Car hire and credit cards
 

Hi, I have just booked a holiday to Spain and want to hire a car but they all want a credit card on arrival but I and my hubby don't have one, does anyone know how we can get around this or if there are any companies that don't need a credit card for deposit or security etc?
Thanks:fingerscrossed::fingerscrossed::fingerscros sed::fingerscrossed:

Re: Car hire and credit cards
 

This is not really a travel forum so I do not think you will get an answer to this one. I would suggest you read though the following travel forum.
I would first of all do a search as I think this question has come up before. If you cannot find an answer than post of the section relevant to where you are taking your vacation, so that you find the car hire company covering the area of stay.
Good luck

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum...i42-Spain.html

Re: Car hire and credit cards
 

Do you have a debit card?

Re: Car hire and credit cards
 

Well I've never see one yet that doesn't need a credit card to guard against damage to the car. You *might* just be able to get them to agree to take a large cash deposit - maybe 300 euros instead. Although I'd be surprised if they would agree to that as they'd have to keep the cash safe. It's too far outside their normal way of working.
Personally, I'd just get a credit card - it'd be much easier.

Re: Car hire and credit cards
 

Where are you flying into? If Malaga then Torremar Car Hire accept debit cards, small family run business, contact them at [email protected]

Re: Car hire and credit cards
 

Just shows you ain't seen it all, do a search, you'll find some that do take debit cards, Carjet for example, I think.

Re: Car hire and credit cards
 

Hi,
Thanks to you all for your replies; I am flying to Spain, do not have a credit card and have tried to apply for one but this address has been blacklisted due to previous residents! I do have a debit card however and will try the company that has been mentioned, carjet need credit cards, I have googled and searched all car hire companies at Malaga airport but they all require credit cards:(
Thanks again, Happy New Year xxx

Re: Car hire and credit cards
 

Try Sol Mar, I have read of several people using these in the past, but it might have changed.
http://www.airportcarhirespain.com/s...FVtn4wodyD8pIw

Have a look at their T&C's, it says,
Payment must normally be made by credit card. Some suppliers may allow payment by debit card (please consult).

Someone has said they used these, might be worth an e-mail.
http://www.autosfiesta.com/

Re: Car hire and credit cards
 

there are not many but this has been covered before and Im sure there were a couple of suggestions of places that accepted a debit card so do some seaches

good luck

Re: Car hire and credit cards
 

As I have a Spanish bank account I do have the typical Spanish VISA debit card only. So I had to find a car rental which doesn't need a credit card too.

Try to contact a local small one, instead of the large car rentlas. Some of those usually will accept debit cards or cash, but they will ask for a cash deposit.

In Benalmadena (Arroyo de la Miel) they wanted 250 euros deposit, which was fine for me.

Re: Car hire and credit cards
 

I book with an agency and get any one of the hire companies located in Alicante Airport and usually just hand over a Barclays Debit Card.

Re: Car hire and credit cards
 

Yippeeee this company have accepted our debit cards! Thanks so much for all your replies xxx:thumbsup:

Re: Car hire and credit cards
 

I use Carjet and don't have a credit card. I guess it depends on the car hire firm they use when you get there but I have used my debit card with both Auriga Crown and Sol Mar. It's worth emailing to double check but, as I say, I've never had a problem.

Re: Car hire and credit cards
 

Another option is to apply for a Foreign Currency Card.

I use them when i am travelling as they offer much better exchange rates than your bank.

You can get them in Euros and USD.

Nice and simple to set up, you top up with how much you want to convert in the foreign currency and you are good to go.

My Euros one is a Mastercard.

No credit checks required.

https://www.fairfx.com/

Retailers just see them as a normal Credit Card.

Hope this helps

Regards

ScottyB

Re: Car hire and credit cards
 

The last time I was in UK I wanted to hire a car. None of the larger companies would allow me to do so without a credit card. (they can claim on the card for damage and I believe fines which you incur). I did not have one and they would not accept a Debit Card (if you draw all the cash from your account they can't claim from it).

I called Nationwide, my bank in UK and they agreed I could apply for a credit Card when I was next there. I did so but by the time it was issued, they had cancelled it as I was no longer resident in UK. A couple of emails to their CEO and they discovered a way to allow me to have a Gold Visa credit Card.