Payment methods for your rental car

Most rental car providers prefer credit card payments, however depending on which provider you go with — as well as your location and choice of vehicle — alternative payment methods may be accepted. As always, if you’re planning on paying by any means other than a credit card, we suggest getting in touch beforehand with your prospective rental provider to find out what payment methods are accepted at your chosen depot.

Credit card

New Zealand’s major rental brands — including Alamo, Apex, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Europcar, Ezi, Hertz, Sixt, and Thrifty — accept Visa and Mastercard credit cards, and many also accept American Express and Diners Club.

Credit card limit to rent a car

Whichever credit card you use, you will need to ensure that enough credit is available for all of your rental charges, including the security bond, the amount for which will be held for the duration of the rental period. In some cases, you may need a second credit card depending on the type of vehicle you select.

Why do rental cars need a credit card?

Rental car providers prefer credit cards because they reduce risk, cost, and operational friction in ways debit cards and other payment methods don’t. These include:

Renting a car with someone else’s credit card

Most providers won’t allow you to rent a car if your booking information is different from your credit card information. In almost all cases, the owner of the card used for reserving a car must be present at the depot for identity verification. If possible, always use the primary driver’s credit card to secure a rental booking without discrepancies.

Payment on behalf of someone else

When renting a car, both the primary driver and any nominated additional drivers must present their driving licence, and the primary driver needs to present an accepted form of payment.

Some providers, though not many, may accept electronic forms of payment, including ApplePay and Alipay. You may ask your provider about other documents needed to book a car for someone else in New Zealand.

Can I rent a car in New Zealand without a credit card?

In most cases, yes. Credit cards are preferable when renting a car, however some rental providers also accept debit cards, or in rare cases cash.

Before you decide to pay with a debit card, make sure the card you use has enough funds to pay for the rental amount and additional charges incurred during the rental. You’ll find more information on payment by debit card below. As each provider has different policies on rental payment, it’s important to read their payment Terms and Conditions before booking.

Debit card

Most major rental providers in New Zealand will accept a debit card that displays either the Visa or Mastercard logo, as long as you can prove your eligibility to rent a car, with the help of identification and authorisation documents. Paying with a debit card may also result in an increased security bond being applied.

The location of the depot and type of vehicle can determine if you’ll be able to use your debit card, so if you’re in doubt, reach out to your prospective rental provider to ask about their accepted payment methods.

Cash

You’ll need to coordinate with the rental provider directly if you’re planning to pay in cash. Very few rental providers may accept cash payment, and a higher than normal security bond — often upwards of NZ$1,000 — will likely be required, and some rental car providers may also require you to purchase additional products, such as loss-damage waivers. In many cases, you’ll still be asked to present a valid credit or debit card upon collection for security purposes, and amounts paid in cash must be in New Zealand Dollars.

Our booking system at VroomVroomVroom will only allow for payments to be made in credit or debit card.

For further details on paying for a rental car booked through VroomVroomVroom, click the Important Information box that is displayed when you select a rental car using our search form. The Important Information box will tell you what is required based on the payment option of your choice.