Credit Identification - Credit Card vs Debit Card for Car Rental

You, as the renter, must show a credit card, in your own name, at the car rental counter in order to be able to rent a vehicle and any additional drivers that you have must show credit identification as well. You can't use someone else's credit card.

You must show that you are financially responsible for the vehicle that you rent. Some companies only take major charge or credit cards, and some take debit cards for credit identification.

There are some car rental companies that offer the option of using a cash qualification card that you can apply for. The cash qualification process is quite lengthy and usually takes about 4 - 6 weeks to process. If you are approved for cash rentals, you would be issued a cash rental ID card and be able to rent with that particular company any time, using cash. For more information, see FAQs -- Cash Rental Qualifications .

When looking at credit identification requirements The first thing to deal with is the car rental company’s definition of a charge or credit card and a debit card..

A major charge card or credit card is one for which you receive a monthly statement and that is not tied in any way to your bank account. Common credit cards that are accepted would be American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Discover and Diners Club.

A debit card (even those with a Visa or MasterCard Logo) is credit covered by your checking account. Your funds are limited to the amount in your account. Any amount you charge with this card is automatically debited from your bank account.

You may ask, "What if something happens and I don't have enough credit available or funds in my account to pay at the end of the rental?" Find the answer, here.


If a car rental company accepts your debit card make sure to check about any additional information that would be required. You'll want to know about id requirements, holds and credit checks. Click here for specific information on debit card policies for 8 different car rental companies.

While some car rental locations do not accept debit cards at time of rental to release the vehicle, they usually accept debit cards for payment when you return the vehicle. If someone tells you that a certain company takes debit cards, make sure that they will accept it at pick up, and not just a payment method.

A prepaid debit card is a one-time use, or reloadable card. You may receive this from your tax return or as a reward or “gift card”. These types of debit cards will not be accepted as credit identification.

Also, check information on Credit Card Deposits for Car Rental


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