How to rent a vehicle without a credit card?

Question

I am hoping that someone can help me-I am trying to get home for Christmas and want to rent a vehicle to go back home in, since my van isn't in the best shape to travel the distance. I am leaving MN and going to MS. I really want to go home, but I do not have a credit card to rent a vehicle-any suggestions?

Answer 1

REally my dear I sympathize with you over the wish to be home for Christmas. Nothing could ruin a holiday more than being stranded far from home with a car that gave up the ghost.
Maybe if you could post enough cash up front for the rental you could be okay and they would refund your cash when you returne the vehicle in one piece. They like to have the credit card to be certain you are who you say you are and so they can get the money to fix the car if you wreck it. They have a high deductible on THEIR insurance.

Maybe if your insurance agent would send a letter of approval to cover the cost of repairs, you could rent the car without a card. Ask them, the worst that could happen is a no answer and then you would be having to take a bus ride home.

Go for it.....

Answer 2

You'll probably have to go with a local, independent car rental company. They will sometimes let you rent without a credit card... but they also make you pay a hefty down payment, plus you often have to wait longer because they have more requirements for approval. Check around. Some do it, some don't. ( But it really isn't as rare as you think.) A few of the larger companies let you rent with a debit card, but they usually prescreen you with a credit check. (This also depends on location.)

Also, have you thought about taking a bus? Fares are usually pretty cheap. It'd probably cost less than renting a car.

Answer 3

Not possible.

Rental car companies don't take debit cards. I tried.

At the minimum if you skip down they want to ruin your credit.

Jack Sparrow: don't post BS.

Question
What forms of payment does Enterprise accept?
Answer
A major credit card in the renter’s name is required for a deposit on all rentals. When the rental is returned, traveler’s checks, debit card, or a major credit card can be accepted to pay for the rental.

http://enterprise.custhelp.com

Answer 4

I'm not aware of any company accepting anything but a credit card. I suppose you could call around and see if someone will accept a check instead, but I honestly doubt it.

Answer 5

You need to provide a deposit, but a credit card isn't needed.



http://www.enterprise.com/car_rental/home.do