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Can I rent an SUV with a debit card from Enterprise in LAX Airport?

Updated 18/12/2023

When it comes to SUV rental at Los Angeles Airport, both the driver and the car rental company always want it to go smoothly. When you rent a car, you drive away with an expensive asset. Enterprise wants to have recourse if the rental car is damaged or stolen, especially if it is a valuable luxury or premium SUV rental.

Thus, there is a question: can you rent such an SUV from Enterprise with a debit card? Or you will face the company’s payment restrictions? Well, the short answer is yes, you can, but under certain conditions.

Table of content:

Why does Enterprise require a credit card with premium SUV rental?

First, let’s talk about common Enterprise rule – credit card payments. A credit card acts as a kind of reassurance that you will try to return an undamaged car. There are several reasons why Enterprise prefers you to pay for a premium SUV rental with a credit card:

  • The bank that issued the credit card has already established your identity and examined you.
  • Enterprise can run a credit check to see your credit score. Then, they will decide if they can trust you and rent a 4-wheel drive SUV at LAX Airport.
  • You will be able to pay for any damages that might happen.
  • Moreover, it may take months for Enterprise to receive your parking or speeding ticket or fine for not paying a toll. With a credit card, they are more likely to track you down and get their money back.
  • You will return the rental SUV because you want the hold and deposit to be returned to your card.

Premium SUV price from Enterprise

All this gives the company confidence that you will be able to pay for all potential damages caused to their car. That is why rental car companies prefer credit cards as a payment method. However, a credit card is not the only way to pay.

What do I need to rent a car from Enterprise with a debit card?

In order to pick up an Enterprise rental with a debit card, you and your card must meet certain criteria. Find more requirements in the following list: 

  • Make sure your debit card bears the VISA®, Mastercard®, or Discover® logo – non-credit cards from other payment systems are not accepted. 
  • Pay attention to the debit card balance, as it should be sufficient to cover the total Enterprise SUV rental price plus optional equipment and a deposit, which ranges from $200 to $850 depending on the vehicle size/class. 
  • Have proof of your return flight ready when renting at the airport. Usually, this is a return plane ticket or an identical document. 
  • Check if the address on your domestic driver’s license matches your current place of residence (doesn’t apply to military personnel). 

Please note that additional drivers other than the renter’s spouse or domestic partner are not permitted when renting with a debit card. Also, unlike paying by credit card where the authorization hold will be blocked, the deposit from a debit card will be charged for the entire duration of the rental and returned at the end.

Forms of payment for premium SUV rental with Enterprise

Now, it’s time to answer the main question. Enterprise accepts both credit and debit cards when you rent an SUV at LAX Airport. However, there are some requirements and restrictions regarding the use of each bank card type:

  • Credit card requirements. Your credit card must bear the VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover Network, or JCP logo. A credit card in the first name and surname of the main driver must be valid for up to 6 months after the end of rental period.
  • Debit card requirements. Enterprise at Los Angeles Airport allows you to rent an SUV with a debit card if you provide it along with a ticketed return travel itinerary and two valid forms of identification. Debit cards with VISA, Mastercard, or Discover logo are accepted only. You can also use a debit card to pay for your rental at the end of your trip.

As an exception, luxury SUV rentals are not available for pick-up with a debit card. Luxury and premium SUV rentals belong to a special car rental category to which the Enterprise applies limited payment methods. Whichever type of bank card you choose, make sure it has enough funds to pay the rental and cover the $200-400 deposit.

Alternative car rental in Los Angeles with no credit card

If you are looking for an alternative to Enterprise SUV rental, there are a lot of other popular suppliers who can help you. And some car rental companies allow you to rent a car at LAX Airport without a credit card. Many major suppliers accept debit cards for bookings SUVs or other car classes and for rentals payments.

The list of companies that require no credit card for a cheap SUV rental in Los Angeles: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Sixt, Thrifty, etc.

Each of these agencies allows you to pick up SUVs in Los Angeles without a credit card, be it small 5-seaters or large 7 passenger SUV rental. However, be prepared for some restrictions when renting with a debit card.

Enterprise car rental price at Los Angeles Airport varies, and so do the payment options. Some car rental companies check your credit history, while others can limit the list of cars you can rent with a debit card. To sum up, each company has its own payment policy and you must comply with it in order to rent without a credit card. We suggest always recheck the Deposit and Fees section on Rental24h.com search results page in order to read the payment requirements.

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