Rental Car deposit amounts?

[Cepbush106]

Hi There,

I was wondering if anyone knows how much deposit is required for rental cars with the different companies?

We don't have credit cards (well I have one with a $100 limit) and just use our debit cards for everything. I'm wondering how much money average will be held on our card for a week of a mid size to full size car?

Thanks!

 

[rwdavis2]

I believe they may hold the entire rental amount if not more. I would suggest you contact them directly.

 

[Cepbush106]

I'm talking about the safety deposit they ask for when you pick the vehicle up for clarification.

I'm planning on using priceline/hotwire to rent the vehicle so I won't be able to contact them directly until after I actually book.

 

[Orlando Vic]

I'm talking about the safety deposit they ask for when you pick the vehicle up for clarification.

I'm planning on using priceline/hotwire to rent the vehicle so I won't be able to contact them directly until after I actually book.

That "may" vary, depending on rental car company, but here are some relevant policies:
http://www.thrifty.com/Car_Rental_Information/content/Car_Rental_with_Credit_Card.aspx
http://www.dollar.com/Car_Rental_Information/Main/Renting_a_Car_without_a_Credit_Card.aspx

They question is, Does every car rental company permit one to rent without a credit card? By using priceline/hotwire, you don't know what company you'll get and whether they permit rentals without a credit card. It could be a gamble for you. IMO, it would be better to first identify a car rental company that does not require credit cards and then, negotiate the best rate you can.

 

[3PrinceMom]

I would call a few different companies and ask what their policies are. I just returned from a trip out west and Payless (I thought I was getting a good deal on their website....until I got there and they added all the fee's....don't use them!!! A 3 day rental ended up costing almost $400) anyways....they required an addition $250 hold on a credit card. I only have credit cards (2) for this very reason....to rent a car. Many places won't allow you to use a debit card to rent or for the deposit on a rental. I'd be calling every priceline car rental vendor to find out their exact policies before booking anything. Good luck....I hate renting cars! With airfare so outrageous now.....we drive to WDW.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

I'd strongly recommend not using a debit card to rent a car and use just a credit card (even if means getting one for this primary purpose). If something should go wrong do you really want your cash tied up while it is resolved?

 

[MAYNARDS99]

With an American Express CHARGE card you must pay the balance in full at the end of the month. No getting in over your head!

American Express offers for $25, PRIMARY auto insurance coverage. That means if the rental car is damaged or stolen, they cover the costs for repair or replacement. That way your debit card funds will not be "on hold" while you use a rental car.

 

[msylvester01]

I used Alamo last time I rented at WDW, when I showed them my return plane tickets I didnt have to put a deposit down. I don't have a credit card, only a debit card. This was awesome for us and makes us want to use them again.

 

[Mommytwotwins]

I used Alamo last time I rented at WDW, when I showed them my return plane tickets I didnt have to put a deposit down. I don't have a credit card, only a debit card. This was awesome for us and makes us want to use them again.

Same here last year! I had a problem with my credit card even though I paid the balance in full before I left there was some sort of issue with it and all I had other than that was my debit card and they took that with my return flight # and no deposit was given,thank goodness!