Renting a car without a credit card.

[claffey]

Hi all

Where can I rent a car in Bangkok without using a credit card or a ridiculous deposit. I've rented cars in kanchanaburi and Hua hin for 1200 baht a day and no deposit! Is that possible here in Bangkok. I dont mind paying a deposit of 3-5000 baht if needed. All of the car rental companies such as Hertz, Avis, Chic etc need a credit card...Thanks...

[Ireland32]

Pattaya got a Honda Jazz for 1000b a day no credit card, u have to go to smaller renters, No big boys

[Tomtomtom69]

Highway car rental. Corner of Sathorn and Rama IV roads. Not only is no credit card needed but paying by cash is preferred because payment by credit card attracts a 2-3% surcharge. They require a deposit of 2000-5000 Baht paid in cash. If you pay the deposit by credit card, they won't put a "hold" on it, but charge it as a transaction (along with the surcharge) then give it back to you in cash. Quite a crafty move. Anyway, you don't have a credit card hence that is not relevant to you.

There are other similar places on Sukhumvit but don't recall exactly where they are located; Highway car rental is therefore your best bet.

[seajae]

there are some shifty buggers out there, I had one company take the original deposit to book the car from my debit card(I refuse to use credit) then when I arrived at the airport and went to pick up the car they refused because it wasnt a credit card and they also refused to return the deposit, the fact they had accepted a debit card for the original deposit didnt come into it. In Australia I never had a problem with a debit card as long as there was enough in the account to cover the requirements that could be held by them, certainly makes it hard for some

[CHRISTIANa9]

there are some shifty buggers out there, I had one company take the original deposit to book the car from my debit card(I refuse to use credit) then when I arrived at the airport and went to pick up the car they refused because it wasnt a credit card and they also refused to return the deposit, the fact they had accepted a debit card for the original deposit didnt come into it. In Australia I never had a problem with a debit card as long as there was enough in the account to cover the requirements that could be held by them, certainly makes it hard for some

You forgo your deposit?

[natway09]

It is becoming more difficult I agree.

Try the place just down from Lumpini Police Station.I rented with cash, but 12 years ago

[seajae]

there are some shifty buggers out there, I had one company take the original deposit to book the car from my debit card(I refuse to use credit) then when I arrived at the airport and went to pick up the car they refused because it wasnt a credit card and they also refused to return the deposit, the fact they had accepted a debit card for the original deposit didnt come into it. In Australia I never had a problem with a debit card as long as there was enough in the account to cover the requirements that could be held by them, certainly makes it hard for some

You forgo your deposit?

no choice in the end, I approached their head office but they simply claimed the deposit was not refundable

[mettech]

Going to Buriram for 7 months and I am looking either to buy a car /lease or long term rental. To lease a ford they want 30% deposit I am trying to get a cheap car rental for seven months anyone know where i could find it.

Thank for your advice.

[wprime]

there are some shifty buggers out there, I had one company take the original deposit to book the car from my debit card(I refuse to use credit) then when I arrived at the airport and went to pick up the car they refused because it wasnt a credit card and they also refused to return the deposit, the fact they had accepted a debit card for the original deposit didnt come into it. In Australia I never had a problem with a debit card as long as there was enough in the account to cover the requirements that could be held by them, certainly makes it hard for some

You forgo your deposit?

no choice in the end, I approached their head office but they simply claimed the deposit was not refundable

I know the one you're talking about, if you contact the head office they'll probably refund you or you can just do a charge back.

[BudRight]

there are some shifty buggers out there, I had one company take the original deposit to book the car from my debit card(I refuse to use credit) then when I arrived at the airport and went to pick up the car they refused because it wasnt a credit card and they also refused to return the deposit, the fact they had accepted a debit card for the original deposit didnt come into it. In Australia I never had a problem with a debit card as long as there was enough in the account to cover the requirements that could be held by them, certainly makes it hard for some

You forgo your deposit?

no choice in the end, I approached their head office but they simply claimed the deposit was not refundable

Then it wasn't a deposit at all, but a charge.

