Answered on: September 12, 2018
Client
I am looking at renting a car from Alicante airport, always worry about hidden costs etc. I do not use credit cards and prefer to pay using a debit card. Would this be a problem?
Agent
Yes you need a credit card ideally. There are no hidden charges
Agent
If you use a debit card you narrow down available suppliers you can use and they charge you for the privilege
Agent
Most Rental Car companies require a Credit Card on arrival. The security deposit is ¨held¨ on the card and not withdrawn, for the duration of the hire and released when the car is returned without any claims or damages. Credit Cards provide a higher level of security for the rental car supplier, as opposed to a Debit Card. Some rental car companies like GOLDCAR will accept a Debit Card but you must have enough ¨credit¨ on the Debit Card to cover the Excess insurance amount. This Excess amount can vary wildly between 300-3000€ in certain countries. The Excess amount will be withdrawn from your debit card when you arrive. GOLDCAR will accept Debit Cards on this basis in :- Cyprus, Croatia, Spain, Portugal, France, Greece (except Rhodes), Malta, Netherlands, Romania & Mexico. In Italy: Olbia & Cagliari. SPAIN Some of the car rental providers in Spain who accept debit cards to hold the security deposit are: AUTOCLICK CENTAURO DRIVALIA GOLDCAR OK Rent a Car PULSAR Car RECORDGO RHODIUM VICTORIA Cars
Client
When you say charge me for the privilege, what does that actually mean, cost wise?
Agent
Choose one of the suppliers named in the info I have just sent.. then click on IMPORTANT INFORMATION link next to the car photo, here it will say. It is cheaper to use a credit card if you have one.
Agent
thanks