car hire debit card

I dont have a  credit card, but do have a  debit card will the car hire company take that as a deposit.

No. They always insist on a credit card.

You will have to get one if you want to hire a car.

Always make sure your credit limit on the card is no more than a thousand pounds, then if something goes seriously wrong thats the most they could take from your card

Some hire companies are getting the message at last! At one point you could only hire a car if you had a credit card  but things are changing slowly.

I have never had a credit card and never wanted one so a few years ago  I had to do a bit of chasing around to find out the ‘rules’ and now certain companies will take debit cards instead of credit. It is also the case that some companies will stipulate credit cards but mean credit or debit.

I recently hired a van from Paquito rent a car in Alicante area that stated ‘credit cards’ on their website, but were quite happy taking my UK debit card.

Some will only take Visa debit as there appears to be some king of guarantee with Visa and a hire company. By far and away the best company is Alamo Car Hire who is worldwide, sensible rates and provides a superb service. I have had many cars from them and never had a bad experience.

The added bonus with Alamo is that the website is user friendly and you can always speak to a contact all of whom are very helpful.

Woodbug

Some will only take Visa debit as there appears to be some king of guarantee with Visa and a hire company

Main reason for credit card payment for car hire is that if you didn't bring the car back on time, say a day or two late the hire company can, without authorisation charge your credit card, where as with a debit it is almost impossible to do this.

The hire company cant inform the police that the car hasn't been returned, it cant cancel the car insurance on it, so it charges you these extra's.

Have just booked with Europcar and the confirmation email states the following, I wont have my paper licence with me or bank statement/utility  bill.