Can You Rent a Car in Australia Without a Credit Card?

1Why Suppliers Prefer Credit Cards

When you collect the car, the supplier places a hold (the bond) on your card to cover fuel, tolls, fines or damage. With a credit card the hold simply reduces your available credit. With a debit card the money leaves your account until the hold is released, and suppliers have less certainty they can recover extra costs, so some apply stricter conditions.

2What Changes With a Debit Card

• The bond can be larger than with a credit card.
• Some vehicle classes are excluded. Enterprise, for example, requires a credit card for its 4x4s and premium vehicles.
• The card must be in the main driver’s name, as with credit cards.
• Some debit card types are excluded. Enterprise lists Maestro, Electron, Solo and prepaid cards as not accepted.
• The release of the hold can take up to several weeks with some banks, especially for foreign cards.

3How Much Is the Bond?

Bonds vary by supplier, location and car. VroomVroomVroom notes amounts from around A$100 up to A$1,100, with A$200 as an example for a compact car at Sydney Airport. Release times quoted by suppliers range from 2 to 10 business days for Hertz, 3 to 5 for Thrifty, and up to 10 business days for Avis and Budget (up to 28 for foreign cards).

Also read: Car rental security deposits in Australia: how much will you pay?

4Debit Card Tips by Situation

You are an Australian resident

Most Australian debit cards (Visa or Mastercard debit) are accepted by many suppliers for standard cars. Make sure there are enough funds for both the rental and the bond, as the bond reduces your available balance until it is released.

You are an overseas visitor

Bring a credit card if you can. Foreign debit cards are accepted less often, and holds can take longer to clear with overseas banks. If you only have a debit card, contact the supplier before you book and get confirmation in writing.

You want a premium car, 4WD or van

Expect to need a credit card. Enterprise, for example, requires one for its 4x4s and premium vehicles.

5What If You Have No Card at All?

Without a card in your name, renting a car is very difficult in Australia, because suppliers need a way to recover tolls, fines and damage. Alternatives include car-share services in the cities (which also need a card), tours for day trips, or asking a travelling companion with a credit card to be the main driver.

6Step by Step: Booking With a Debit Card

• 1. Filter for suppliers that accept debit cards at your pick-up location. Policies can differ between airport and city branches of the same brand.
• 2. Read the bond line in the conditions and note the amount for a debit card.
• 3. Choose a standard car class: economy, compact, standard or a mainstream SUV.
• 4. Check your daily card limits. Some banks cap the amount that can be held or spent in one day.
• 5. Bring the physical card in the main driver’s name, with your licence and passport.
• 6. After return, allow up to two weeks for the hold to clear, and contact the supplier if it does not.

7Checklist Before You Book With a Debit Card

• Confirm that debit cards are accepted at your pick-up location.
• Check the bond amount and keep that much available in the account.
• Choose a standard car class rather than premium or 4WD.
• Bring a card with your name embossed or printed, matching your licence.
• Allow for the hold when budgeting the rest of your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions