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Fasten your seatbelts, flexible car rentals are nearly here!

It won't be long until you can compare and book car rentals at Alternative Airlines. In the meantime, check out what's coming!

Person using their debit card while on a laptop
Quick Answer

Can you rent a car with a debit card?

Yes! At Alternative Airlines, you can pay for your car rental with a debit card.

You'll have the option to either:

  1. Pay in full upfront with debit - No lingering payments. Zero interest.
  2. Connect your debit card with a buy now pay later - Pay in installments. Options lasting from weeks to over a year.

Please note that while you can pay for your rental with a debit card, you must present a valid credit card to your car rental supplier upon collection. More details below.

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Available debit cards

VISA

Visa

Mastercard

Mastercard

Discover

Discover

JCB

JCB

Maestro

Maestro

UnionPay

UnionPay

Looking at map while in car

Why use a debit card to rent a car?

No lingering payments

When you pay up front in full with a debit card, the cost of your rental is charged to your bank account, so you won't have to worry about paying anything back.


No interest

Debit card payments made up front in full are interest-free. You're paying with your money, so there's no APR! The price you see at checkout is the price you'll pay, with no extra fees to the main rental cost.


Easier for international travelers

While credit cards are common in the US, not all countries use them very much. If you're coming from overseas and you're not used to using a credit card, you can still pay the majority of your rental cost with a debit card.

Laptop, Card, Sofa

Will I need a credit card for my car rental?

Although you can pay for most of your car rental with a debit card, you'll still need to present a valid credit card in your name when you collect your rental.

When do I need to use my credit card?

You'll only need to use your credit card when you collect your car. The majority of the rental cost can be covered with a debit card. Only the deposit requires your credit card.


Why do I need to use my credit card?

A deposit (hold) will be put on your credit card to cover any potential additional fees. This can include cleaning charges and late fees.

If you return your rental without any issue, then the hold will be removed from your credit card, and you won't be charged any extra.

However, if you incur additional fees, you'll have to pay back the deposit to your credit card company.

This is done so that even if you have insufficient funds in your bank account, the rental supplier will still receive payment. Credit cards act as a precaution. If you return your rental in good condition, you won't face any charges.

A woman thinking happily in front of a yellow background

How Alternative Airlines lets you use a debit and credit card

1. Select a debit card at checkout

Once you go to checkout, you'll have several ways to pay. If you want to pay with a debit card, either select a debit option or choose a buy now, pay later that's linked to your bank account.


The cost of your car rental will then be taken directly from your bank account if you choose to pay in full, or over a certain number of installments if you select a buy now, pay later option.

2. Bring your credit card when you go to collect

You'll give your credit card to your chosen car rental supplier. Alternative Airlines is partnered with leading rental companies such as Avis, Budget and more.

The supplier will place a deposit (hold) on your credit card to cover potential additional fees. If you return your car rental in the condition you found it and on time, the hold will be removed, and you won't be charged.

It can take a few days after returning your rental before the credit card hold is lifted.

Toy car, calculator, notebook, glasses and coins on a table

Cheap car rentals with debit card

Alternative Airlines helps customers find cheap car rentals that can be paid for with a debit card. Here are some handy tips and tricks to get the best deals possible.


Use Alternative Airlines' filter system 🔎

Filter the results by lowest price or by a specific car type. Economy and compact rentals tend to be the most affordable. What these cars lack in room and power, they make up for in price.


Drive during the off-season ❄️

Car rentals are cheapest when booked for the off-season. Cut the price of your rental in half when you drive during non-peak seasons. In most parts of America, January to March is typically the cheapest time to travel.


Rent now pay later 💸

Spread the cost of your travel when you pair your debit card with a buy now, pay later option. Depending on your instalment, you'll even have the option to drive now and pay later. Meaning you won't have to finish paying for your rental until after your drive!

Alternative Airlines logo

Who is Alternative Airlines?

Alternative Airlines started as a flight booking service, offering flights across the globe with over 600 available airlines. However, we've now expanded our mission to also provide car rentals across the USA!

From the runway to the road, we get you where you need to be. Pay for your flights and car rentals your way with debit available.


Why choose Alternative Airlines? 🤔

  • We're trustworthy - Our honest approach and reliable customer support team have helped us achieve a 4.9-star rating on TrustPilot!
  • We make travel more accessible - Our buy now, pay later options make travel that much easier. Don't let tight budgets get in the way of your plans. Spread the cost of your trip into manageable installments that last from weeks to over a year.

Pair your debit card with one of our buy now, pay later partners!

Book car rentals with a debit card today!

Choose from top suppliers across America and pay for your car rental with your debit card! Pay now or later available!

Trusted globally

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

We’re super proud of our Trustpilot rating, but don’t just take it from us. See why millions of others love booking their flights through Alternative Airlines

Car rentals with a debit card FAQs

Where can I rent a car with a debit card?

At Alternative Airlines! If you're looking to book a car rental to drive within America and you want to pay with your debit card, then you've reached the perfect place. We offer Visa, Mastercard, and more at checkout.

Please note that you will need a credit card for your deposit when collecting your car rental.

How can I get a rental car with a debit card?

By using Alternative Airlines! Once you've reached our checkout, simply choose one of the debit card options available.

You'll still have to use a credit card, but this won't be necessary until you go to collect your rental.

Pay for the rental with your debit card and the deposit with your credit card.

Do I need a credit card to book a car rental?

Yes. While you won't need a credit card during the booking process, you will need one when you go to collect your car rental.

Can I pay later for my car rental and use a debit card?

Yes! You can connect your debit card to one of Alternative Airlines' buy now, pay later lenders.

Connect your Klarna, Affirm, or Cash App Afterpay account with your debit card to pay later with debit.

Which car rental companies accept debit cards?

When you book through Alternative Airlines, you can use your debit card for all our available suppliers. Even if they wouldn't usually let you pay with a debit card directly.

We offer leading car rental suppliers, including Avis, Budget, and more!

Please note that once you pick up your rental, the supplier will require a credit card for your deposit.

What are some alternatives to debit card car rentals?

If you're looking to pay another way, these are some brilliant alternatives we have available: