Yes, you can rent a car with a secured credit card, but rental companies treat them differently than standard cards
Most major car rental companies will accept a secured credit card as payment, but they often require additional verification or a larger deposit. The rental agent will run your card through their system the same way they would a regular card, but because a secured card signals to them that you are rebuilding credit, some companies may ask for a second form of payment, a higher damage deposit, or proof that the card is in good standing.
The real friction point is not whether they will take the card — they will — but whether they will hold a larger hold on your account. A standard rental might place a $200 to $500 hold on your card for potential damage. With a secured card, that hold can jump to $500 to $1,500 or more, depending on the company and the vehicle class. This matters because the hold reduces your available credit for the duration of the rental, sometimes for days after you return the car.
Your best move is to call the rental company before you book and tell them upfront that you will be paying with a secured card. Ask specifically what their hold policy is for secured cards and whether they need additional documentation. Some companies have no special policy at all; others require a second credit card or a cash deposit as backup.
Key Takeaways
- Major car rental companies accept secured credit cards, but many place a larger deposit hold on the card than they would on a standard card.
- The hold can range from $500 to $1,500 or more and may reduce your available credit for several days after you return the vehicle.
- Calling ahead to ask about the rental company's secured card policy can save you from surprises at the counter.
- Some rental companies ask for a second payment method or proof that your secured card is in good standing before they complete the reservation.
- Returning the car on time, in the condition you rented it, is the fastest way to get the hold released.
Which rental companies have the clearest secured card policies
Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, and Avis all rent to customers with secured cards, but their policies vary. Enterprise tends to be the most flexible with non-standard payment methods and often does not require a second form of payment if your secured card has sufficient available credit. Hertz and Budget typically ask for a second credit card or a debit card as backup. Avis requires the primary renter to be at least 25 years old and may ask for additional ID if you are paying with a secured card.
Luxury and specialty rental companies (Sixt, Turo, or airport-based premium counters) are more likely to decline a secured card or require a substantial cash deposit. If you are renting from a smaller or regional company, their policies are often not published online — calling directly is your only reliable way to find out what they need.
The rental company's website usually does not spell out secured card policies in detail. When you call, ask: "What is your deposit hold amount for a secured credit card?" and "Do you require a second form of payment?" Write down the agent's name and the date of the call so you have a record if there is a discrepancy at pickup.
How the deposit hold works and when it is released
When you hand over your secured card at the rental counter, the agent will place an authorization hold on your account. This is not a charge — it is a temporary freeze on that amount of your available credit. If your secured card has a $2,000 limit and the rental company places a $1,000 hold, you will have only $1,000 available to use elsewhere until the hold is released.
The hold is released when the rental company confirms that you returned the car undamaged and on time. In most cases, this happens within 24 to 48 hours of return, though some companies take up to five business days. During that window, the hold is still active on your account, even though you have already paid and left the lot.
If there is damage to the car, the rental company will charge the actual damage amount to your card and release the remainder of the hold. If you return the car late, they may charge a late fee before releasing the hold. Check your rental agreement for the exact damage and late-return policy so there are no surprises.
What to do if a rental company declines your secured card
If the rental counter agent says they cannot accept your secured card, ask to speak to a manager. Some agents are not trained on secured card policies and may refuse out of habit rather than company policy. A manager can often override the initial decision or offer an alternative — usually a second credit card, a debit card, or a cash deposit.
If the company still declines, you have a few options. You can ask a family member or friend to be the primary renter and use their standard credit card for the hold, though you will still be responsible for any damage charges. You can also look for a rental company with a more flexible policy — Enterprise and some regional companies are generally more accommodating. If you are renting at an airport, try the off-airport locations, which sometimes have different policies than the main terminal counters.
Another option is to use a debit card instead if the rental company accepts it. Debit cards carry the same hold risk as secured cards, but some companies treat them differently. Ask before you book.
How to prepare your secured card for a rental
Before you call to book, make sure your secured card account is in good standing. This means your balance is current, you have not missed any payments, and your available credit is higher than the likely hold amount. If your card has a $1,500 limit and your balance is $1,200, you have only $300 available — most rental companies will not place a hold on an account with less than $500 available.
Contact your card issuer and ask what your current available credit is. If it is too low, pay down the balance before you book the rental. This takes a few days to post, so plan ahead.
When you call the rental company, have your card number, expiration date, and cardholder name ready. Be honest about the fact that it is a secured card — do not try to hide it, because the rental agent will see it in their system anyway, and transparency makes the conversation easier. Ask about their policy and whether they need any additional documentation or a second payment method.
Alternatives if you cannot use your secured card
If a rental company will not accept your secured card and you do not have a backup credit card, consider a peer-to-peer car rental service like Turo. Turo allows you to rent cars from private owners and often has more flexible payment policies than traditional rental companies. You will still need to provide a valid payment method, but the requirements are sometimes less strict than at a major rental counter.
Another option is to use a debit card if the rental company accepts it. Debit cards carry similar hold risks, but some companies are more willing to work with them than with secured cards. Ask before you book.
If you are renting for a short trip and the hold is a concern, consider whether you actually need a rental car. Public transportation, rideshare services, or asking a friend for a ride might be simpler and cheaper, especially if your available credit is tight.
How renting a car with a secured card affects your credit
Renting a car with a secured card does not directly affect your credit score. The rental company does not report the transaction to the credit bureaus, and the deposit hold does not count as a charge or a hard inquiry. However, the hold does reduce your available credit temporarily, which can affect your credit utilization ratio if you are close to your limit.
Credit utilization — the percentage of your available credit that you are using — makes up about 30 percent of your credit score. If you have a $2,000 secured card with a $1,000 hold and a $500 balance, your utilization jumps from 25 percent to 75 percent for the duration of the hold. This can cause a small, temporary dip in your score. Once the hold is released, your utilization returns to normal and your score recovers.
The best way to minimize this effect is to book your rental when you have the highest available credit possible, and to return the car on time so the hold is released quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a rental company charge my secured card if I return the car late?
Yes. The rental company will charge a late fee to your secured card in addition to the deposit hold. The amount varies by company and is spelled out in your rental agreement. Make sure you understand the late-return policy before you pick up the car, and plan to return it on time to avoid extra charges.
Can I use a secured card to book a rental online?
Yes, most rental companies accept secured cards for online bookings. However, some may flag your reservation for manual review because of the card type. If your booking is not confirmed within a few hours, call the company to check the status. Booking by phone instead of online sometimes avoids this delay.
What happens if the rental company charges me for damage I did not cause?
Dispute the charge with your card issuer. Contact your secured card company and explain that you returned the car undamaged. The card issuer will investigate the dispute and may reverse the charge if the rental company cannot provide photographic evidence of the damage. Keep your rental agreement and any photos you took of the car at pickup and return.
Do I need to tell the rental company my card is secured before I book?
You do not have to, but calling ahead to ask about their secured card policy is the safest approach. This way you know what to expect at pickup and can make an informed decision about whether to book with that company. If you book online without calling, be prepared for the agent to ask questions or request additional payment methods at the counter.
Can I use a secured card to pay for gas at the rental car pump?
Yes. Gas pumps at rental car return locations accept secured cards the same way they accept any other credit card. You will not face any special restrictions or holds for fuel purchases.