Rental companies often require a credit card because they can block a deposit and charge costs later.
- That also means a damage charge can reach your card without a new approval.
- Credit cards usually come with a dispute (chargeback) process; for debit cards the options differ per bank.
- Check this before you travel.
At the desk you are asked for a credit card in the main driver's name. That is not just a formality. The card you use decides how a later damage charge reaches you, and how you can get it back.
Why companies want a credit card
A credit card lets the company block a deposit and charge costs after you return the car. The ECC Malta leaflet warns that your card limit must cover the deposit, and that without enough credit the company can refuse to rent you the car. The Spanish consumer authority lists "credit card only, no debit card or cash" as one of the practices it flagged.
What that means for a damage claim
Because you allowed charges at the desk, the company can charge your card for damage after the trip, sometimes before you have seen any evidence. That does not make the amount justified. You can still object and ask for proof; see damage charged to your credit card.
Getting money back
- Credit card. ECC-Net advises that if the company rejects your complaint, you can ask your card provider whether a chargeback is possible. Each issuer has its own deadlines.
- Debit card. Some debit cards have a dispute process too, but the rules and protection differ per bank. Ask your bank before you travel.
Platform insurance and your card
If you bought damage cover from a booking site, the rental company usually still blocks a full deposit and may charge damage to your card. You then claim the amount back from the platform's insurer, as the ECC Malta leaflet explains. Our excess calculator shows what you could end up paying in each case.
Credit, debit or prepaid: a quick comparison
| Credit card | Debit card | Prepaid card | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accepted for the deposit | Usually | Often refused | Often refused |
| How the deposit works | Hold on your credit limit | Money may leave your account | Money blocked on the card balance |
| Disputing a later charge | Chargeback via the issuer | Depends on the bank | Depends on the issuer |
ECC Austria noted in June 2026 that the main driver on the contract often has to be the holder of the credit card used for the booking, and that debit and prepaid cards are often refused. So the question is not only which card you have, but whose name is on it.
Whose name is on the card
If you book with your partner's card but you are the main driver, the desk may refuse the rental. Book in the name of the person whose credit card will be used, or add that person as the main driver. Check the terms before you pay, because a refused rental does not always lead to a refund. Our post on your driving licence and a rental car abroad covers the other desk requirements.
Watch the currency at the terminal
When you pay or the deposit is blocked, the terminal may offer to charge you in your own currency. That conversion is usually done at the company's rate. Read currency conversion at the rental desk before you choose.
A short example
You rent for a week in Italy and pay with a credit card with a €2,000 limit. The deposit is €1,200, so your limit covers it, with room for fuel and tolls. After a clean return, the hold stays visible for several days and then disappears. A month later, a €210 charge appears for a "wheel rim scratch". Because it is a credit card, you object to the company in writing and ask your issuer about a chargeback within its deadline.
Before your next trip
- Check which cards the company accepts.
- Make sure your limit covers the deposit.
- Ask your bank how disputes work for your card.
- Use the pick-up checklist so you have evidence if a charge appears.
Frequently asked questions
Can a company refuse my debit card?
Many do, and it is usually in their terms. The Spanish consumer authority listed 'credit card only' as a practice it flagged. Check before you book.
When is the deposit released?
After a damage-free return the company should release the hold. The ECC Malta leaflet advises to ask for it explicitly.