Which bank card for car rental? The trap to avoid

When traveling to certain parts of the world, you need a vehicle on site to be completely free to visit. Car rental is now very convenient for getting around, especially when you're on vacation on islands, want to take a road trip, or discover major national parks (we're thinking particularly of the American West, for example). There are rental agencies in most major airports and cities, much to the delight of visitors.

However, booking a rental vehicle is not as simple as one might think. While it's enough to choose a vehicle at the desired location and dates when booking online, it's not guaranteed that you'll pick up your car without any problems when you arrive on site at the agency. And the biggest problem you might encounter – and which can cost you dearly – are the conditions these agencies impose regarding the bank card to present at the counter.

To help you navigate this, here's a little guide on the payment methods to prioritize for car rental.

So, here's the heart of the problem: debit cards are rarely accepted at foreign rental agencies. And yet this is the type of bank card we most often have in France.

A debit card, you say?

To put it simply, bank cards are divided into two types: debit cards and credit cards. The difference between the two is that debit cards are generally immediate debit, while credit cards are generally deferred debit. Basically, this means that if you pay with a debit card, the amount of your purchases will be debited from your account immediately – or a few days later depending on the bank – whereas if you pay with a credit card, the amount is usually debited at the end of the month.

The explanation here is given as simply as possible, but there are obviously nuances and other information that differentiate the two cards, which you can easily get from your bank.

The thing is that in France, the bank cards we receive – if we haven't made a special request – are debit cards by default. To check, nothing could be simpler: just look at your card, it says "debit" or "credit"!

What does this have to do with car rental?

When you rent a vehicle, you pay the rental amount (sometimes online in advance, sometimes on site), and once you arrive at the agency to pick up your car, you are systematically asked for a deposit. So far, nothing unusual.

The rental company will therefore make an imprint of your bank card to "block" the total deposit amount. This is to allow them, of course, to recover the amount in case of vehicle damage, whatever happens. But here's the thing: debit cards do have an imprint, but in case of problems, the rental company only has 7 days to claim the blocked money. After that, they can't do anything and won't recover their money.

For a credit card, this deadline extends to 45 days. Much less risk of being scammed! That's why many rental companies prefer not to accept debit cards anymore today.

What are the risks if you pay with a debit card?

First, it should be noted that the bank card given to the agency to pick up the vehicle must be the same as the one used for the reservation, and in the driver's name. If you booked in advance with a debit card, and thought about requesting a credit card before your departure to make the security deposit, it's impossible, as they won't be the same cards. You must then cancel your reservation, get a credit card, and make a new reservation with that card.

You paid with a debit card:

• Either you'll have no problem when arriving on site, because you ended up (or chose) an agency that accepts them. It's hard to find, but there are still some!
• Or the agency will accept your debit card, but will force you to pay for full insurance (or coverage) which is often very expensive. This is a possibility if you only have a debit card and aren't particular about the price of your rental.
• Or the agency will categorically refuse your bank card: in this case, they won't give you the vehicle keys, will cancel your reservation and won't be required to refund you. Be careful, this happens more often than you think!! You won't be able to do anything then, except find another agency that will agree to take your bank card (maybe by making you pay for insurance). So much for savings... It's better to avoid this situation, isn't it?

What to do, then, to avoid paying more?

• Find an agency that accepts debit cards or doesn't require a deposit: for this, you have no choice, you must read the rental conditions. Some major agencies are starting to accept them, but not everywhere, it all depends on your destination. As you've understood, each agency makes its own rules, you really need to research case by case!
• Request a credit card from your bank. It's free and often very simple: a quick call to your bank to let them know you're traveling and would like to receive a credit card! They'll usually offer you the same package you currently have, but with a credit card instead. If all goes well, in 2-3 weeks, you're all set!