Can I use a debit card to pay for my car hire when I hire a vehicle in Europe?
United Kingdom:
At the start of the vehicle car hire period, the credit or debit card will be charged with the estimated cost of the car hire plus a deposit of between 200 GBP and 1000 GBP (depending on the size of vehicle). The credit or debit card must be issued in the name of the person hiring the vehicle.
Accepted credit cards: American Express, MasterCard and Visa
Accepted debit cards: SWITCH AND DELTA
Branches do not accept the following cards: Electron, Solo or international Maestro cards.
Note: Charges cannot be divided between multiple credit cards/cash/travellers' cheques.
Ireland:
At the start of the vehicle car hire period, the credit or debit card will be charged with the estimated cost of the car hire plus a deposit of ?250. The credit or debit card must be issued in the name of the person hiring the vehicle.
Accepted credit cards: American Express, MasterCard and Visa
Accepted debit cards: SWITCH AND DELTA
Branches do not accept the following cards: Electron, Solo or international Maestro cards.
Exception for Dublin airport: A conventional credit card is required to hire a vehicle. Debit cards and cash are not accepted. A deposit of approx. ?250 will be charged at the start of the vehicle car hire period in addition to the car hire costs. Although debit cards are not accepted at Dublin Airport, some branches in the area do accept debit cards along with appropriate identification. Please contact the branch directly to find out whether a debit card can be used.
Note: Charges cannot be divided between multiple credit cards/cash/travellers' cheques.
Germany:
A conventional credit card issued in the name of the person hiring the vehicle is required at the time of car hire. A security deposit (estimated fees plus deposit) is required at the time of car hire. A conventional credit card is a card associated with a fixed line of credit (not with a bank account or a pre-paid sum).
Debit cards can be used to make the final payment, but they cannot be used to leave a deposit. If you do not have a conventional credit card issued in your name, please contact the relevant local branch.
Accepted credit cards: American Express, MasterCard and Visa
Note: Charges cannot be divided between multiple credit cards/cash/travellers' cheques.
