Can you hire a car without a credit card?

Does this frustrating scenario sound familiar?

You've packed your things and are set to begin your weekend break or summer holiday, only to find out that the rental car company you've scouted only accepts credit cards. 

Your much-needed retreat is suddenly in peril. Crikey!

You hurriedly scour around for competitors who take debit cards, but to no avail. The truth is that most rental car companies will only accept credit cards – and if you haven't got one, you're unlikely to be granted your holiday wheels. 

So why is this the case and is there any way to avoid it? The short answer is yes – if you use Metro Vehicle Hire. As you'll see, we buck the trend – our policy allows debit cards.

But why do so many rental firms forbid them?

The one big reason why you (usually) can't use a debit card

Rental companies would love nothing more than to get you on the road. However, they need to look out for themselves too.

And the main reason they often don't accept debit cards is quite straightforward. 

Using a credit card, rental companies can ensure they'll receive the full deposit (provided your credit limit allows it). This is because they can ask the issuer to block the arranged deposit amount from your card, meaning you won't be able to access those funds until they're unblocked.

A credit card, therefore, is a safer bet for a rental company because they can be sure the funds are there should something go wrong with the rental.

Conversely, there's no way to block funds on a debit card without withdrawing the money completely. The issue with that, however, is that the amount will need to be withdrawn to be refunded once the rental is up. 

But can't they just withdraw it at the end? Well, yes. But say you spend a few too many at the hotel bar and return without sufficient funds – that puts you and the rental company in a bit of a bind.

With a credit card, there's much less risk associated with the transaction.

But it's not all "credit or bust"…

With all that said, some companies do accept debit cards – and Metro Vehicle Hire is one of them.

There are some factors to consider when using a debit card for your deposit. One such consideration is when you're renting abroad. Debit card holders can end up losing money on a full refund through fees and unfavourable currency exchange rates.

An added benefit of using a credit card is insurance. You may need to take out additional insurance with a debit card, which will increase your costs. 

Metro Vehicle Hire's deposit scheme

At Metro Vehicle Hire, we understand that not everyone owns a credit card. That could be by choice or by chance. Not owning a credit card shouldn't disqualify you from being able to rent a vehicle for work or for pleasure.

Our deposit scheme gives you the option of using a credit or debit card. So how does it work?

Please note that these details are correct at the time of writing. Particulars may change at a later date. You can check our vehicle hire FAQs for the latest information.

Refundable security deposits (with a debit card)

There are two refundable security deposits to take note of. Those for drivers aged between 25 and 75 and drivers aged between 21 and 25. To secure a booking, drivers will need to pay 50% of the final balance. 

The final 50% is to be paid no later than 28 days before collection for minibus hires and 14 for cars and vans.

Drivers aged 25 to 75

Drivers between the age of 25 and 75 are required to pay a security deposit of £250 for all vehicles. This is to be paid on the main driver's credit or debit card when you collect your vehicle.

Drivers aged 21 to 25

Younger drivers are required to pay more. Sorry folks!

Why? Well, in short, we're covering ourselves against inexperience. Drivers between 21 and 25 must pay our standard security deposit of £500 for all vehicles – even if there are additional drivers over the age of 25.

This can be paid on either a credit or debit card upon collection of the vehicle.

What conditions do I need to meet to get my full deposit back?

Your deposit is completely refunded to your card once you return the vehicle. The amount repaid will be subject to a couple of conditions.

We require that all our vehicles are returned with a full tank of fuel. All our cars are issued with a full tank and so we'd like it if you returned the favour!

We keep our cars in good knick and we appreciate drivers who take care of them. We'll check that there's no additional damage on the car such as:



• Damage over five feet on vans and minibuses
• Any damage incurred above the door and on the roof of all other cars
• Damage to the wheels
• Cracked or damaged glass and windscreens
• Misfuelling
• Lost or damaged keys

This might make us sound a little stuffy. Rest assured that we're not trying to catch you out – these kinds of checks are standard for the rental industry.

And standard wear and tear won't be deducted from your deposit. A little wear and tear is to be expected, after all.

However, if you incur any speeding or parking fines, they will be deducted from the deposit. So make sure you park legally and drive safely.

Pre-authorised deposits (with a credit card)

For those of you who are renting for a maximum of three days, we can pre-authorise (freeze) a deposit amount of £250 via a credit card. 

As with our refundable deposit scheme, some or all of the balance will only be payable if the aforementioned conditions are not met.

We're a very reasonable bunch at MVH and we'll communicate and explain any charges we see necessary to deduct from your deposit. We try to make things easy for all ages to start renting and making use of our excellent fleet of cars – no matter the type of bank card you have.

Visiting the UK on holiday? Need a vehicle for work? We offer affordable car hire in Newcastle, Gateshead and the northeast. Take a look at our fleet – or get in touch to speak to one of our rental car experts.