Hiring a car without a credit card – is it possible?
Yes, you can hire a car without a credit card – many local car hire companies, including Slawa Rent in Wadowice, do not require one to hire a car. However, you will always need to pay a refundable deposit. At Slawa Rent, the deposit starts at 1,000 zł, and we confirm the available payment methods at the time of booking.
Why do car hire companies require a credit card?
It’s all about the deposit. The car hire company can place a hold on a deposit amount on your credit card (known as a pre-authorisation) without actually debiting the money from your account, and then release the hold once the car is returned. A credit card also makes it easier to settle any costs that arise after the car is returned, such as missing fuel or minor damage. That is why large chains, particularly at airports and abroad, will often not hand over a car without a credit card in the driver’s name.
Credit cards versus debit cards when hiring a car
| Credit card | Debit card | |
|---|---|---|
| Where does the money for the deposit come from? | from the bank’s credit limit | from your account |
| What happens to the deposit? | blocked at the limit, without funds being debited | funds blocked or debited from the account for the duration of the tenancy |
| Acceptance at car hire companies | almost everywhere | It depends on the company; sometimes it’s only for some cars |
| Abroad | often required | often not accepted as security |
If you’re hiring a car abroad, for example in Italy, Spain or the USA, check the terms and conditions of the specific hire company to see whether they accept a deposit via a debit card. At airports, it is common to be required to present a credit card in the driver’s name.
How to hire a car without a credit card
- Choose a car hire company that does not require a credit card, and ask before booking what payment methods and deposits it accepts for the car you have chosen.
- Ask about the amount of the deposit and when it will be refunded – without a credit card, the deposit is often higher, and the refund may depend on how long it takes for the bank to process the transaction.
- Make sure you have enough money in your account to cover the rent and the deposit. If you’re using a debit card, also check the daily transaction limit in your bank’s app.
- Read the contract: what the insurance covers, how much the excess is, the mileage allowance and the fuel policy.
Renting without a deposit – is it possible?
A deposit, or deposit, protects the car hire company in the event of damage, running out of fuel or a late return. At Slawa Rent, a deposit is taken for every hire and is refundable. If you come across an offer where no deposit is required, check carefully how much your excess would be in the event of damage and whether there are any additional charges included in the price.
Car hire without a credit card at Slawa Rent
At Slawa Rent, we don’t require a credit card. Here’s how the hire process works:
- Choose a car in offer and submit the form on the car’s webpage or call: 787 001 003. We confirm the payment methods at the time of booking.
- You pay a deposit: always refundable, starting from 1,000 zł. The amount depends on the car and the length of the hire period.
- When you collect the item, you must show your identity card, driving licence and proof of payment of the deposit.
- You pay the rent on the day the contract is signed. Prices are inclusive of VAT; companies are issued with a VAT invoice.
- You can collect the car from the office in Wadowice (1 Błonie Street) or arrange for it to be delivered to an address of your choice, e.g. in Kraków or at Balice Airport – subject to agreement; a charge applies outside office hours.
| Car | 1 day | 4–7 days | 15+ days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiat Punto | 170 zł | 100 zł | 80 zł |
| Skoda Octavia 2016 | 180 zł | 120 zł | 110 zł |
| Peugeot 3008 | 270 zł | 200 zł | 180 zł |
| 2021 Toyota Proace (9-seater) | 290 zł | 220 zł | 200 zł |
| Peugeot Boxer (van) | 350 zł | 270 zł | 240 zł |
Prices per night. Full price list: Slawa Rent price list.
Insurance and excess
Every car at Slawa Rent is covered by third-party liability and comprehensive insurance. In the event of damage, the hirer is liable for an excess: 3,000 zł for partial damage and 6,000 zł for total loss. We hand over the car with a full tank and it must be returned in the same condition – if the fuel level is different, we will charge for the cost of the fuel plus a fee of 100 zł. The mileage allowance is set out in the contract. All details are available on the website terms and conditions of hire.
Are you flying into Kraków? Take a look Car hire at Kraków-Balice Airport without a credit card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to hire a car without a credit card?
Yes. Many local car hire companies, including Slawa Rent, will hire out a car without a credit card. However, you always have to pay a refundable deposit.
Can I pay for the hire with a debit card?
It depends on the car hire company. At Slawa Rent, we confirm payment methods at the time of booking – please enquire by calling 787 001 003.
Is it possible to hire a car without a deposit?
Not at Slawa Rent. A deposit is always charged; it starts at 1,000 zł and is refundable.
Is hiring a car without a credit card more expensive?
At Slawa Rent, the daily rate does not depend on whether you have a credit card. At other car hire companies, the deposit is often higher if you do not have a credit card.
Can I hire a car without an excess?
At Slawa Rent, the excess is 3,000 zł for partial damage and 6,000 zł for total loss.
Would you like to hire a car without a credit card in Wadowice, or with a car delivery service? Take a look Slawa Rent car hire company.
