Renting a car with debit card

[btwitkin]

1. We do not use credit cards only debit cards

2. We do not have good credit


We have plenty of money for any holds that a rental car agency wants to put on the card. We were going to rent from Dollar, but from what I have read they have very strict policies about using a debit card, including good credit. I dont want to reserve a car, fly to MCO, and find out they wont rent to us.

Can anyone recommend a couple of companies that will have no problem renting to us?

 

[*Wish*Upon*A*Star*]

We've had good luck renting with Alamo, using a debit card. They only ask that you have proof of a return flight (we just showed them our confirmation numbers from the airline and that was sufficient). Hope that helps!

 

[disneyfreak71]

National and Alamo both allow the use of debit cards. All that you need to do is have proof of a returning trip for the airfare and they will rent with a debit card.

Emerald Aisle is not available though when renting with a debit card. There are many codes online for discounts and the Entertainment Book has good deals also.

I have used the 2 car upgrade coupon from the E book and gotten a full size, 6 days, for around $150 in the past.

 

[2DisPrincesses]

We only use debit cards too. We have never had any issues with Alamo. As stated before, you just need proof of round-trip airfare. We always use the kiosks rather than the desk- they're much faster!

 

[luvsTink]

Has anyone used their debit card very recently? I just noticed that the rental companies have added the need to do a credit check for those renting with a debit card.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Alamo and National? Really? I don't doubt you, it's just unusual.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Okay, nope - not Alamo:

Debit Cards
Debit cards are not allowed for Pre-Pay reservations.
When renting in the U.S., debit and check cards may only be used in conjunction with proof of a round trip travel ticket (airline, cruise ship or train) at time of rental.
A debit/check card is considered to be any non-credit card bearing the VISA, MasterCard or Discover Card logo.
Any other non-credit card without the VISA, MasterCard or Discover Card logo is not accepted.
For pick-ups in the United States, without proof of roundtrip ticket, debit or check cards are only accepted when returning the vehicle.
A credit card in the name of the renter must be presented at the time of pick-up.

Nothing about a credit check.

National's data for debit card rentals is identical. Only the page background itself is different.

 

[btwitkin]

We ended up renting with Alamo and got an awesome deal! We pick up on August 30th and drop off on Sept 5th. The total for a Compact is $169.59 with all taxes and everything added in , base rate was $144.89. This is with a $25 coupon. I could have saved more, but they wouldn't allow me to prepay with a debit card.

Before I booked online, I called Alamo to double check about the debit card, and was assured that with proof of our flight itinerary, we will have no problems.

 

[luvsTink]

You are right.... I checked again and National (my favorite) doesn't say anything about it. However, Budget's terms and conditions says this at the very end states:

"• If you use a debit card at this location, you won't need to present a second form of identification, but we will perform a credit check at the time of rental to determine credit worthiness."

I guess I should just stick with National, I hate unnecessary credit pulls.

Anne

 

[Dopey & Grumpy]

You are right.... I checked again and National (my favorite) doesn't say anything about it. However, Budget's terms and conditions says this at the very end states:

"• If you use a debit card at this location, you won't need to present a second form of identification, but we will perform a credit check at the time of rental to determine credit worthiness."

I guess I should just stick with National, I hate unnecessary credit pulls.

Anne

We used Budget in June when we went to California. Had only a Debit Card and they never did a credit check. The just told us they would put a hold for $200 on our Debit Card, finished the paperwork and we were on our way.

I know for sure the didn't do a credit check because we filed Chapter 13 and we would not have gotten the car with that kind of credit I'm sure.

 

[MFLetou]

I was next to a guy in line at Alamo (kiosk, and then a clerk), who was trying to pay with a debit card. The machine rejected it. The clerk came over. They argued for a long time, and eventually the outcome was that Alamo would not accept a debit card from him.

I of course don't know the specifics of his case, but the bottom line is that he had to go find another rental car.

Given the inconsistencies of rental car policies and staffs, I'd at least be prepared for this possibility.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I think Alamo's/National's rental policies are consistent; it's more likely that customer didn't meet Alamo's requirements - e.g., did not have proof of round trip travel - so they would not let him rent using a debit card.

I know I've never had a problem with either company.

 

[Ms. Belle]

Hi, I also don't have a credit card and was wondering about people's experiences using a debit card to rent a car. I've reserved with National; I hope all goes well.

Does anyone have any recent experiences? I need reassurance.

 

[carolina_yankee]

Hi, I also don't have a credit card and was wondering about people's experiences using a debit card to rent a car. I've reserved with National; I hope all goes well.

Does anyone have any recent experiences? I need reassurance.

I can't speak to National, but I trust them to honor their website's terms & conditions for use of debit card.

Hertz specifies that it varies by location, so you need to call. They will do a credit check.

A friend used Avis for our Disneyland trip this summer. They did a credit check and held an additional $200 on her card (it was a pre-paid Priceline bid, so the $200 was all they held).

You need to be careful with the debit card holds, too. They will hold a significant amount over the cost of the rental (not sure about National/Alamo's policy) and it can take awhile for your bank to release those founds back to you after your rental. Our bank actually has a notice warning customers it can take up to two weeks to release a rental car debit hold. The rental car company has no power over this - it's a bank policy.

Incidentally - debit card usage seems to be increasing, partly from the credit crunch, and partly because younger Europeans are less likely to have a credit card so the market need is increasing. I suspect the American companies will ease their policies somewhat over the next couple of years.

Personally, I wish they'd do away with credit check as long as you have proof of insurance or evidence of a good driving record. I know they need to protect themselves, but poor credit is not a criminal offense, while car-theft is. Two different things, and credit status is not necessarily an indicator of overall reliability or responsibility.

Dirk

 

[Tony NY]

We ended up renting with Alamo and got an awesome deal! We pick up on August 30th and drop off on Sept 5th. The total for a Compact is $169.59 with all taxes and everything added in , base rate was $144.89. This is with a $25 coupon. I could have saved more, but they wouldn't allow me to prepay with a debit card.

Before I booked online, I called Alamo to double check about the debit card, and was assured that with proof of our flight itinerary, we will have no problems.

yes you can pre pay with your debit card . question do you have a costco card you may beable to get a better deal . enjoy your rental car or van with a debit card I done it befor .

 

[Disneyliscious]

I am renting from Enterprise. I called and asked them if I could use my debit card and they said yes, as long as you bring a utility bill in your name as a proof of address.

 

[skatermom]

I just returned from Disney last week. I rented a car from Alamo at the Dolphin on a 10.00 a day special. I was asked to provide proof of round trip ticket and realized when I returned home and checked my bank account that they didn't even put a hold on my debit card. 57.oo charged to my debit card for a 4 day rental upon its return!!

 

[dioxide45]

I just returned from Disney last week. I rented a car from Alamo at the Dolphin on a 10.00 a day special. I was asked to provide proof of round trip ticket and realized when I returned home and checked my bank account that they didn't even put a hold on my debit card. 57.oo charged to my debit card for a 4 day rental upon its return!!

I think holds are harder to place on debit cards, We checked in to a timeshare resort last week with a debit card, they said they placed a $125 hold but one never showed up in our bank account.

If you are renting with a debit card at Alamo, can you still check in at the kiosk? Having to present proof of a return ticket may negate the benefit of the kiosk if it can't be used.