When you rent a car, the rental company usually asks you to pay with a credit card. This is a standard part of Renting a car with your credit card, especially when you book the car online in advance before a holiday abroad. Large international companies such as Avis, Budget, Hertz, and Europcar expect you to use a credit card.
But how does the process actually work?
Below we explain each step clearly when it comes to Renting a car with your credit card.
1. Book the Rental Car With Your Credit Card
If you plan to rent a car abroad, reserve it online before your trip. Renting a car with your credit card in advance makes the process smoother. Using a comparison site gives you time to:
- Compare different rental companies
- Choose a suitable and affordable car
- Read all conditions in your own language
- Know the exact costs before departure
You complete the reservation on the rental company’s website by entering your credit card number and security code. Some companies ask you to pay a small part of the rental price upfront to secure the booking when Renting a car with your credit card.
2. Pick Up the Car and Allow the Company to Reserve a Deposit
When you arrive at the rental desk, show the credit card you used during the booking. This is a key step in Renting a car with your credit card. The rental company then places a pre-authorization (a temporary hold) on the card. You normally don’t need your PIN code for this.
What does the deposit cover?
The deposit allows the rental company to handle possible costs such as:
- Damage that falls under your deductible
- Traffic fines
- Fuel costs if you don’t return the car with a full tank
- Fees for returning the car late
This step does not take money from your account. It only reduces your available credit. After you return the car, the company converts part of the hold into the actual payment. This is how Renting a car with your credit card ensures security for both you and the rental company.
How much is the deposit?
Rental companies usually set a fixed amount of several hundred euros or use a deposit worth two or three times the rental price.
Example:
If the rental costs €250 and the deposit is €650, the company blocks €900 on your card.
Important: Prepaid Cards
Most rental companies do not accept prepaid credit cards because they cannot place a hold on them. If you try Renting a car with your credit card using a prepaid card, the company will often refuse the booking.
3. Inspect the Car Before You Drive Away
Before you leave, check the car carefully for:
- Scratches
- Dents
- Cracked windows
- Interior damage
If you notice anything, ask the rental agent to write it on the condition report. This step is essential when Renting a car with your credit card, as it helps you avoid unexpected charges later.
Also check:
- The condition of the tires
- The fuel level
- Whether the tools (jack, spare wheel, etc.) are present
- Whether lights, air conditioning, windows, and wipers work properly
If everything looks good, you can start your trip.
4. Return the Car and Settle the Final Amount
When you return the vehicle, the rental company inspects it and calculates the final cost. It then charges the actual rental price from the pre-authorized amount and releases the rest of your credit limit. This final step completes the process of Renting a car with your credit card.
Example:
- Rental price: €250
- Deposit: €650
- Total hold: €900
If you return the car without damage and with a full tank, the company only charges €250. Your bank releases the remaining amount on your credit limit.