Maybe you should have used a credit card after all.

[Tomtomtom69]

there are some shifty buggers out there, I had one company take the original deposit to book the car from my debit card(I refuse to use credit) then when I arrived at the airport and went to pick up the car they refused because it wasnt a credit card and they also refused to return the deposit, the fact they had accepted a debit card for the original deposit didnt come into it. In Australia I never had a problem with a debit card as long as there was enough in the account to cover the requirements that could be held by them, certainly makes it hard for some

You forgo your deposit?

no choice in the end, I approached their head office but they simply claimed the deposit was not refundable

Then it wasn't a deposit at all, but a charge.

Maybe you should have used a credit card after all.

True. However, how would a company know the difference between a debit and a credit card? As long as you're using a debit card with a VISA or MasterCard logo and raised lettering, it operates exactly the same way as a credit card except you are using your own money. Using such a card, you are covered by VISA and MasterCard guarantees and it's possible to put a hold on funds, rather than just charging the card.

If it was a Thai style debit card like VISA electron, then that's different. Western banks tend to issue the former, Thai banks the latter.

I am surprised saejae had a problem because Australian banks issue the raised lettering type cards. I have never had any problems using such cards for renting cars, though these days I have almost exclusively shifted towards credit card usage. When there is a possibility of paying in cash or by debit card, I use that option, but the deposit generally goes on the credit card (though I never had a problem putting it on a debit card either). Especially in Thailand, where the deposits are quite high (most international style car rental agencies hold 20,000-40,000 Baht as a deposit in addition to the rental charges, which are charged at the time of picking up the car). The "hold" amount will depend upon the vehicle type and the length of rental.

Whereas the same company in Australia or the USA (such as AVIS or Hertz) will only hold the estimated charges plus a little more. For example, if you rent a vehicle for 3 days where the estimated charges are A$120 ($40 a day) then the hold placed on your card may be just $200. This amount is automatically charged after you return the vehicle - OR you can elect to make payment by another means when you return the vehicle and have the hold removed.

By contrast, in Thailand you will be charged the Baht equivalent of this $120 (say 3000 Baht) PLUS a hold of at least 20,000 Baht (A$800) at the time of pickup (though some companies are now holding only 8000-10000 Baht). So you need a lot more money in your account to rent a car in Thailand than in a western country.

Next time, reserve a car on AVISThailand.com but always select the "pay at the counter" option and you won't have any problems with money being taken from your card in advance.

[Deepinthailand]

there are some shifty buggers out there, I had one company take the original deposit to book the car from my debit card(I refuse to use credit) then when I arrived at the airport and went to pick up the car they refused because it wasnt a credit card and they also refused to return the deposit, the fact they had accepted a debit card for the original deposit didnt come into it. In Australia I never had a problem with a debit card as long as there was enough in the account to cover the requirements that could be held by them, certainly makes it hard for some

You forgo your deposit?

no choice in the end, I approached their head office but they simply claimed the deposit was not refundable

Then it wasn't a deposit at all, but a charge.

Maybe you should have used a credit card after all.

True. However, how would a company know the difference between a debit and a credit card? As long as you're using a debit card with a VISA or MasterCard logo and raised lettering, it operates exactly the same way as a credit card except you are using your own money. Using such a card, you are covered by VISA and MasterCard guarantees and it's possible to put a hold on funds, rather than just charging the card.

If it was a Thai style debit card like VISA electron, then that's different. Western banks tend to issue the former, Thai banks the latter.

I am surprised saejae had a problem because Australian banks issue the raised lettering type cards. I have never had any problems using such cards for renting cars, though these days I have almost exclusively shifted towards credit card usage. When there is a possibility of paying in cash or by debit card, I use that option, but the deposit generally goes on the credit card (though I never had a problem putting it on a debit card either). Especially in Thailand, where the deposits are quite high (most international style car rental agencies hold 20,000-40,000 Baht as a deposit in addition to the rental charges, which are charged at the time of picking up the car). The "hold" amount will depend upon the vehicle type and the length of rental.

