Will a car rental company accept a debit card with a large balance?

I cancelled my old credit card and signed up for a new one. The card probably won't be delivered before I go on holiday next week and pick up a rental car at the other end.

The conditions (Enterprise via booking.com) say that a credit card is essential.

Accepted Credit Cards​

The main driver must be in possession of a Credit Card in their own name when picking up the car. The Card must have enough available funds to cover the excess / deposit amount (which will be blocked on the Card for the duration of the rental). The Card will also be required to pay for local fees, extra equipment and anything purchased additionally at the car hire counter.

Rules around payment cards​

If you pay by credit card, your bank may charge you an international transaction fee.

The payment card(s) used at the rental counter must be in the name of the main driver (the person named on the booking).

Credit cards need to be activated for international transactions and for payments abroad.

You'll need to know the PIN of the payment card you are planning to use to pre-authorise your deposit.

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And then say:

Deposit / Excess​

The car has a theft excess of 675,00 € including tax.

The rental company will require a security deposit of 1400,00 € when you pick your car up. The deposit will be returned after the rental, as long as all conditions have been met.

The car has a damage excess of 1400,00 € including tax.

When you pick your car up, the counter staff will require a security deposit for the car. They may also require a security deposit for fuel in the tank and for certain extras (e.g. a child seat or GPS). After your rental, your deposit(s) will be returned.

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Will they accept a debit card and simply deduct the security? This would be the same as a hold on a credit card except the funds are in their account. I have a debit card in own name with a balance comfortable enough to cover the security deposit and theft excess.

They might have conditions for what would be called "cash" deposit. It's generally not as straight forward as what you are considering. I would contact the rental company directly to know what they would accept if anything.

My brother rented a car in Italy a couple of years ago with a debit card.

He then rang me complaining that he couldn't access funds in his account. I had to transfer him €1,000 to cover holiday expenses.

I think he had either lost or forgotten to bring his credit card.

I've seen signs at car rentals saying "Credit card strongly preferred" so I imagine it's an option with some but it's not ideal unless you've plenty money in your current account.

I contacted booking.com who said credit card essential.

I can book the same car directly with enterprise who say they will accept debit card but the price is about 20% more.

Was in Tenerife in June and was able to rent a car, fully insured mind, with cash.

Some of these companies looking for credit cards are decebt but others are scammy, claiming damages after you return the car.

Take photos of every part of the car.Tedious but its your only safeguard.

Persia said:

Take photos of every part of the car.Tedious but its your only safeguard.

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I've rented a lot of cars abroad and I prefer making a video with commentary. It allows you to comment on every blemish. I always comment on any blemish as "damage" ( not scratch, chip , ding etc. ) as its a suitably all-encompassing. A video takes less time to make. Pay attention to windscreen, mirrors, license plate, cills, roof etc.

Dr Strangelove said:

I can book the same car directly with enterprise who say they will accept debit card but the price is about 20% more.

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Have you tried haggling with them to see if you get anywhere and and just mention in passing that you will be using your debit card? Always worth a try to see if they will price match which a lot of companies do these days rather than lose the business.

@Dr Strangelove If you're insured with AXA you might be able to get 5% discount that way or maybe the price would be cheaper overall see here

P.S. If you are booking through that link make sure they will accept debit card. Many moons ago I dealt with Enterprise and at that time they were poor on customer service but things may have changed since then.

Dr Strangelove said:

contacted booking.com who said credit card essential.

I can book the same car directly with enterprise who say they will accept debit card but the price is about 20% more.

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We rented in Malaga in Spain in May. As we needed two cars I was putting one car in the name of a young adult child of mines name. Ordered an Amex supplementary credit card for the child as I’m aware of the credit card rule. Main drivers credit card must be used. Child unfortunately was so excited to get the card changed the pin on day of receipt. Then it didn’t work at rental desk. As child panicked about pin no. They would have accepted a debit card they said IF car was booked directly with them. Luckily the pin worked second time.

I will take no chances with hire cars. It’s a must to have your own personal excess policy (uk based annual Europe policy) or pay the top up insurance. It’s cheaper currently to do this at time of booking. Bookings are done via Ryanair website, which I think leads into booking .com. For Spain Portugal stay away from cheap companies and stick with known brands. There are well known scams on cheap car hire, they hit you on rushed airport returns on “damage”. Even with this carefulness at the airport for one of the cars they tried to bamboozke us by adding in an extra airport charge but you have to remain calm and insist they explain all charges.

Yesterday in Cork Ireland upselling was the business, offered a better car for 7 euro a day more …. I’ve about 20 pictures of the car. Invaluable in care of problems…