Home » Forum » Topics

Is it possible to rent a car abroad using only a debit card?

travelcar rentaladvice
avatar
Diana_1980
Joined:
17.08.2020
Posts: 595
Topic Starter
06.01.2025 15:46
I am planning a trip to Europe next month and realized that I don't actually own a credit card, only a debit card. Every time I look at the major rental agency websites, they seem to insist on a credit card for the security deposit. Has anyone here successfully rented a car abroad using just a debit card? I am wondering if I should try booking through a local agency instead or if there are specific companies that are more lenient with their payment policies.
18 replies in this topic
avatar
Martin_85
Joined:
27.09.2020
Posts: 831
23.01.2025 22:11
It is definitely possible, but it depends heavily on the country and the specific rental company. Major brands like Hertz or Avis often have strict policies requiring credit cards for the hold, but smaller or local agencies might accept debit cards if you purchase their full insurance package.
avatar
star_vulk
Joined:
07.10.2021
Posts: 758
07.02.2025 11:39
In reply to a previous post
I tried this in Italy once and they flat out refused my debit card at the counter, even though the website said it might be okay. Don't risk it if you can avoid it.
avatar
Martin_85
Joined:
30.05.2020
Posts: 1582
11.02.2025 20:10
Most agencies use the credit card to put a large hold on your account. Since a debit card pulls from your actual balance, they don't like it because it ties up your spending money for weeks.
avatar
Milos_S
Joined:
24.08.2024
Posts: 669
23.05.2025 06:54
In reply to a previous post
Exactly what the above user said. If you use a debit card, make sure you have plenty of extra funds in your account because the hold can be several hundred euros.
avatar
ChernaKotka
Joined:
14.04.2020
Posts: 2269
01.06.2025 13:48
Check out some of the car rental brokers online. Sometimes they offer 'Debit Card Accepted' filters in their search results.
avatar
Maistor_Ivan
Joined:
30.12.2022
Posts: 1059
21.06.2025 15:43
In reply to a previous post
I've rented with Sixt in Germany using a debit card, but they required me to buy their premium insurance coverage to waive the deposit requirement. It cost more, but it worked.
avatar
Oskar_Z
Joined:
09.08.2020
Posts: 352
24.06.2025 09:16
It is much easier to just get a credit card before you leave. It saves you so much stress at the rental desk.
avatar
Maks_D
Joined:
09.02.2023
Posts: 1818
25.06.2025 07:45
In reply to a previous post
I second that. Even a low-limit secured credit card would solve your problem and save you from potential headaches at the airport.
avatar
Ameli_Z
Joined:
09.03.2021
Posts: 2033
22.08.2025 10:56
Some countries are more lenient than others. In the UK, it is generally easier to use a debit card than in places like Spain or Greece.
avatar
Filip_G
Joined:
30.06.2022
Posts: 2486
23.08.2025 23:02
In reply to a previous post
Really? My experience in Spain was the opposite, but I guess it depends on the agency. Always read the fine print in the 'Terms and Conditions' link before you click book.
avatar
Misho_B
Joined:
12.08.2020
Posts: 302
11.09.2025 00:15
If your debit card has a Visa or Mastercard logo, sometimes the rental agent won't even notice it's a debit card if you don't tell them. But I wouldn't recommend lying about it.
avatar
Brayan_Z
Joined:
08.01.2023
Posts: 542
02.11.2025 05:35
In reply to a previous post
That's a huge gamble. If they find out, they can deny the rental and you might lose your prepaid booking fee.
avatar
nabludatel_x
Joined:
30.05.2025
Posts: 1278
18.11.2025 14:27
Have you considered using a service like Turo? It sometimes works differently than the big corporate agencies.
avatar
Hubo_K
Joined:
11.07.2022
Posts: 215
20.12.2025 20:32
In reply to a previous post
Turo is great, but make sure they operate in the specific European country you are visiting, as their availability varies.
avatar
kamilo
Joined:
03.07.2022
Posts: 276
20.01.2026 21:27
I suggest calling the local branch where you plan to pick up the car. The people at the actual desk have more authority than the customer service line.
avatar
Poli_H
Joined:
03.07.2024
Posts: 845
10.02.2026 04:42
In reply to a previous post
Good advice. I did that for a trip to Portugal and they confirmed over the phone that a debit card was fine as long as I had a return flight ticket.
avatar
Lori_N
Joined:
22.01.2023
Posts: 1999
21.03.2026 20:48
Whatever you do, don't show up without a backup plan. Have a train ticket or bus route mapped out just in case they turn you away.
avatar
Fabi_W
Joined:
25.06.2021
Posts: 943
06.04.2026 00:16
In reply to a previous post
Solid advice. Nothing ruins a vacation faster than being stranded at a rental counter without a car.

Want to join the discussion?

Log in to your account to post a reply in this thread.