Answered on: October 1, 2018

Updated on: April 6, 2026

Client

Can I reserve and pay for a car using a debit card? And will that cost me more than using a credit card?

Agent

You can use your debit card online to make the reservation but you will need a credit card for the security deposit on arrival when you pick up your rental.

Agent

Most Rental Car companies require a Credit Card on arrival. The security deposit is ¨held¨ on the card and not withdrawn, for the duration of the hire and released when the car is returned without any claims or damages. Credit Cards provide a higher level of security for the rental car supplier, as opposed to a Debit Card. Some rental car companies like GOLDCAR will accept a Debit Card but you must have enough ¨credit¨ on the Debit Card to cover the Excess insurance amount. This Excess amount can vary wildly between 300-3000€ in certain countries. The Excess amount will be withdrawn from your debit card when you arrive. GOLDCAR will accept Debit Cards on this basis in :- Cyprus, Croatia, Spain, Portugal, France, Greece (except Rhodes), Malta, Netherlands, Romania & Mexico. In Italy: Olbia & Cagliari. SPAIN Some of the car rental providers in Spain who accept debit cards to hold the security deposit are: AUTOCLICK CENTAURO DRIVALIA GOLDCAR OK Rent a Car PULSAR Car RECORDGO RHODIUM VICTORIA Cars GREECE:- DRIVE GREEN MOTION GOLDCAR RHODIUM