Do you want to use debit card to hire a car? It’s possible but rarely easy. With most companies,car rental no credit check is not easy, since not having a credit card is a red flag that one may be a credit risk.
Debit cards also present another tussle for rental car companies. What if the renter returns the car with an empty tank, without enough cash left in the bank account? Or the vehicle returned damaged, and the renter’s insurance does not cover it?
Rental companies want to keep their clients, and debit cards can be used. Just expect more hassles and much time at rental car counter. The following are tips for renting a car with debit card.
- You’ll need to have available cash
You need to have money in your bank to rent a car with a debit card. Expect the rental company to lock the entire rental amount in advance, and put a hold on your account for up to $350. Without any financial issues, the extra amount of money will be reimbursed to you at the end of the renting period. In most cases the process can take up to three weeks.
- You may face a credit check
Many rental car companies will have to run an automatic credit check on clients that use the debit card. If the customer happens to have a little score, the company may reject him or her. Also, be knowing when someone runs a check on your credit, your FICO score can lower, from four points to more, depending on the state of your particular credit situation.
- Carry extra forms of identification
You can provide a credit card which is acceptable. Other documents you are required are driver’s license; you may even required to produce a second or even, and when you are dealing with Rent-a-Wreck, a third form of identification. A passport can be An acceptable form of ID or a utility bill with a similar address to that of driver’s license.
- You’ll have to buy or show proof of insurance
Many car rental companies will ask customers with a debit card to produce evidence of insurance. This will slow down the renting process because the rental car agents call the numbers on the policies and make sure you have the level of coverage the rental company requires to rent the car. If not possible, the agents may insist you buy a sufficient coverage from the rental company or reject you.
- Show evidence of return travel
This tip varies from one company to the other and even from location to location. For instance, if you want to use a debit card to rent from Los Angeles International Airport, you don’t have to produce a return travel ticket with your name on it.
- Expect vehicle exclusions
You need to feel like a second-class citizen when renting a car with a debit card. With a debit card, there are classes of vehicles you cannot rent. They include Mercedes Sedan, a Chevy Suburban or any other automaker. The primary distinction here is size and luxury.
- Age exclusions may apply
If you are below 25 years of age, you cannot secure a car rental with a debit card.
