Posts Tagged ‘rental car company accepts debit cards’
7 Tips For Renting A Car With A Debit Card
photo credit: Ciaran McGuiggan
Financial institutions have begun to tighten up their guidelines for approving credit card applications, because they are losing money from defaulted mortgage loans and the inability of existing customers to pay credit card payments. In addition to it being harder for people to be accepte for new credit cards, credit card issuers are also raising interest rates, removing rewards programs, and reinstating dreaded annual fees. This is causing some consumers to get rid of their credit cards or just stop using them for now. Debit card transactions are becoming increasingly more popular for flight, hotel, and now rental car purchases.
Rental car companies were one of the last in the travel industry to start accepting debit cards for rental car purchases, because of their interest in the rental cars they are handing out. But, now many companies are accepting debit cards with a few restrictions. Here are a few tips to help you make your rental car purchase with a debit card as smooth as possible:
- Do Your Research. Every rental car company has their own debit card policy, and some policies differ based on different franchises within a particular brand. Call different companies or search their websites for their debit card policies. Find a discount car rental company that suits your needs.
- Keep plenty of money in your checking account. Most rental car companies that accept debit cards will charge the full amount of the rental car booking plus an additional deposit between $100 to $500 at the time you pick up the car. When you return the car, they refund the deposit, but it could take up to 10 business days for that deposit to credit back to your account.
- Use Visa or Mastercard. Almost all debit cards either have a Visa or Mastercard logo on them, but make sure you use a debit card from a major banking institution or credit union.
- Be prepared for a credit check. Some rental car companies will run a quick credit check to make sure you aren’t a complete delinquent when it comes to handling money.
- Be over 25 years old.
- Don’t try to rent a luxury car or SUV with a debit card.
- Keep full collision and liability coverage on your car insurance. Many companies will require that you prove sufficient car insurance coverage in case of an accident. They may also have you verify that car rentals are covered under your auto insurance policy.
E-Z Rent-A-Car is dedicated to great customer service and making your rental car experience as easy and enjoyable as possible. We allow debit card purchases for our rental cars. Our debit card policies differ depending on the location. As an example, here is the link to our debit card policy for renting a car at the Orlando International Airport.
Tags: cheap car rental, credit card policy, Rental Car, rental car company accepts debit cards