Yes, rental car companies do allow you to pay with a debit card or prepaid credit card. However, doing so typically carries a few ramifications that you should be aware of.
First, rental car pay now rates are often 5-15 percent lower than the standard rate. That’s not a bad deal, but you should be aware of the pitfalls.
Prepaid Rates
When it comes to rental car pricing, it can feel like a circus. Prices can change by the hour depending on availability, vehicle class and travel dates. This can lead to a lot of uncertainty for consumers, especially when it comes to deciding whether or not to prepay.
Many companies offer prepaid rates to give consumers a financial incentive to show up for their reservation. This is a great way to reduce no-shows, which are a big problem for many rental car companies.
Thrifty offers a special prepaid rate available online and in some locations only. This option does not require a credit card at check-in and can be used with debit cards. The driver’s name must match the name on the credit or debit card that is presented at the rental counter. This rate includes time and mileage charges, but excludes taxes, fees and surcharges. Other optional items (insurance/coverage, GPS, carseats) are also excluded from this program and must be paid at the counter upon checkout.
Cancellation Fees
Car rentals are one of the few types of travel where you can cancel a reservation and not get stung with a cancellation fee. Try doing that with a flight, hotel or tour and you’ll be out at least a portion of what you paid for. That’s why rental car pay now rates are usually more expensive than standard reservations and a reason to only use them if you are certain that your plans will not change.
With Hertz’s prepaid rate program, you can save up to 35% off base rates when booking online. However, taxes, fees and optional items are not discounted with this option.
If you need to cancel your Hertz prepaid reservation you can do so without penalty 24 hours or more before your pickup time. If you cancel closer to your pick up time you will be subject to a cancellation fee, which can range from $50 to $200. The credit card used at the time of booking must be presented at the counter.
Debit Card Acceptance
The vast majority of rental car companies do not allow you to rent a vehicle with debit cards. This is because they view debit card customers as a riskier group to rent cars to. They believe that a customer who only has a debit card may not be able to afford a credit card should he or she run up unexpected charges like for a late return or damage.
Generally, the rental companies that do allow debit card customers require a credit check to ensure that the customer is qualified for a car. They also require a minimum amount of funds on the debit card (this differs by location) in order to guarantee the refundable security deposit. This money can be in the form of actual cash or a money order. Prepaid or stored value cards are not acceptable for this purpose.
Moreover, the debit card must have a Visa or MasterCard logo on it. Some locations also require an additional non-government photo ID and/or a recent utility bill in the renter’s name.
Discounts
Pay Now rates don't always offer the best discounts. It depends on the rental company, but they're generally a little more expensive than standard reservations that don't require paying up front.
Opaque booking sites like Priceline or Hotwire can sometimes offer deeper discounts on car rentals, but they usually have stricter cancellation and change policies, so only use these deals if you're 100% sure of your travel plans. You should also know that if you cancel or no-show, then you'll likely lose the entire amount of money paid.
Another option to try is using a tool called Honey, which automatically aggregates coupons for car rental companies during the checkout process. This is a free browser extension that can save you some serious money, so give it a go. It won't get you as big of a discount as the Pay Now rate, but it might be enough to convince you to prepay for your rental car.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you over 18 to rent a car abroad?
In most European countries, you must be at least 21 years old to drive legally. However, if you are under 18, you may still be allowed to rent a car from an adult (usually over 25), but the age limit for renting cars varies by country. In some cases, you might be able even to rent cars without being older than 15.
What is the most memorable road trip in Europe, and why?
These are the best road trips because you can stop and see interesting places on your way, as opposed to just driving from A-B as fast as possible.
There are many wonderful roads in Europe but none as beautiful as this route between Venice, Dubrovnik.
For much of the trip, you'll be driving through stunning scenery. There are many stops along the route to enjoy all the sights.
Highlights include Torcello and Lido di Jesolo at Lake Garda, Northern Italy's Dolomites & Lake Como, as well the Walled Medieval City of Carcassonne.
How can I document damage done to my car before it is rented?
All documentation including photos should be kept on hand. If you don’t know what the damage is, ask the agent to help you get the vehicle inspected. In the event of any damage to your vehicle, an inspection may be required.
Is it possible to rent a car in Italy, and then drop it off in France?
It might not be possible for you to rent a car in Italy and drive it around Europe. Europcar allows you to rent cars across Europe. For information about renting cars in Italy or dropping them off, you will need to contact them directly.
Statistics
- The perks vary from partner to partner, but you can expect discounts of up to 35 percent on some rentals and the ability to earn anywhere from 50 bonus American AAdvantage miles per day or 500 per rental. (afar.com)
- Save up to 30% on your rental car in Europe when you book with us today. (autoeurope.com)
- For canceled trips two days or shorter, a guest is charged 50% of one day's trip cost. (insider.com)
- I'd say 70% of the time, we have a hassle-free encounter, but there have been certain companies that we prefer not to use anymore. (theworldpursuit.com)
- In 2019, the most crucial factor is the cost and fees of the rental (accounting for 28% of overall satisfaction with the rental experience), followed by the rental car itself at 25% and the pick-up process at 23%. (cnet.com)
External Links
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- Alamo Rent a Car - Cheap Car Rent in the U.S. & Latin America
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How To
How do I make sure that pre-existing damage isn't charged to my rental car?
For example, if you drive a rental vehicle for a few hours before returning it to a rental agency, what happens when you return the vehicle? Is it possible to be charged for damage to your rental vehicle if there is a scratch? This is a common problem, especially for people who rent vehicles from different companies. Even though the customers did not cause any damage, agencies may charge them for this. Ask whether charges will be made for scratches or dents to the vehicle. This is a way to avoid such fees. These are some of the ways to ensure you won't be charged for damages that were already done to your car before renting it.
- Ask for a copy of the agreement;
- You should carefully read the description of your car.
- Carefully read the fine print.
- Request a complimentary clean
- Take care of the car's condition.
- Keep everything in the car.
- When renting a car, always have cash.
- Keep all payments in receipt.
- Do not let anyone touch the car without your permission;
- Never accept a gift offered by the company.
- Only use a reliable rental agency
- Remember to bring the contract along with you;
- Make sure the car is in perfect condition before you return it.
- Send your contact information to the agent
- It is best to not use the same company twice.
- Write down important details about the car, such as the mileage, model, engine size, color, etc. ;
- Photograph the damage.
- Wash the car by yourself
- Have the car inspected by a third party;
- Never agree not to pay any additional fees
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