How to Rent a Car Without Credit Card or Credit Check

car hire

A while back, renting a car could only be done with a credit card. But the times are changing and many car rental companies now allow you to rent a car with cash, a debit card or even via EFT. 

While you may not need a credit card, some companies will require you to put down a deposit before galavanting away in your sweet ride. Some car hire companies will also do a credit check to ensure you have the funds available to pay for the rental.

Renting a car with a company like Sixt allows you to do so without a credit card or credit check. Keep reading to learn more about cash car rentals in Pretoria, Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban as well as other vital information to know.

Why Car Rental Without a Credit Card Can be a Problem

If the rental company lends you a car to drive, they trust that you will bring it back in good condition. But if the vehicle is in an accident, it could end up costing the car rental business more than the deposit you paid upfront. In the same way, if the driver gets a parking ticket or speeding fine months after the car has been returned, they would lose money.

By taking clients credit cards instead of debit cards, cash or EFT, they can charge the needed amount to the credit card. But if you pay with other payment methods and you’ve already gotten your deposit back, the rental company can’t charge you or guarantee there’s enough money on your debit card to pay for the fines or damage.

It is better on your part to use a credit card to rent a car because you are protected against fraud, you can use the bank’s money for a deposit instead of yours and it’s a lot more convenient.

Running a Credit Check

If a car rental company does allow you to pay with cash, debit card or EFT, they will more than likely want to run a credit check. The company does this to make sure you currently have enough money in your bank account to pay for it.

By checking your credit, the company also finds out how likely you are to pay back your debt based on past credit transactions. If you pass the credit check, you will be able to use other means of payment instead of a credit card. But remember that the company will still want you to pay a deposit that they will return to you if you bring the car back in a suitable condition.

Some companies aren’t too worried about credit checks. There are car rental places that will even rent to you if you are blacklisted.

Car Hire Without Credit Card

There are three different ways to get around using your credit card to hire a car. First, you need to look for a company, like Sixt Car Hire, that will put your deposit on a debit card. Note that the deposit can sometimes be quite high and about three times the rental price. If you are planning on using a debit card, you need to make sure that there is enough money for that deposit.

The second way can be used if the person you are travelling with has a credit card. You can then rent the car on that person’s card and name.

The last way is to take out extra cover. A lot of businesses will offer the option to take out additional insurance cover and decrease the need for a security deposit. This works because if there is any damage to the car, the insurance company will pay instead of you. Then they should accept a debit card in the driver’s name. But rental car insurance can be pricey, but you can read more about it here.

There is No Cheap Car Hire with No Deposit

With or without a credit card, the renting company will charge a deposit. Usually, this gets reserved on your credit card. This means it will take the money from your available credit but not actually charge you. You can think of it like your money is on hold or pause. This way, you won’t be charged interest on the amount. And when you return the car (without damage, fines or tickets), the reserved limit will be released.

Unfortunately, there is no way to get around the deposit. Whether you pay with a credit or debit card, cash or EFT, you will still be required to pay a safety deposit. As mentioned before, the deposit on your rental car is there to cover any damages, fines or tickets. This is usually held for about seven days after the vehicle is returned. Then the amount is paid back into your account.

Some car rental companies will also charge you a fuel deposit. This covers one full tank of petrol. If you return the car with an empty tank, that deposit will be used to cover the petrol costs. But if you return the vehicle with a full tank, the deposit will be given back to you.

Supporting Documentation

Most car hire companies will need your two forms of identification, your passport or ID and your drivers licence. Car rental companies usually prefer clients to have their driver’s licence for two years and be over a certain age. (21-25)

Since the world has become so adaptive to technology, most cars can be booked for hire online. You will also need to show confirmation of your booking and security deposit.

Lastly, some businesses will ask travellers to show proof of their return tickets before they will allow you to rent a car with no credit card and sometimes even no deposit.

Final thoughts on Cash Cars For Hire

Do you need a car hire without a credit card in Pretoria, Cape Town, or the rest of South Africa? No problem. You can use multiple different payment methods, including; debit card, cash or electronic bank transfers. While most car rentals require you to pay a deposit, this can be charged to your debit card instead.

There are many ways to get around needing a credit card for car rental. This can be as easy as finding the right car hiring service or showing proof of a return ticket or booking on your travel companion’s credit card. 
If you’re new to credit cards, check this article on how to manage your credit.

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