Rent a car w/o credit card

[JBurke]

We have reserved and paid for a car from National during our Oct. trip through Disney Travel Co.
When we pick up the car, do we need to put down a credit card?
We do not have any credit cards, only a Visa debit card. Would that work?
Thanks for any info!
Janice

[CaliforniaDreaming]

I'm pretty sure you'll need a major credit card for them to let you take the car.

[renessa]

I had a horrrible experience that was credit card related. I placed it on a CC for reservations with no problems, and tried to pay cash when we got the car. Needless to say, we still had to have a vaild CC with like $400 available that they use as a deposit. They just put that amount on a hold- never charge it. But, if you don't have that much available on a CC or don't have one period...I'd double check about your debit card. I don't think they'll take it.

Oh, and the story ends with us getting on a bus. No happy ending that night.

[df21084]

I've never been able to use a debit card for ANY car rental. They'll take your cash, but you still need the CC hold for liability reasons.

Also, check with your auto insurance company regarding your coverage for a rental car. Don't spend any more $$ than you have to.

And check with the rental car company regarding minimum ages for drivers. I think it's 25yo for most rental companies.

In a nutshell....check and double check so you're not stranded.

[Mark P.]

Been doing my planning as well, and also don't have credit cards (thankfully!).

Just today, I called National, and was told that you must have a valid major credit card when picking up the vehicle, but you can pay for it with a debit card upon the returning of the vehicle.

I have been using Dollar lately, and using the FVG code, have gotten some pretty good rates. Dollar does accept debit cards.

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Alamo also accepts debit cards.

[villainwdw]

I was just gonna say Dollar does the master or visa debit bank cards!!

[CarolA]

Do you know if they put a hold on your checking account if you use the Debit Card? I know that is how they do it on the credit card and I am not sure I want them putting a hold on my CASH!

[Beverly Lynn]

if you give them a debit card they do put the old on it just like they do the visa/mc/ax, they want to make sure that if you are late with the vehicle or don't bring it back etc that they get some money.

[JBurke]

I called National and you must have a credit card. So I applied for a cc just to use for the car.
Anyone know how much they "hold" on it?
Thanks
Janice