Do European car rental agencies accept debit cards instead of credit cards?

Do European car rental agencies accept debit cards instead of credit cards? - Side view of crop faceless male passenger sitting on backseat and using credit card reader to pay for trip in taxi

I don't currently have a credit card and would prefer not to get one. Can I use a regular debit card instead to leave a deposit?

This question is focused on Europe and major car rental agencies, but can be answered from the global perspective if there's a universal answer.

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Best Answer

Speaking for France, The majority of payment cards that are issued are debit cards.

Car rental agencies would be quickly out of business if they refused them.



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Do European car rental agencies accept debit cards instead of credit cards? - Crop anonymous traveler using card device while paying for taxi ride in automobile
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Do European car rental agencies accept debit cards instead of credit cards? - Black Payment Terminal


Do Europeans use debit cards?

These are the most common questions I get about using debit and credit cards in Europe. The simple answer is yes, your debit and credit card will work in Europe.

Can you use a debit card as a credit card to rent a car?

Short answer: yes. While it's not always as easy as renting a car with a credit card, using a debit card is allowed by most of the major car rental companies.

Which rental car company accepts debit cards?

Enterprise Debit Card Policy Enterprise accepts debit cards for customers renting a car at one of their airport locations. To pay, you need your debit card (Visa, Mastercard, and Discover) and proof of an outgoing flight at the Enterprise location where you plan to drop off the car.

Which rental car company does not require a credit card?

Dollar. Dollar car rental has slightly more lax rules for renting a car without a credit card. You won't undergo a credit check and the company accepts debit cards for non-premium or luxury rentals as long as you book your car 24 hours before pick-up.


Which rental car companies allow you to use a debit card?



More answers regarding do European car rental agencies accept debit cards instead of credit cards?

Answer 2

Probably a question of insurances. Major credit cards (visa, MC, AMEX) are internationally recognized compared to your local bank debit card.

(after a quick google regarding US rental with a debit card) When renting with a debit card, most agencies will do a credit check and that might not be possible when renting in Europe (even from a international company like Avis or Hertz)

Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Tim Samuel, Tim Samuel, Monstera, energepic.com



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