Answered on: April 15, 2026
Client
Do I need a credit card or will a debit card be accepted when I pick up my rental car?
Agent
Almost all rental car suppliers require a CREDIT CARD when you collect the vehicle. The credit card is used to place a security deposit hold (not a charge) for the duration of the hire. Some suppliers do accept DEBIT CARDS, but this varies by location and supplier. To check: when you search and view vehicles at STEP 2, look for the "Important Information" link next to each car. Click it and check the PAYMENT or CARD section — it will tell you exactly what that supplier accepts at that location. Important: The card must be in the main driver's name, and it must be a chip-and-PIN card. Prepaid cards and virtual cards are generally not accepted. If you only have a debit card, we recommend filtering your search results to show only suppliers that accept debit cards, to avoid any issues at the desk.