- 📝 How to Rent a Car in Lisbon Without a Credit Card or Deposit
- 🚗 Why People Are Searching for “Car Rental Without a Credit Card”
- ✅ Who Can Rent a Car With a Debit Card in Lisbon?
- ⚠️ Debit Cards That May Not Be Accepted:
- 🏆 Best Car Rental Companies in Lisbon That Don’t Require a Credit Card
- 🧾 What Documents Do You Need?
- 🔐 How to Avoid the Deposit: The Secret Is Full Insurance
- 💸 Price Example (With Full Coverage – No Credit Card Needed)
- 📍 Pick-Up Process at Lisbon Airport (LIS)
- 🛑 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- 🔁 Can You Also Return Without a Credit Card?
- ✅ Final Tips: Renting Without Credit Card in Lisbon
- 🚘 Compare & Book Now
📝 How to Rent a Car in Lisbon Without a Credit Card or Deposit
🚗 Why People Are Searching for “Car Rental Without a Credit Card”
Travel is getting more digital. Fewer people use credit cards — especially students, young travelers, digital nomads, or those who simply prefer debit.
But most car rental companies still require a credit card to block a deposit — often up to €1,500. That can be frustrating, especially if your bank doesn’t allow international pre-authorizations.
The good news: In Lisbon, you can rent a car without a credit card or a large deposit, if you know which companies to choose and how to book.
✅ Who Can Rent a Car With a Debit Card in Lisbon?
You’ll be able to rent if:
- You are 21+ years old
- Have had your driver’s license for at least 1 year
- Use a Visa or Mastercard debit card (non-prepaid)
- Choose full coverage during booking
- Can show valid ID and booking confirmation
⚠️ Debit Cards That May Not Be Accepted:
- Virtual cards (e.g., Revolut virtual, Apple Pay)
- Prepaid cards (e.g., Wise, N26 prepaid)
- American Express (for many providers)
Always bring a physical card with your name printed on it.
🏆 Best Car Rental Companies in Lisbon That Don’t Require a Credit Card
These are the top-rated companies that accept debit card payment + no deposit, especially at Lisbon Airport:
| Company | Debit OK | No Deposit? | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RecordGo | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Airport (shuttle) | Full coverage required for €0 deposit |
| Centauro | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Airport (shuttle) | Choose “Smart Cover” at checkout |
| TurisPrime | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Maybe | Airport (shuttle) | May ask for proof of return flight |
| DriveOnHolidays | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ No | Airport / city | Debit OK, but still requires deposit |
🧾 What Documents Do You Need?
- 🪪 Passport or National ID
- 🚘 Driver’s license (at least 12 months)
- 💳 Debit card (Visa or Mastercard, physical)
- 📲 Booking confirmation (printed or digital)
- ✈️ Flight info (optional, for some off-site companies)
🔐 How to Avoid the Deposit: The Secret Is Full Insurance
Without full coverage, most companies will block €800–1500 on your card.
💸 Don’t Overpay at the Airport
Compare real-time rental deals with no hidden fees or credit card needed.
✅ But if you choose full insurance / zero excess, the deposit is reduced to €0–€150, and some companies skip it entirely.
You can:
- Add full coverage when booking online (usually cheaper)
- Or buy it at the desk (more expensive)
💸 Price Example (With Full Coverage – No Credit Card Needed)
| Vehicle | Daily Price | Deposit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiat Panda | €38–44 | €0 | RecordGo with full insurance |
| Seat Ibiza | €45–55 | €0–100 | Centauro with Smart Cover |
| Dacia Duster | €60–75 | €0–150 | Larger SUVs, more insurance |
Prices valid as of April 2025. Always compare options before booking.
📍 Pick-Up Process at Lisbon Airport (LIS)
Most debit-card-friendly rentals are off-site, meaning:
- You exit Terminal 1
- Walk to the “RENT-A-CAR shuttle zone”
- Take a free shuttle to the company depot (5–10 mins)
- Present your documents → inspect the car → drive
🧠 Tip: Take photos/video of the car on pick-up + fuel level.
🛑 Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Solution |
|---|---|
| Booking “pay on arrival” | ✅ Always pay online in advance |
| Using prepaid or virtual card | ✅ Use embossed physical Visa/Mastercard |
| Not choosing full insurance | ✅ Adds ~€10/day but saves €1000 in risk |
| Ignoring fuel & return policy | ✅ Return full tank, inspect location signs |
🔁 Can You Also Return Without a Credit Card?
Yes — return is the same as for anyone else:
- Park at the designated return zone
- Show receipt or drop key in box
- Keep your photos and fuel receipt (just in case)
You won’t need the same card again if you prepaid.
✅ Final Tips: Renting Without Credit Card in Lisbon
- ✅ Book online with filters for “debit accepted / no deposit”
- ✅ Stick to RecordGo, Centauro, TurisPrime
- ✅ Choose full coverage or “zero excess” insurance
- ✅ Don’t leave it last-minute — book early!
🚘 Compare & Book Now
Find trusted rental cars at Lisbon Airport with:
- No credit card
- No deposit
- Full protection
- Free cancellation
