Canadian, good credit no credit card...

[ducklite]

How to rent a car? Is there a way without a cash deposit? They don't have a Visa check card--they aren't available in Canada.

Thoughts?

Anne

 

[safetymom]

I know Budget used to offer a cash qualify option. Not sure if they still do.

 

[karebear1]

When you say Visa check card do you mean a debit card? I know National will use a debit card. My 22 year DS used his for a rental in Chicago.

 

[maraakl]

National will not accept a debit card to pick up the card, or so they say on their website.
They will, in certain, locations accept one and the end of the rental.
Alamo will take a debit card with proof of a round trip ticket.
They will also rent with a cash deposit.

 

[ducklite]

Canadian banks don't offer the option of a VISA logo on their debit cards. It's truly just a debit card.

maraakl, I'll have them check into Alamo.

Anne

 

[karebear1]

My sons debit card does have a Visa logo on it- maybe that's why he was able to use it.

 

[ChisJo]

In Canada, the debit card system is different. The debit cards themselves are issued directly from the bank, with no Visa or mastercard type logo on it. The money that you use comes directly from your bank account, and in order to use it, you require a pin number and the appropriate "interac" machine to do so. You cannot purchase anything online with a debit card. Our credit cards that we get we can get at any bank without even having an account there. These include Visa, MC, AE, etc. I have only been to a couple of stores within the US that allows our Debit cards to be used there, but the bank fees are very high.
As for the original question, I do not know of any car rental companies within the US that will reserve a car for you without a proper credit card. Unfortunately, they require one for after as well in case you make dents, or damage the car in any way. that way, they are able to charge your card directly. This is something you agree to when you sign everything.
Jo

 

[maraakl]

My debit card has a MC logo on it, but, National and a few others keep on saying that debit cards are not accepted.
This is stated on the car rental's web sites.

 

[maraakl]

ChisJo
Dollar and Alamo will accept Debit cards, with a visa or mc logo on it.
Neither requires a "real" credit card.

 

[safetymom]

ChisJo , Hertz will also take a debit card if you are a member of their #1 Club.

 

[tmli]

As a Canadian looking into this option for my sister, Alamo has the most lenient rules. They do still require a cash deposit, but it is quite a bit less than the other companies.

They also require besides the drivers license, a return ticket, verifiable employment, verifiable home phone number or a gas/electric bill etc in the renters name and address. They also say a passport is required for all non US citizens.

My sister decided it was easier to get a credit card.

 

[ducklite]

Tracey--

That's very helpful information. It's looking like Alamo is the way for them to go. They do not want to get a credit card. Thanks!

Anne