"Do I need a credit card to rent a car?" That's one of the most common questions we get. The answer is: it depends. In this guide, we explain the differences between card types and what actually works at rental companies.
📖 Contents
1. The difference between credit and debit cards
Let's start with the basics:
💳 Credit Card Recommended
- How it works: You borrow money from the bank and pay back at the end of the month (or in installments)
- Credit limit: Has a preset credit limit (e.g., €2,000)
- Deposit: Amount is reserved against your credit limit - your own money isn't affected
- Examples: Chase, Barclays, American Express, Capital One
💳 Debit Card Sometimes OK
- How it works: Money is drawn directly from your bank account
- Credit limit: None - you can only use money you have in your account
- Deposit: Amount is frozen in your account - you don't have access to the money
- Examples: Your regular bank card (Visa or Mastercard Debit)
💳 Digital bank card Often refused
- How it works: A debit card from a digital bank or an e-money account. Genuine prepaid and gift cards belong here too
- Problem: The card number is registered as e-money or prepaid, and many counters only accept a card from a traditional bank
- Examples: Revolut, N26, Wise, gift cards
2. What's accepted at the rental counter?
There are two separate things to consider:
1. Payment for the rental
Most companies accept both credit and debit cards for the actual payment. If you've paid in advance through us, this is already done.
2. Deposit (security)
This is stricter. The deposit is a security that the rental company reserves on your card to cover any damage, fines, or extra costs.
| Card Type | Payment | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Credit Card (Visa/MC) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Debit Card (Visa/MC) | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Sometimes* |
| American Express | ⚠️ Sometimes | ⚠️ Rarely |
| Digital bank/prepaid (Revolut etc.) | ⚠️ Sometimes | ❌ No |
* Depends on rental company, country, and car class
3. How the deposit works
The deposit is a reservation, not a payment. This means:
- The money (or credit) is "frozen" on your card
- You cannot use the amount during the rental period
- After return, the reservation is released (usually within 2-4 weeks)
- If everything is OK, no money is charged - the reservation simply disappears
Typical deposit amounts
- Economy car: €300-800
- Intermediate: €800-1,500
- SUV/Large car: €1,000-2,000
- Luxury car: €2,000-5,000
- Abroad: Often higher (€500-2,000)
⚠️ Problem with debit cards
With a debit card, your own money is frozen. If you have €1,500 in your account and the deposit is €1,000, you only have €500 to use during the entire trip.
4. Which companies accept debit cards?
More and more companies accept debit cards. But the rules vary:
| Company | Debit for Deposit | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Large international chains | ✅ Yes (varies) | Extra ID may be required abroad, and rules differ by country |
| Smaller international chains | ⚠️ Varies | Check before booking |
| Local rentals | ❌ Often no | Credit card often required |
💡 Tip
Rules can differ between countries even at the same company. A rental company that accepts debit cards in one country might not do so in another. Always check the terms for your specific booking.
5. Revolut, N26 and prepaid cards
Revolut, N26 and Wise are popular for travel. They are not prepaid cards: Revolut Bank and N26 Bank hold banking licences and issue ordinary Visa and Mastercard debit cards on an account with an IBAN. They still work poorly for car rentals:
- The card number: The first digits identify the issuer, and at these banks they are listed as e-money or prepaid in the databases the counter checks
- The rules: Many rental companies require a card issued by a traditional bank in the driver's name, whatever the card can technically do
- Result: The deposit is often refused at the counter, even though the same card paid for the booking online without trouble
⚠️ Don't rely on Revolut for car rentals
Even if payment sometimes goes through online, you can be refused at the counter. Always bring a card from a traditional bank as backup.
6. Tips and recommendations
If you only have a debit card:
- Check the terms carefully before booking - filter for "debit card accepted"
- Make sure you have enough money in your account (rental + deposit + margin)
- Choose large, well-known chains that are more flexible
- Book in countries where debit cards are more common
- Always have a backup plan
If you plan to rent cars regularly:
Consider getting a credit card. It doesn't have to be fancy - a simple credit card with low annual fee is enough. Benefits:
- Accepted everywhere
- Your own money isn't affected by the deposit
- Often better consumer protection in disputes
- Some cards include travel insurance
💡 Recommendation
Don't have a credit card? Consider applying for one with no annual fee for the first year - it can make your travel much smoother.
Summary
In short:
- Credit card: Always works - strongly recommended
- Debit card: Often works domestically, more uncertain abroad
- Revolut, N26, prepaid: Often refused for the deposit - bring a card from a traditional bank
- Always check the terms for your specific booking
- Have backup - bring an extra card just in case
Have more questions about payment? Check out our FAQ or contact us!
