Many people prefer to rent a car with a debit card instead of using a credit card. However, it can be difficult to find a place that will take debit cards. So, I did some research and found all of the rental car companies that accept debit cards in Las Vegas.
As a general rule, most major car rental companies in Las Vegas will accept debit cards as payment. However, the qualifications for renting a car with a debit card are much higher than the requirements for using a credit card. Renters can expect a credit check along with a higher security deposit.
| Rental Company | Accepts Debit Cards | Credit Check | Security Deposit (Debit Cards) | Rates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alamo | yes | no | $200-$400 | $$ |
| Avis | yes | yes | $200-$300 | $$ |
| Budget | yes | yes | $200-$300 | $ |
| Dollar | yes | no | $500 | $$ |
| Enterprise | yes | no | $200-$400 | $$ |
| National | yes | no | $200-$400 | $$$ |
| Payless | yes | yes | $300 | $$ |
| Thrifty | yes | yes | $500 | $$ |
| Ace | yes | no | $300 | $ |
| Sixt | yes | yes | $200+ | $$ |
| Rentheim | yes | no | $250 | $ |
| AAA Rentals | yes | no | $200-$300 | $ |
| Global Autos | yes | no | $300 | $$ |
Most car rental companies in Las Vegas will accept debits cards, but some companies are better than others. In this post, I’ll let you know exactly which companies accept debits cards and what their rental requirements are. I’ll also cover which companies have more lenient rental policies (like no credit checks) and which ones offer the best prices.
What Companies Rent Out Car in Las Vegas with a Debit Card
There are over a dozen rental car companies in Las Vegas that accept debit cards. Most of the major brands will take debit cards, but not all of them. Here are the ones that do:
- Alamo
- Avis
- Budget
- Dollar
- Enterprise
- National
- Payless
- Thrifty
- Ace
- Sixt
- Retheim
- AAA Car Rentals
- Global Autos
All of the companies listed above accept debit cards as an initial payment. Hertz, Advantage and Fox currently do not although, they will accept debit cards for the final payment upon return of the vehicle. NU Car Rentals is the only company in Las Vegas that doesn’t accept debit cards at all.
Debit Card Qualifications for Rental Cars in Las Vegas
Each company has a different set of qualifications that you must meet in order to rent with a debit card. These qualifications are usually stricter than the qualifications for credit card customers. Here are a few of the requirements you may have to meet.
Higher security deposit: Across the board you will pay a higher security deposit when using a debit card. It’s usually about $100-$300 more. You’ll get your money back at the end, but they will put a hold on your card until the vehicle is returned. You won’t have access to these funds to the end of your rental.
Credit check: This is a big obstacle for many people looking to rent a car. Most companies will require credit checks for any customer not using a credit card. I’ll cover which companies don’t do credit checks in the next section.
Second form of identification: Many companies will require a second form of identification in addition to a valid driver’s license. A passport or second debit card with your name on it should do the job.
Return travel itinerary: Many airport locations will require you show ticketed return travel itinerary if you don’t live in the area. An example of this would be a plane ticket. This requirement is a little weird, but it seems they want to make sure you’ll bring the car back in a reasonable amount of time.
Utility bill: Similar to the return travel itinerary, local renters using a debit card may be required to provide a utility bill that matches the address on their driver’s license. Other documents that prove residency are also ok.
Limits on vehicle class: Some companies may also limit what vehicle classes are available for you to rent. Higher value vehicles, like luxury cars and larger trucks, may be unavailable when using a debit card.
Not all companies have these additional requirements for customers paying with a debit card, but many do. Car rental companies impose these qualifications to ensure that you’re able to pay for the car if something goes wrong.
Where to Rent a Car Without a Credit Check
When you rent a car with a credit card, most companies don’t require a credit check. However, many companies do require one if you’re using a debit card.
If you’re looking to avoid having someone look up your credit score, there are a few places in Las Vegas that don’t do a credit check for debit card customers. They include:
- Alamo
- Dollar
- Enterprise
- National
- Ace
- Rentheim
- AAA Car Rentals
- Global Autos
Because they aren’t dong a credit check, the security deposit is usually slightly higher for these companies. But it’s not a big deal since you get the money back.
