Can you rent a car in Germany without a credit card?

You’re planning your trip to Germany and need a rental car—but there’s a problem.

You don’t have a credit card.

Most rental car companies require a credit card in the driver’s name to hold a deposit. Maybe a friend or a family member has a card but isn’t driving, or you’re using a debit card instead. These hurdles can make renting a car abroad stressful.

In this guide, we’ll explain if it is possible to rent a car in Germany without a credit card. 

As travel experts, we’ve researched rental car companies with “no deposit” options as well as payments that can be made without a credit card. At the end we’ve also compiled some alternatives if renting a car does not work out.

Why Do Most Rental Car Companies in Germany Require a Credit Card?

You’ve probably been there. You find the perfect rental car, but then you hit that roadblock—no credit card, no car. We get it. But there’s a reason most rental companies insist on a credit card. It’s all about security and reducing their risk. Let’s break it down.

When you rent a car, the company is essentially handing over a valuable asset worth thousands of euros. They need some kind of guarantee that if anything goes wrong—like damage to the car, late returns, or unpaid traffic fines—they can cover their losses.

A credit card is their insurance policy. With one swipe, they can place a hold (aka a deposit) on your card, which gives them quick access to funds if something happens.

And this hold isn’t small. Depending on the car model and rental terms, the deposit can range anywhere from €200 to over €2,000. It’s not an actual charge but more like a “temporary lock” on your funds. 

The problem is, most debit cards don’t offer this kind of instant security for businesses. If a company tries to hold a large amount on a debit card and you don’t have enough balance, the transaction might fail. 

But it’s not just about deposits. Rental companies also worry about potential disputes. With credit cards, companies have a better chance of resolving issues if a customer later challenges a charge. Debit card disputes tend to favor the cardholder, which means more risk for the rental provider.

For travelers without a credit card, this policy can be a serious headache. We’ve been there, scrambling to find alternative options. 

Sometimes, we’ve seen travelers try to rent using someone else’s card—maybe a spouse or travel buddy. Unfortunately, that usually doesn’t fly.

Most rental companies require the credit card to be in the driver’s name. It’s a rule designed to prevent fraud and ensure responsibility lies with the person behind the wheel.

So what can you do if you don’t have a credit card? A few companies—like Discover Cars, Sunny Cars or Sixt —offer alternative payment options. 

But these services often come with some restrictions. 

Bottom line: rental companies aren’t trying to make your life harder (even though it feels like it). They’re just trying to protect their business. If you’re traveling without a credit card, plan ahead—check payment and deposit policies before booking to avoid nasty surprises at the counter.

1. Discover Cars

Discover Cars is a popular platform for comparing rental car options worldwide across different providers.

If you don’t have a credit card, you might be wondering if they allow you to rent a car using just a debit card. The answer is—yes, sometimes (check their terms here)*.

But it’s a bit of a gamble, depending on where you’re renting and which provider you choose.

First, Discover Cars doesn’t set the payment terms themselves. Instead, each rental company listed on the platform has its own policies. Some companies will accept a debit card for payment, but here’s the catch: even if they let you pay with a debit card, many still require a credit card to hold the deposit.

We’ve tried using this filter in several German cities with Discover Cars, and in some locations, there were no providers that fully accepted debit cards without deposit conditions. 

You can read more about the terms here*

2. Sunny Cars

Sunny Cars comes in with their “No Deposit” service*. This service can save you from the hassle of having to freeze a huge chunk of your money for a deposit.

What Is the “No Deposit” Service?

Sunny Cars’ “No Deposit” service means exactly what it sounds like—you don’t have to pay a deposit to the local car rental company when you pick up the car. 

However, keep in mind that this service is not available everywhere, so you’ll need to check for availability before booking.

The “No Deposit” service comes with a few conditions. To secure this option, you need to book early—at least five days before your rental date.  Another requirement is advance registration on the Sunny Cars website.

Check the fleet on Sunny Cars*

3. Sixt in Germany

Yes, Sixt offers the option to rent a car without a credit card*. Instead of using a credit card, you can pay with your EC card (Girocard, VPay, or Maestro).

However, this option isn’t available for all vehicle types. And you cannot pay online or through the Sixt app with an EC card. Payment arrangements can only be handled in person at the rental location.

4. Local Providers

Some smaller, local car rental companies, such as Buchbinder, may offer more flexible payment options, including the use of debit cards or even cash deposits in certain cases.

These companies are often more willing to work with travelers who don’t have a credit card. However, policies can vary greatly between locations and providers.

To avoid surprises, it’s crucial to contact the rental provider directly. Ask about their payment and deposit requirements, as well as any conditions tied to non-credit card payments. This step can save you from unnecessary stress and help you secure a car that fits your needs.

Best Alternatives to Renting a Car

• Choose trains if you prefer fast, comfortable travel between major cities.
• Opt for FlixBus* if you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind longer travel times.
• Try BlaBlaCar for a cheap, flexible option and the chance to meet locals.
• Consider Daytrip* if you want a premium experience with personalized stops.

Conclusion: Renting a Car without a credit card in Germany is possible but it takes a lot of research

Renting a car in Germany without a credit card isn’t impossible, but it does require extra planning. 

Start by researching rental companies that offer flexible payment methods. 

Platforms like Sunny Cars and Discover Cars provide filters for services like “No Deposit” or debit card acceptance. However, be aware that availability can vary by location and provider.

If you’re considering a smaller local company, such as Buchbinder, contact them directly to confirm payment and deposit requirements. Always read the rental terms carefully to avoid unpleasant surprises when picking up the car.

If you find that rental options are limited or too restrictive, there are excellent alternatives. Trains offer fast, convenient travel between major cities, while FlixBus provides a budget-friendly solution for long-distance trips. For flexibility and a more personal experience, try BlaBlaCar carpooling.

And if you want the comfort of a private ride with sightseeing along the way, services like Daytrip might be the perfect fit.

No matter which option you choose, the key is to plan ahead. Book early, check policies, and contact providers with any questions. With the right preparation, you’ll be able to explore Germany stress-free, without worrying about credit card requirements. Safe travels!