Which rental car company does not require a credit card?

Several major car rental companies do not require a credit card for payment when renting a vehicle, including Avis, Dollar, Hertz, National, and Thrifty. These companies and others accept debit cards and additional payment methods when booking or returning a rental.

With some of the other major car rental agencies, you won't need to pay by credit card when you return the car, but you’ll still need to have a credit card on file when you book so the lender can place a hold for the price of the rental and incidentals. Once you pay with an alternate payment method, the hold will be removed.

Major Car Rental Company Payment Policies

• Alamo Rent a Car: Accepts credit cards for rentals and returns at all locations and debit cards for both at some locations. Also may accept prepaid cards and cash when you return a vehicle.
• Avis Car Rental: Accepts credit cards and debit cards for rentals and returns. Also accepts prepaid cards when you return a vehicle.
• Budget: Accepts credit cards for rentals and returns at all U.S. locations. Also accepts debit cards and cash for rentals and returns at some U.S. locations.
• Dollar Car Rental: Accepts credit cards for rentals and returns at all locations and debit cards for both at some locations. Also accepts cash when you return a vehicle.
• Enterprise Rent a Car: Accepts credit cards for rentals and returns at all locations and debit cards for both at some locations. Also accepts prepaid cards when you return a vehicle.
• Hertz Car Rental: Accepts credit cards and debit cards for rentals and returns. Also accepts cash and prepaid cards at some locations when you return a vehicle.
• National Car Rental: Accepts credit cards for rentals and returns at locations and debit cards for both at some locations. Also accepts prepaid cards and cash when you return a vehicle.
• Rent-A-Wreck: Accepts credit cards, debit cards, and prepaid cards for rentals and returns.
• Thrifty Car Rental: Accepts credit cards for rentals and returns at all locations. Accepts debit cards and cash for rentals and returns at some locations. Also accepts prepaid cards when you return a vehicle in some cases.

Even though rental car companies offer alternative payment methods, it’s more beneficial to book your rental car with a credit card. Many credit cards offer rewards on purchases, including car rentals, and in some cases, you can redeem those rewards toward future rentals. You may also have access to rental car insurance as part of the card’s benefits package.

Finally, it’s worth noting that none of the major car rental companies accept personal checks or money orders when either booking or returning a rental vehicle. To learn more, refer to WalletHub’s guide on how to rent a car without a credit card.