Credit Identification is required by every car rental company. You must show that you are financially responsible for the vehicle that you rent. Some companies only take major charge or credit cards, and some take debit cards. Some companies have a cash qualification card that you can apply for, but this process usually takes about 4 - 6 weeks to process. If approved, you would be issued a cash rental ID card and be able to rent with that particular company any time, using cash.
Let's start with the car rental company's definition of a charge or credit card and a debit card.
A major charge card or credit card is one for which you receive a monthly statement and that is not tied in any way to your bank account. Common credit cards that are accepted would be American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Discover and Diners Club.
A debit card (even those with a Visa or MasterCard Logo) is credit covered by your checking account. Your funds are limited to the amount in your account. Any amount you charge with this card is automatically debited from your bank account.
Many car rental companies do not accept debit cards because your financial responsibility for the vehicle would be limited to the amount of money in your bank account.
Many people do not know that a rental company can charge your credit card even beyond your credit limit. For example, if you didn't take the car rental insurance, and wrecked the vehicle, the rental company would, and can, charge the full amount of the vehicle to your credit card! You can imagine the nightmare of trying to pay that balance off!!
With a debit card the rental company has no way to recoup charges like this. For them it would be the same as you handing them a check for the rental costs and then trusting that you would bring the car back in one piece and on time, full of gas!
If a car rental company accepts your debit card make sure to check about any additional information that would be required. Most companies that accept a debit card will also require a credit check at the rental counter and more of a deposit than they require with a regular charge card. Call your rental location directly for information on what the credit check entails. There may also be age restrictions even if the company accepts debit cards.
Note: For most car rental companies, renters under 25 years of age may not use a debit card as Credit Identification at the beginning of the rental. Also, even if a location will accept a debit card from the renter, they may not allow an additional driver to use this type of credit card.
Some car rental locations do not accept debit cards at time of rental to release the vehicle, but do accept debit cards for payment when you return the vehicle.
A prepaid debit card is a one-time use, or reloadable card. You may receive this from your tax return or as a reward or "gift card". These types of debit cards will not be accepted as credit identification. You should check with the rental car company to see if this type of card would be accepted as a method of payment at the end of the rental.
Deposits or Holds at the beginning of the rental
When you pick up your rental, you will be required to leave a deposit on your credit card (or debit card if accepted). Generally, at the time of rental, rental agencies will require a credit card hold of at least the total estimated charges. Your deposit type and amount will vary according to the company you rent from and the individual location.
You must have the deposit amount required available on your card. This amount will be held or frozen until the rental is returned. When you return of the car, all holds will be released, and the actual cost of the rental will be charged, or you may pay in cash.
Note: your bank may take up to two weeks to post the released credit holds.
Using someone else's Credit Card
This is not allowed. At the time of rental, you must present a valid driver's license and credit card with your own name imprinted on it. The name/address on the credit/debit card MUST match the name/address on your driver's license.
Giving your credit car number when making a Reservation.
The majority of rental companies do not require that you give your credit card number when you are booking a reservation.
Most of the time! There are some exceptions.
Credit card information is sometimes required when booking a specialty vehicle (example: 12 passenger van) or a high demand vehicle during a peak rental season (example: renting a minivan in July or August). If a credit card is required to book a vehicle, then you should check to see what the cancellation policy is and if there is a no-show fee.
Also, if you book a prepaid reservation through Hotwire or Priceline, you will have to give your credit card information because you will be paying for the rental up-front.
Carefully read the terms and conditions for these sites. You are often able to get a cheaper rate, but they are non-cancellable, non-modifiable and non-refundable.
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