Debit cards are a common form of payment, but not all businesses accept them.
This can be frustrating for customers who don’t carry cash or credit cards.
You may have heard that car rental without a credit card is impossible. Not at Budget. You can rent a car without a credit card at most Budget locations.
So, does Budget Car accept debit cards?
The short answer is yes, Budget Car does accept debit cards.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind when using a debit card at Budget Car.
Read this article till the end for great information before you go for that ride. Hold on tight!
Does Budget Car Accept Debit Cards?
Yes, Budget Car Rental does accept debit cards as a form of payment in most of its locations.
When using a debit card, there is a hold placed on your account for the estimated amount of the rental plus an additional amount to cover any incidentals that may occur.
The hold is released when you return the car and there are no additional charges in most cases.
However,keep in mind that you can rent a car with a debit card if you are at least 25 years old.
You should also be aware that some locations don’t accept debit cards at the time of reservation but do accept them at the time of payment.
So it’s best to call ahead to confirm that your chosen location accepts this form of payment.
Read Also: Does Avis Accept Debit Cards?-(Avis Debit Card Policy in 2023)
Which Debit Cards are accepted by Avis?
Budget offers a variety of payment options. They accept major credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard,American Express and Discover.
Debit cards are accepted by Budget if they have the Visa or Mastercard,Discover and American Express logo as credit identification at the time of rental.
The card must also have a 16-digit number and expiration date as usual. A PIN is not required for debit card transactions.
To use a debit card at Budget, simply present your card at the time of rental and sign the contract. You may be asked to provide additional identification such as your driver’s license or passport.
Read Also: Does Turo Accept Debit Cards?-(The Advanced Guide in 2023)
Budget Car Debit Card Policy
Budget rental car company offers a great way to pay for your rental car using your debit card. The budget debit card policy is simple and easy to understand.
Age
In order to use a debit card, you need to be 25 years old or older just like Avis.
But first, you should check your location rules to ensure that they accept debit cards at the time of car pickup.
Budget Hold on Account Funds
After presenting your debit card, Budget will seek a Debit Card authorization hold in excess of the estimated rental charges.
These funds will not be available for use.
The hold could be higher or lower than the estimated cost or the rental.
A point to note is that budget has a right to request additional authorization “based on certain factors as we deem appropriate.”
The terms and conditions for several Budget locations, prepaid reservations require a debit card hold of $250.
If you could be using a credit card, several budget locations hold an amount equal to the estimated rental charges or $200-whichever is more.
At the end of the rental, the funds that were on hold will be released, which may take some time to reflect in your bank account.
Budget can obtain additional authorizations from your account to cover the rental charges e.g Cleaning fees, fees for the extended period etc.
Debit Cards at Airport Locations
When booking a car at the airport, you might be required to show a ticket or boarding pass and proof of return flight in addition to your debit card.
Payment After Car Return
Some locations may require a credit card at the time of pick up but at the end of the rental, renters can make payment using a debit card.
You also have an option to prepay for a rental online with a debit card.
At some locations, debit and prepaid charge cards are not accepted during rental pickup but are accepted for payment at the time of car return. See required credentials for information on required rental pick-up holds.
What Happens to My Debit Card if I Extend My Rental Period?
If you extend your rental period, Budget has no problem with it, your debit card will be charged for the additional days.
You just need to contact a Budget reservation agent at 800-527-7000 on or before the return date.
However, keep in mind that your original rental rate may no longer be available if you choose to extend.
Budget will apply a $10 service fee for the extended rental.
On returning your car, the funds on hold will be released and the rental cost will be deducted.
What’s the Issue with Debit Cards?
When customers rent a car with a debit card, the rental company assumes added risk. The customer could return the car with small dings that the insurance policy won’t cover. Other risks include toll fees and parking fees.
Debit cards require the cardholder to be there to enter the PIN number to make the charges but a credit card can be billed without the holder being present.
This is why most rental companies require a credit card for reservations because they know they will not bear any risks. With a debit card, they can’t do this.
Other Car Rental Companies that Accept Debit Cards
The rental companies below will accept a debit card at most locations once the debit card is in the main driver’s name.
- Avis
- Dollar
- Enterprise
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Thrifty
- Goldcar
Conclusion-(Summary of Does Budget Accept Debit Cards? (Avis Debit Card Policy))
In conclusion, it is clear that budget does accept debit cards as a form of payment.
This is beneficial for customers who may not have access to credit cards or who prefer to use debit cards.
It is also important to note that budget offers a variety of payment options, so customers can choose the option that best suits their needs.
