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<\/a><\/p>\nHiring a car with a credit card<\/h2>\n
It\u2019s a standard request by all car hire providers that we work with that the main driver must present a credit card on collection of the vehicle. Holding a credit card is a quick form of proving that you\u2019re a not a credit risk. Although all bookings with Zest include full Collision Damage and Theft Waiver (CDW) insurance with either no insurance excess or Excess Reimbursement Insurance (ERI), the provider needs some security. This can be a security deposit held on your credit card or allowing the provider to record the details, should they need to make extra charges. Primarily, they require security to ensure that you return the vehicle. It also covers extra charges that the provider may face because of loaning you the vehicle, such as driving infringements and damages.<\/p>\n
Do I still need a credit card with a zero-deposit booking?<\/h2>\n
To put it simply – yes. Even without a deposit, for the reasons listed previously, providers will still request to see (and take the details of) a credit card in the name of the main driver. Providers will hold your card details, and will only charge your card in the event that you incur any fees or fines.<\/p>\n
If you fail to produce a credit card on collection at request of the provider, there is a chance you may be refused the vehicle.<\/p>\n
I\u2019ve taken out additional insurance, why do I still need a credit card?<\/h2>\n
Our recommended top-up insurance covers damage to the vehicle that CDW excludes. A third party arranges this insurance. This allows us to offer the cover to you at a lower cost than the product offered locally by providers. You may even have an annual policy which covers you. Therefore, the provider will be unaware of what insurance product you have in place and the extent of the cover. They still need the protection of knowing they can be reimbursed for any charges you incur.<\/p>\n
If the provider hasn\u2019t agreed to release the vehicle to you with a debit card and this is the only form of payment you have on collection, there is no guarantee that they will allow you to take the vehicle. They may accept your debit card but insist you take their local insurance, which is often at a high cost, despite whatever other insurance you have in place. Alternatively, they will refuse to release the vehicle to you. In this instance, they will regard you as a \u2018no show\u2019 and charge you for the full rental period.<\/p>\n Should you find yourself on the way to collect your hire car and you discover you don\u2019t have your credit card with you, contact us as soon as possible so we can liaise with the provider to try to resolve the issue. We can be called on 0333 336 1554 from within the UK or +44 1362 852288 from outside the UK. You can also send us a message online here<\/a>.<\/p>\n There are certain providers that may allow you to hire a car with a debit card. This is not guaranteed, however. Very few exceptions are made and they will assess your request on a case by case basis.<\/p>\n Providers will always prefer a credit card because the guarantee of their costs being covered are higher. With a debit card, you\u2019re only financially covered with the actual money you have available. A credit card extends this.<\/p>\n A credit card allows a pre-authorisation block to be placed as a security deposit. This allows the amount to be held on your credit card rather than the money leaving your account. This service isn\u2019t available with a debit card and so the money must be paid to the provider and then refunded. There are transaction fees involved with a debit card, and you may lose money should the currency exchange rate not go in your favour.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\nWhat happens if I don\u2019t have a credit card?<\/h2>\n
Why can\u2019t I hire a car with a debit card?<\/h2>\n