credit card. With a credit card you have access to a larger selection of vehicles, can avoid unnecessary credit checks and simplify the deposit process considerably.

Using a credit card to book a rental can also help you earn rewards if you have:Credit card with travel extrasIf you've accumulated enough points, you can also redeem them for discounted or free cars.

It is very unlikely that the rental company will lend you the vehicle without first paying a deposit. Your deposit is financial security for the landlord.

If you are unable to pay the deposit, the rental company will refuse to accept the vehicle.

Some car rental companies have cheaper rates than others, but it's hard to say which company is the cheapest. The cost of renting a car depends on many factors, not just the company you choose, including the type of car, the rental period and the type of insurance you choose.

You can usually get online quotes from major car rental companies to help you find the cheapest option.