Does Budget Allow Car Rental with a Debit Card?

What credit, charge and debit cards do you accept?

 Our corporate-operated locations accept the following major credit cards: 

• American Express

• Budget Charge Card

• Budget International

• Discover 

• JCB/Japan Card

• MasterCard 

• Optima 

• PHH 

• Visa

Please note that acceptance of these cards may vary at locations outside of the U.S. and at our licensee-owned locations. Contact your pickup location for details.

At some locations, debit and prepaid charge cards are not accepted at rental pickup time, but are accepted for payment at time of car return. See required credentials for information on required rental pick-up holds.

How to Rent a Car Without a Credit Card

Making a car rental with no credit card can seem complicated, but it is possible with Budget.

If you plan to use a debit card, you need to be at least 25 years old. You should also check the location’s rules first (see instructions below) because some locations don’t accept debit cards at the time of car pickup. 

When you come to pick up your car, you’ll be asked to present a debit card or credit card. At this point, Budget will place a hold on some of the funds in your account. The typical hold is equivalent to the total estimated cost of the rental, but it may be higher or lower. For example, the minimum debit hold is $100, and that hold amount usually applies to insurance replacement rentals or prepaid rentals. Be aware that a debit card hold limits the funds available in the attached account.

The hold on the account will be removed after the car is returned and all fees are paid. 

Debit Cards at Airport Locations

In addition to a credit or debit card, you might need to show a ticket or boarding pass as well as proof of a return flight to pick up at airport locations.

What Happens to My Debit Card Hold if I Extend My Rental Period?

It's perfectly fine if you change your rental period. You just need to contact a Budget reservation agent at 800-527-7000 on or before the return date. We will assess a $10 service fee for the extended rental and place up to three additional holds on your card (depending on how long you keep the car) to cover expected rental charges. When you return the car, the holds will be released and you’ll be charged the actual rental costs. 

If you choose to extend your rental, your original rental rate may no longer be available. 

Paying for Your Rental Car with a Debit Card

Renters have the option to prepay for a rental online with a debit card. Some locations may require a credit card at the time of pickup, but you can still pay for the rental with a debit card.

Does My Rental Location Allow Renting with a Debit Card?

We recommend checking the debit card policies at your pickup location in advance, just to be sure. You can do this by searching for the location's page on Budget.com, scrolling down to “Terms & Conditions,” and clicking on “Debit Card Policies.”