Renting a car w/out a credit card?

[Anonymous]

I've heard some car rental places will rent you a car without a credit card, as long as you have a debit card, but that it varies by location.

Anyone have any experience/tips doing this?

[Anonymous]

Most will take a debit card but you will have to have the deposit amount available in your account (usually 200-300) and the estimated amount of the rental. The deposit will be held until you return the car. They also say you are subject to a credit check but non have ever done that in my experience. You can find all the info you need on the company's website.

[Anonymous]

Ah, thanks. OP here. I was able to rent one through Enterprise as you described. It apparently depends on which state you live in, because when I asked if I could use my debit card, they asked if I lived in VA, MD or DC -- I'm in VA.

I will have to put $200 down and provide proof of residency.

Oh, also, airport locations (at least National Airport) doesn't allow this unless you provide proof of your return flight. Even if you're a local who isn't flying, they won't let you rent w/ a debit card.

[Anonymous]

OP, that's not true of every location or rental agent, though. I have rented one way cars with debit cards before, even from national airport. My parents do not have a credit card and routinely rent cars, but I can't remember which agency they use. Anyone finding this in the archives should just call around. It almost always varies by location.