Best Places to Rent a Cars in Las Vegas with a Debit Card
These are the 5 best places to rent a car with a debit card. I rated them on prices, customer service and overall experience. All of these companies make it easy to book online.
You’ll want to make a reservation for your rental car ahead of time. Las Vegas is extremely busy year-round, and there are only so many cars to go around. Booking ahead guarantees you’ll get the vehicle you want.
Alamo Rent a Car
The prices at Alamo are pretty competitive with other car rental companies in Las Vegas. Their rates are right in the middle, they’re not the cheapest but they’re not the most expensive. It’s Alamo’s customer service that makes them stand out.
Alamo has the best customer service customer service of any rental car company in Las Vegas. If you want a headache-free vacation, this is more important than price, especially when dealing with rental cars.
- Location: McCarran Rent-A-Car Center
- Rating: 4/5 Stars
- Credit Check: No
- Price: $$
Things to know: If you’re using a debit card, you must show proof of a returning flight ticket when you pick up your vehicle. If not, a credit card is required. The security deposit is going to be between $200-$400 when using a debit card.
Budget Rent a Car
Budget usually has the best prices in Las Vegas however, their customer service can be subpar at times. They have been known to have dilemmas with check-in causing long wait times.
These long lines have bought about some negative reviews online, but if you can get over that, you’ll get a really good deal at Budget.
- Location: McCarran Rent-A-Car Center, on the Strip, off the Strip
- Price: $
- Rating: 1.5/5 Stars
- Credit Check: Yes
Things to know: If you use a debit card at budget, they will run a credit check. Also be prepared for a $200-$300 hold on your card for the security deposit.
If you’re renting from the airport location, make sure you show them your return flight info. You won’t be able to check-in without it. And if you’re local, you’ll need to bring 2 forms of ID.
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Enterprise is another solid rental car company with offices at McCarran Airport. They also have offices directly on the Strip and off the Strip. Enterprise has very fair prices and pretty good customer service.
- Location: McCarran Rent-A-Car Center, on the Strip, off the Strip
- Price: $$
- Rating: 3.5/5 Stars
- Credit Check: No
Things to know: If you’re renting at the airport location with a debit card, you must show proof of a returning flight when you pick up your vehicle. If not, a credit card is required. The security deposit is going to be between $200-$400 depending on the office location.
Ace Rent A Car
Ace has some of the best rental prices in Las Vegas, however it’s not located at the airport. You have to take a shuttle to the McCarran Rent-A-Car Center then take a second Ace shuttle to the actual office. In total, it takes about 30 minutes to get to Ace.
Ace has excellent prices, but sometimes lacks customer service. You’ll see mixed reviews of Ace online, with some people having a great experience while others are really but off. My recommendation is to only book with them if you see a really good deal.
- Location: 5 miles south of McCarran Airport
- Price: $
- Rating: 2/5 Stars
- Credit Check: No
Things to know: When you pick up your vehicle, make sure you provide proof of a return plane ticket. Expect security deposits to be $300 for economy, compact and mid-size cars. Security deposits on larger cars can be as high as $500.
Rentheim
Rentheim is a local car rental company located about a block from the airport. The have really good prices and don’t require a credit check.
Rentheim doesn’t have as many online reviews as the previous companies mentioned, but they’re one of the best rental companies I have tried in Las Vegas.
- Location: 1 block from McCarran Airport
- Price: $
- Rating: 5/5 Stars
- Credit Check: No
Things to know: Security deposits are $250. They require minimal paperwork.
Overall Best Car Rental Company for Debit Cards
The best place to rent a car with a debit card in Las Vegas is Alamo Rent A Car. They have the best combination of low rates and great customer service. Plus, Alamo is conveniently located at the airport and doesn’t require credit checks.
Budget Rent a Car is also a solid option if you’re on a tight budget. Just know that you may have to wait a while for your vehicle once you get to the office.
If you plan on renting from McCarran Airport in Las Vegas, check out the article I wrote comparing all of the rental car offices there. Choosing the wrong company can be costly in both time and money.
There are also rental car companies that accept cash in Las Vegas. If you’re looking to pay for rental car in cash instead of a debit card, check out the article I wrote here about where to rent a car with cash in Las Vegas.