Whereas the same company in Australia or the USA (such as AVIS or Hertz) will only hold the estimated charges plus a little more. For example, if you rent a vehicle for 3 days where the estimated charges are A$120 ($40 a day) then the hold placed on your card may be just $200. This amount is automatically charged after you return the vehicle - OR you can elect to make payment by another means when you return the vehicle and have the hold removed.

By contrast, in Thailand you will be charged the Baht equivalent of this $120 (say 3000 Baht) PLUS a hold of at least 20,000 Baht (A$800) at the time of pickup (though some companies are now holding only 8000-10000 Baht). So you need a lot more money in your account to rent a car in Thailand than in a western country.

Next time, reserve a car on AVISThailand.com but always select the "pay at the counter" option and you won't have any problems with money being taken from your card in advance.

All of which is very interesting but absolutely sod all to do with the original question was it!!!!

[impulse]

no choice in the end, I approached their head office but they simply claimed the deposit was not refundable

Then it wasn't a deposit at all, but a charge.

Maybe you should have used a credit card after all.

True. However, how would a company know the difference between a debit and a credit card? As long as you're using a debit card with a VISA or MasterCard logo and raised lettering, it operates exactly the same way as a credit card except you are using your own money. Using such a card, you are covered by VISA and MasterCard guarantees and it's possible to put a hold on funds, rather than just charging the card.

Haven't tried it in Thailand, but in the USA, I had a Bank of America Visa debit card with $100,000 in the account it was tied to, and still couldn't rent at most companies.

I finally found one at Enterprise and the manager explained Enterprise had brought in hundreds of cars to Houston after Katrina and loosened up their policy toward debit/credit cards. Over 200 of the cars were never returned at his area alone.

I was able to rent one, not because I had enough money in the account, but because I had a local address on my DL and produced an IRS letter with the same address on it.

[roamer]

there are some shifty buggers out there, I had one company take the original deposit to book the car from my debit card(I refuse to use credit) then when I arrived at the airport and went to pick up the car they refused because it wasnt a credit card and they also refused to return the deposit, the fact they had accepted a debit card for the original deposit didnt come into it. In Australia I never had a problem with a debit card as long as there was enough in the account to cover the requirements that could be held by them, certainly makes it hard for some

You forgo your deposit?

no choice in the end, I approached their head office but they simply claimed the deposit was not refundable

Then it wasn't a deposit at all, but a charge.

Maybe you should have used a credit card after all.

True. However, how would a company know the difference between a debit and a credit card? As long as you're using a debit card with a VISA or MasterCard logo and raised lettering, it operates exactly the same way as a credit card except you are using your own money. Using such a card, you are covered by VISA and MasterCard guarantees and it's possible to put a hold on funds, rather than just charging the card.

Well certainly for UK cards they would know the difference, I have 4 of them and they all have "debit card" written on the front.

[midas]

there are some shifty buggers out there, I had one company take the original deposit to book the car from my debit card(I refuse to use credit) then when I arrived at the airport and went to pick up the car they refused because it wasnt a credit card and they also refused to return the deposit, the fact they had accepted a debit card for the original deposit didnt come into it. In Australia I never had a problem with a debit card as long as there was enough in the account to cover the requirements that could be held by them, certainly makes it hard for some

You forgo your deposit?

no choice in the end, I approached their head office but they simply claimed the deposit was not refundable

Each to their own but I certainly wouldn’t give up that easily. They have taken your money without justification

I would be lodging a full complaint with the office of the consumer protection board

http://www.ocpb.go.th/ewtadmin/ewt/ocpb_eng/main.php?filename=index___EN

[Lammbock]

The car rental company on the Wireless Rd near the Klong Toei Police Station do not require a credit card.

[impulse]

The car rental company on the Wireless Rd near the Klong Toei Police Station do not require a credit card.

You mean the Klong Toei Police impound yard, where they have an "until the court date" loaner program?

Just kidding, of course.

