What car rental companies allow you to pay with a debit card?

Asked by: Jonas Frami  |  Last update: July 27, 2026
Score: 4.2/5 (48 votes)

Major car rental companies that typically allow payment with a debit card include Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget, Alamo, Dollar, National, and Thrifty. Using a debit card often requires meeting stricter age requirements (usually 25+), providing proof of a return flight ticket at airport locations, and having sufficient funds for a, sometimes higher, security deposit.

Is there a car rental that accepts debit cards?

Can I rent a car with a debit card? Yes, most U.S. Avis locations accept debit cards with the Visa or MasterCard logo as credit identification at the time of rental if you are at least 25 (18 in New York). A hold is usually placed on the funds in your account for at least the estimated cost of the rental.

Do any car hire companies accept debit cards?

Yes, many suppliers will allow you to arrange car hire using a debit card.

Will Hertz accept a debit card?

Yes, Hertz accepts debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover) for rentals, but with specific conditions, especially at airport locations, requiring extra ID, proof of return travel, potentially a credit check, and a hold up to $500 plus rental costs; non-airport locations (Hertz Local Editions) are often easier for debit card use with 24-hour advance booking and age 25+ requirement, while major metro areas like NYC or Boston have restrictions. 

Does avis car rental accept debit cards?

Yes, Avis accepts debit cards with Visa or Mastercard logos at most U.S. locations, but there are conditions: you must be 25 or older (or 18+ in NY), typically need a credit check, and a significant authorization hold (rental cost + $200-$300) is placed on your account. The debit card must have your name on it and match your driver's license, and some locations may not accept them or require additional ID, so it's best to check with your specific rental location. 

Which rental car companies allow you to use a debit card?

35 related questions found

How can I hire a car if I don't have a credit card?

Yes, you can rent a car without a credit card, primarily using a debit card, but it involves extra requirements like age verification (often 25+), proof of return travel (flight/train ticket), potential credit checks, and higher security deposits, with companies like Enterprise, Budget, and Sixt offering options but varying policies; contacting the specific rental branch directly is crucial, as some local spots might take cash or offer more flexibility than major airport locations.

Does Thrifty accept debit cards?

Yes, Thrifty accepts debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover) but with stricter requirements than credit cards, especially at airport locations, often requiring a credit check, proof of return travel, and multiple forms of ID, with a larger hold placed on the account for the estimated rental plus deposit. Debit cards are generally accepted for payment at the end of the rental, but starting a rental with one involves more steps and potential restrictions on vehicle type (e.g., not premium or above unless a Blue Chip member). 

Will budget car rental accept a debit card?

Yes. When you return your car, you may pay for your final rental costs with cash, credit or debit card. However, to release a car to you at rental pick-up time, you must provide a deposit using a credit card or, at some locations, a debit card.

Does sixt accept debit cards?

Paying for your SIXT car rental in the US is a breeze! We offer a variety of payment options to suit your preferences. Major credit cards are welcome, and we also accept debit cards at specific locations, depending on your location and the type of vehicle.

Can I use my debit card to hire a car?

Yes, you can rent a car with a debit card, but it's often more complicated and comes with restrictions, as rental companies place a large authorization hold on your bank account for the rental cost plus a security deposit (sometimes hundreds of dollars) and often run a credit check, requiring extra ID or proof of return travel, unlike the simpler process with a credit card. Major companies like Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, and Budget generally accept debit cards, but you must contact the specific branch to confirm their exact requirements. 

How do I rent a car if I only have a debit card?

Debit cards are only accepted at the time of rental if accompanied by a ticketed return travel itinerary. The signature on the back must match the name imprinted on the card and the signature on the rental agreement.

What car company doesn't require a credit card?

Several major car rental companies do not require a credit card for payment when renting a vehicle, including Avis, Dollar, Hertz, National, and Thrifty. These companies and others accept debit cards and additional payment methods when booking or returning a rental.

Does Enterprise car rental accept debit cards?

Yes, Enterprise takes debit cards, but with significant restrictions, especially at airports where you usually need a flight ticket; non-airport locations often require address verification (matching driver's license) and sometimes a utility bill, plus you must have enough funds for the rental and a deposit, as major debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover) are accepted, but prepaid or Maestro/Electron cards generally aren't.

Do Hertz accept debit cards?

Yes, Hertz accepts debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover) for rentals, but with specific conditions, especially at airport locations, requiring extra ID, proof of return travel, potentially a credit check, and a hold up to $500 plus rental costs; non-airport locations (Hertz Local Editions) are often easier for debit card use with 24-hour advance booking and age 25+ requirement, while major metro areas like NYC or Boston have restrictions. 

How much of a hold does Avis put on your debit card?

There will be a hold of $200 plus the estimated rental charges. The exact amount of Credit Card authorization will vary by the rate, car group, length of rental, and miscellaneous charges. Callers may check with the rental counter for an estimate of the authorization amount.

How much is the deposit for a debit card at Dollar car rental?

Note: There is an additional deposit of $500 required when using a debit card.

Why won't car rental accept debit cards?

When customers rent a car with a debit card, the rental company assumes added risk. Remember, debit cards require the cardholder to be present to enter their PIN number to make charges, meaning that the card can't usually be billed after the car renter has paid.

Why can't I use my debit card for car rental?

Debit cards are only accepted at the time of rental if accompanied by a ticketed return travel itinerary. The signature on the back must match the name imprinted on the card and the signature on the rental agreement.

Do avis car hire accept debit cards?

Yes. You can pay using Visa and MasterCard debit cards.

Does sixt car rental accept debit cards?

Can I use a debit card to rent a car? Yes, SIXT accepts debit cards. Check out our Can I rent without a credit card age for more information.

How do I hire a car if I don't have a credit card?

The good news is that you can use a debit card to hire a car. Visa and Mastercard debit cards are widely accepted, as long as they draw funds directly from a current account. Some companies, including Europcar, also accept Maestro debit cards.