When you visit a place, whether for work or for pleasure, having a car at your disposal is not only convenient but often cheaper than other ways of getting around, such as taxis. For many experienced travelers, renting a car is essential to make the most of their time on the trip. However, not having a credit card keeps many people from using this service. The reason is that most car rental companies require one to make sure they can collect payment if the vehicle is damaged.
Fortunately, there are other options for people who don’t use a credit card. Search online for rental companies that let you rent a car without a credit card. Read the requirements carefully, and it is a good idea to call them to confirm their policies have not changed from what is posted on their website. Keep in mind that even if a company does not require a credit card in your name, you will still need to guarantee in some way that you will cover the costs if the car is damaged or stolen.
When you make the reservation, state clearly that you do not have a credit card. When you pick up the car, bring every document they asked for. Also keep in mind that the pickup process may take longer than usual. This is because the company will run additional checks on the documents you present, and these checks may include a review of your credit history.
These are the most common alternatives rental companies offer to customers without a credit card:
- Rent a car using someone else’s credit card. If a relative or friend agrees to lend you their credit card, they will need to go to the rental office with you to sign the contract. In this case the cardholder will be the main renter on the rental agreement and you will be listed as an additional driver. Legally, the cardholder will be primarily responsible for the car, and you will be jointly liable.
- Rent a car by leaving a deposit through a bank transfer. If no one can lend you a credit card, one option is to make a deposit into the rental company’s bank account. Once you return the car without damage, the company will refund your deposit. Many companies only issue the refund by check, so make sure you know how the refund process works once the contract ends.
- Rent a car with a debit card. In this case the security hold is placed directly on your debit card. One very important point: after the contract ends and the rental company releases the hold, it can take up to two weeks to show up in your balance. In many cases it can even take until your account’s next statement date.
See the best car rental companies in Guadalajara according to Google users.
Whichever of the three options above is available to you, keep the following in mind:
- You will need to show an official ID in addition to your driver’s license (passport, INE voter card, cartilla militar or cédula profesional; as a foreign visitor, your passport is the usual choice)
- A recent proof of address in your name.
- The rental company may limit the car categories you can rent without a credit card to economy or compact cars.
- Some rental companies may add a surcharge to your rate for not having a credit card. In Mexico this fee is known as a “dispensa de garantía” (guarantee waiver).
- You may be asked to sign a pagaré (promissory note) for the value of the car.
Requirements vary from one rental company to another, so it is always best to confirm directly with them. Compare your options, book in advance and enjoy the convenience of having a vehicle at your disposal during your trip.
Veico Car Rental is a company that lets you rent a car without a credit card in Guadalajara. Visit their website for more details.
See the best car rental companies in Guadalajara according to Google users