Hiring a car without a credit card or deposit
What you really need to know about the card and deposit before you collect your hire car.
One of the moments that raises the most questions when hiring a car is at the desk: they ask for a card, mention a "deposit" or "security hold", and if you weren't expecting it, it can feel like a surprise charge. The reality is simpler than it looks, but it varies from company to company, so it's worth understanding how it works before you travel.
In this guide we explain what type of card is usually required, the difference between a hold and an actual charge, whether it's possible to hire without a deposit, and what options you have if you don't have a credit card. As each company applies its own conditions, at Gavendo we always clarify them for you before confirming your booking.
Search carsWhy do they ask for a card when you collect the car?
When you hire a car, the company needs a guarantee in case of damage, a fine, or an outstanding fuel charge when the vehicle is returned. For this they use a hold (also called a block or pre-authorisation) on your card: they reserve that amount, but don't actually charge it. If you return the car with no issues, the hold is released and the funds become available again in your account, usually within a few days. This hold is different from an actual charge: no money leaves your account, it's simply "set aside" for the duration of the hire.
Credit card vs. debit card
The general rule in the industry is to require a CREDIT card in the name of the main driver, because it allows the deposit amount to be held without moving real funds. Debit cards don't always support this type of hold in the same way, so many companies don't accept them as the main guarantee. That said, some do allow payment by debit under certain conditions, for example if you take out fully comprehensive cover. As this varies by company, at Gavendo we confirm it for you before you book, so there are no surprises at the desk.
Can you hire without a deposit or security hold?
Yes, in many cases it's possible to reduce or remove the deposit by taking out fully comprehensive cover with zero excess. By removing the excess, the company no longer needs to hold that amount as an extra guarantee, because the financial risk is already covered by the insurance. It's the most common option for those who'd rather not see any amount held on their card during the trip. Even so, a valid card in the driver's name is still required to complete the hire contract.
What if I don't have any card at all?
Hiring without presenting any card at all is very difficult, and in practice the vast majority of companies don't allow it. The card isn't just a means of payment: it's the guarantee behind the hire contract. Without it, the company has no way of covering itself against the unexpected. If this is your situation, let us know when booking: we'll go through the available options with you depending on the company and destination.
The deposit isn't a charge: how the hold works
It's important to distinguish between a "hold" and a "charge". The hold reserves the amount within your available credit limit, but the money is still yours and isn't transferred to anyone. It only becomes an actual charge if there's damage, a fine, unreturned fuel, or any other issue covered by the contract. Bear in mind that even when the car is returned in good condition, the bank may take a few days to visibly release the hold in your app or statement, even though the company has already requested it.
Usual requirements for the main driver
Besides the card, most companies require the main driver to meet a minimum age (usually 21 or 23, depending on the destination) and to have held their licence for a minimum period. The bank card must always be in the name of that same person: a card belonging to a passenger, relative or anyone not listed as a driver on the contract isn't accepted. These requirements, like the type of card accepted, depend on the company and country, so we confirm them with you when preparing your booking.
Tips to avoid surprises when collecting the car
Always bring the main driver's physical card, as the desk usually asks for the actual card and a photo on your phone isn't enough. Check before travelling that your card has sufficient available limit to cover the hold amount, which can run to several hundred euros. And if you're unsure which card your booked company accepts, just ask us: it's better to sort it out before you leave than to discover it at the desk.
How Gavendo helps
Since 1982 we've worked as intermediaries with negotiated rates from the leading hire companies, which means we know their payment and deposit conditions well. Before confirming your booking, we clearly explain which card you'll need, whether the deposit can be reduced with fully comprehensive cover, and exactly what to expect at the desk. That way you avoid surprises and travel knowing exactly what lies ahead.
- Bring the physical card — The desk usually requires the main driver's actual card, not an image on a phone.
- Check your available limit — The security hold can run to several hundred euros: make sure your card can cover it.
- Ask before you book — If you want to reduce the deposit with fully comprehensive cover, ask us when preparing your booking.
Frequently asked questions
Can I pay for the hire with a debit card?
It depends on the company: some accept it under certain conditions, such as taking out fully comprehensive cover, but the general rule is to require a credit card in the main driver's name. We confirm this for you before booking, depending on the chosen company.
Is the deposit actually charged to me?
No, under normal circumstances it's only a hold on your card, not an actual charge. The amount becomes available again once the car is returned with no issues, although the bank may take a few days to reflect this.
Can I use someone else's card if I don't have one?
No, the card must always be in the name of the main driver listed on the hire contract. A card belonging to a passenger, relative or anyone else not on the contract isn't accepted.
How do I remove or reduce the security deposit?
The most common way is to take out fully comprehensive cover with zero excess, which covers the financial risk and allows the company to reduce or waive the extra hold. Even so, you'll still need a valid card to complete the contract.
What happens if my card doesn't have enough limit for the hold?
If the available limit on your card is lower than the amount the company needs to hold, they may not be able to finalise the hire. It's worth checking your limit before travelling and, if in doubt, asking us for the approximate amount based on the vehicle and company.
← Back to home · See all guides : Driving in Spain: a practical guide for your trip · Requirements for renting a car · Car hire insurance, explained · Young driver: minimum age and surcharges when hiring a car · One-way car hire: collecting and returning in different cities