Rent a car with no deposit or credit card is possible—primarily through peer-to-peer platforms like Turo and Getaround, where individual car owners set their own terms and many charge zero deposit. Among traditional rental companies, true zero-deposit options are rare, but some—like Fox Rent A Car and Payless—have significantly lower deposit requirements than the major chains, often allowing you to use a debit card if you provide proof of a return flight.
The most practical path: skip the major rental chains altogether and go straight to Turo. Most Turo hosts accept debit cards, and depending on the host and your trip protection level, you can often rent with no deposit whatsoever. It also tends to be cheaper than Hertz or Avis.
Companies with Low or No Deposit Options
| Option | Deposit Required | Credit Card Needed? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turo (peer-to-peer) | $0 with some hosts / varies | No – debit accepted | Most flexible overall |
| Getaround | Usually $0 | No | Hourly/short-term urban rentals |
| HyreCar | $0-$150 | No – debit OK | Rideshare-ready vehicles |
| Payless Car Rental | $200 (debit) | No (debit accepted) | Budget-conscious travelers |
| Fox Rent A Car | $200 | No (debit accepted) | Airport rentals on a budget |
| Enterprise (select) | $200-$400 | No (debit accepted) | Widest US location network |
Why Rental Companies Charge Deposits
A rental deposit is held as security against potential damages, traffic tickets, tolls, or early/late returns. With a credit card, companies can charge these post-return. With a debit card, they need the funds available upfront – hence the larger hold.
The hold is released when you return the car in good condition – but it can take 5-10 business days to clear on a debit card, which can be inconvenient if the funds are needed.
How to Reduce or Waive a Deposit
- Book through Turo and filter hosts by ‘no deposit’ or ‘debit friendly’ in the search options.
- Decline the rental company’s insurance and provide proof of your own coverage – this sometimes reduces the deposit requirement.
- Book in advance online – walk-in bookings often have stricter requirements than pre-bookings.
- Join loyalty programs (Enterprise Plus, etc.) – higher-tier members sometimes get deposit waivers.
- Travel during off-peak times – some locations are more flexible when demand is lower.
Peer-to-Peer Rentals: Turo vs Getaround
| Factor | Turo | Getaround |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle variety | Very wide (economy to luxury) | Mostly standard/economy |
| Rental period | Days to weeks | Hourly to multi-day |
| Deposit | Varies by host – often $0 | Usually $0 |
| Debit cards | Accepted by most hosts | Accepted |
| Pickup | Meet host or keyless | Keyless (app-based) |
| Best for |
Membership Programs That Skip Deposits
- Enterprise Plus – Long-term members at higher tiers may be offered deposit waivers.
- Hertz Gold Plus Rewards – Reduces friction but rarely eliminates deposit for debit users.
- AAA membership – Can sometimes negotiate better terms at participating locations.
What to Watch Out For
- ‘No deposit’ advertised – confirm this in writing before arriving; some locations bait-and-switch.
- Debit holds that last 7-10 days post-return – plan accordingly if you need those funds.
- Turo host cancellations – have a backup option in case your booked car falls through.
- Coverage gaps – peer-to-peer platforms have their own insurance; understand what’s covered before you drive.
Renting with no deposit or credit card is genuinely possible today – especially with Turo leading the way. The experience has gotten significantly easier over the past few years, and for most casual renters, peer-to-peer rentals now offer a better deal than traditional chains anyway.