[Fetchitnow]

On 6/30/2016 at 3:46 AM, mettech said:

Going to Buriram for 7 months and I am looking either to buy a car /lease or long term rental. To lease a ford they want 30% deposit I am trying to get a cheap car rental for seven months anyone know where i could find it.

Thank for your advice.

Hi Mettech, how did you go with using a Debit Card for a car rental in Buriram Airport? I’m needing a car rental on the 2nd Dec, thx

[Millian]

On 6/29/2016 at 12:57 PM, Tomtomtom69 said:

Highway car rental. Corner of Sathorn and Rama IV roads. Not only is no credit card needed but paying by cash is preferred because payment by credit card attracts a 2-3% surcharge. They require a deposit of 2000-5000 Baht paid in cash. If you pay the deposit by credit card, they won't put a "hold" on it, but charge it as a transaction (along with the surcharge) then give it back to you in cash. Quite a crafty move. Anyway, you don't have a credit card hence that is not relevant to you.

There are other similar places on Sukhumvit but don't recall exactly where they are located; Highway car rental is therefore your best bet.

I can also vouch for Highway Car rental. Never had an issue with them and always got deposit back.  They also have a branch next to Bang Chak BTS.

[Thainess]

You don't have a credit card??? LOLOLOL.

[richard_smith237]

9 minutes ago, Thainess said:

You don't have a credit card??? LOLOLOL.

Why is that so funny? Or are you just so keen on displaying a side of your personality which thinks you are better than everyone else.... 

 

Many don't have a credit card because they simply don't need one....  Who needs credit if your bank account is full of cash?....

Of course, they are convenient and companies have learnt to rely on them, but ultimately, the only reason I have a credit card is because I am forced to, generally in situations where a deposit is required (block on the CC at hotels or car hire etc).... 

 

Additionally, for some, they are unable to secure a credit-card in their adopted home (Thailand), when at the same time a Thai earning next to nothing can build up significant debt...  I understand why its difficult for foreigners to get Credit Cards, especially when they are not here on a Work Permit.... but that doesn't imply they are deserving of your childish LOLOLOLOL.... 

 

ON TOPIC now.... 

 

Can some companies place a 'block' on a fixed amount on your Debit Card the same way they would on a Credit Card (i.e. when checking into a hotel or renting a car?).... 

 

In the Ops Case: I suspect he may have to leave a Deposit and claim a refund... OR, rent from a less reputable company who deal with Cash. But... I wonder how they would attempt to charge you the excess (if there is one) if you don't have 100% damage waiver. 

 

 

 

[Langsuan Man]

7 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

Many don't have a credit card because they simply don't need one....  Who needs credit if your bank account is full of cash?..

This is the same logic many expats have about keeping ties to their home country, I'm never going back, I don't need anything from there

 

A credit card for an expat is insurance, that no matter what,  you can buy a airline ticket to get out of here, if the need arises

[roamer]

This has got a lot easier since this topic was started in 2016. There is a pretty good guide to companies that accept/do not cash or debit cards below.

https://www.thailandstarterkit.com/travel/car-rental-thailand/#Collision_Damage_Waiver

[Dreckenfousnoll]

On 12/5/2018 at 2:17 AM, Thainess said:

You don't have a credit card??? LOLOLOL.

Oh yes you are funny.. 

 

Maybe he has one but has his reasons to NOT use it in the rental shop?...

 

If you have nothing to say that actually help, just do not post!

[Just Weird]

On ‎6‎/‎29‎/‎2016 at 4:42 PM, natway09 said:

It is becoming more difficult I agree.

Try the place just down from Lumpini Police Station.I rented with cash, but 12 years ago

I'll second that, Lumpinee Car Rent, I've used them for years, all they want is a small cash deposit that's refundable.

[Just Weird]

On ‎7‎/‎4‎/‎2016 at 5:44 PM, Lammbock said:

The car rental company on the Wireless Rd near the Klong Toei Police Station do not require a credit card.

The only police station on Wireless is Lumpinee police station, if you mean that then It's Lumpinee Car Rent a few metres towards Rama IV.