Q&A for How to Rent a Car Without a Credit Card

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  • Question
    I need to rent a van for a day trip. How do I find the car rental companies that will accept debit cards?
    Community Answer
    Almost all companies will accept debit cards, as long as it associated with a major credit card. Debit cards you get from your bank will have a Visa, Mastercard, or another logo on the card. You can always call and ask.
  • Question
    I don't have a credit card or debit card, can I rent a car in the US?
    Community Answer
    Some companies will allow you to pay cash (but they are likely to be independent operators or companies that rent very low-end cars). Some regular companies allow someone else to pay for the car with a credit card and you to drive it. Not all do, so check around.
  • Question
    Can I use someone else's credit card with my ID to rent a car?
    Community Answer
    It will depend on where you are renting the car, as each place will have a different policy. In most cases, however, you will not be able to. Most companies will require that the names on the driver's license and credit card match.
  • Question
    Can my husband pay for my rental car with his card?
    Community Answer
    Some companies allow this. Most don't. Check around. Some rental companies don't charge additional driver fees for spouses--so your husband could rent the car using his credit card and add you on as a secondary driver.
  • Question
    Can I pay with a credit card that I'm an authorized user on?
    Cherie Walker
    Community Answer
    The card must have your name on it, or the name of someone who will be present to be named as a driver.
  • Question
    How do I find out if a car rental place will let me rent a car for cash?
    Cherie Walker
    Community Answer
    No suppliers will accept cash. A debit card or credit card is needed to make payment.
  • Question
    Will my brother be able to send a car for me to use if he pays for it in advance?
    Cherie Walker
    Community Answer
    He can pay for it but he would have to be there when its collected to do the paperwork.
  • Question
    How do I rent a car if I have a credit card, but no cash for deposit?
    Community Answer
    You can't.
  • Question
    Can I rent a car with my credit card even if it is maxed out?
    Community Answer
    This may depend on your credit card company's rules. Some credit card companies will authorize a purchase even if it's over your limit by a certain amount, and others won't. This is going to be problematic if the rental car company requires a hold on your card, for incidentals, and potential damage, which many do. However, some companies will let you pay a deposit in cash and use the card to verify your identity. So it's possible but harder, and you will need to check around.
  • Question
    Can my mom be present and pay to rent a car that I will be driving?
    Cherie Walker
    Community Answer
    Yes, but only if she is a named driver on the rental agreement. The rental needs to be in the same name as the payment card. Some suppliers offer this for free.
  • Question
    Is it possible for me to rent a car with no cash or credit card?
    Community Answer
    If you have a debit card, then yes, but you need some form of payment to be able to rent something.
  • Question
    Can I pay for someone's rental car without me having a driver's license?
    Cherie Walker
    Community Answer
    No, you will need to be named as a driver of the vehicle. Without a license this isn't possible.
  • Question
    What can I do when picking up a rental car that was rented with another person's credit card?
    Cherie Walker
    Community Answer
    This is not possible, unless the other person is present or if it was hired on a corporate credit card and you are a signatory.
  • Question
    Can I have someone else use a credit card online to rent a car for me?
    Cherie Walker
    Community Answer
    No, they will need to be present at the time of collection to be named as a driver of the vehicle.
  • Question
    Can I sign for someone else to rent a car?
    Cherie Walker
    Community Answer
    You can, but only if you are a named driver on the rental agreement.
  • Question
    Can I still rent a card if someone else's debit card is used?
    Cherie Walker
    Community Answer
    The only way to do this is to list them as the main driver and you as an additional driver.
  • Question
    Can I rent a car with only a debit card if I have the funds available?
    Community Answer
    Not all suppliers offer this, but there are now many that do. Speak to your rental broker, who will find the best solution for you.
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