Answered on: September 29, 2017
Client
I am looking for a car to rent in Marseille at the end of October and I would like to ask if you accept also debit cards.
Agent
You can pay during the online booking process with a debit card but the supplier will ask for a credit card to hold the security deposit on when collecting the car. The security deposit is ¨held¨ on the card and not withdrawn, for the duration of the hire and released when the car is returned without any claims or damages.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.
Client
Alright, the security deposit cannot be hold on a debit card?
Agent
Some rental car companies like GOLDCAR will accept a Debit Card but you must have enough funds 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 The Excess amount will be withdrawn from your debit card when you arrive.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.
Agent
So please conduct a search and choose Goldcar if there are available cars from them.
Client
I understand, thank you very much. It's been very useful.