Dollar Car Rental Implements New Debit Card Policy

Image: Woman signing car rental agreement. (photo via Kerkez/iStock/Getty Images Plus)
Image: Woman signing car rental agreement. (photo via Kerkez/iStock/Getty Images Plus)
Donald Wood
by Donald Wood
Last updated: 11:11 AM ET, Wed February 6, 2019

To help travelers, Dollar Car Rental announced the introduction of an industry-leading debit card policy making it easier than ever to reserve a car using a debit card.

As part of the changes, officials from Dollar said the new policy would eliminate credit checks, reduce proof of return travel and ID requirements and lower the renter age restriction from 25 to 20 years old.

In addition, Dollar said it would be joining forces with financial expert and debit card advocate Dave Ramsey to spread the word about the new customer-friendly policy, including the fact that rentals booked more than 24 hours in advance will only require a debit card and driver's license.

"For more than 27 years, I've been on the radio helping families win with their money, including telling people to cut up their credit cards and only use debit cards," Ramsey said. "I've also heard from a lot of callers frustrated while looking for a car rental company that would accept debit cards without all the runaround. Dollar Car Rental heard the pleas and stepped up in a big way to put a system in place to accept debit cards, without all the hassle. This incredible service is going to impact a lot of people!"

As for rentals booked less than 24 hours in advance, or rentals for Convertibles, Luxury and Premium vehicles, travelers can still use a debit card, but two forms of identification and proof of return travel plans are required.

Customers will now only be required to deposit $200 as part of the incidental hold, plus the cost of the rental, for both debit card and credit card rentals. Dollar accepts all non-prepaid debit cards backed by Visa, Mastercard and Discover.

The new policy is valid at all of its company-owned locations across the United States and demonstrates Dollar Car Rental's investment in services that enhance their members' experiences and sets a new standard for family-travel.


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Donald Wood

Donald Wood

Managing Editor

Donald Wood is TravelPulse’s Managing Editor, bringing nearly 15 years of experience to the desk. He currently lives outside Philadelphia with his wife and two children.

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