- 📝 How to Rent a Car in Lisbon Using a Debit Card Only
- ❓ Why More Travelers Are Asking: “Can I Rent a Car With Just a Debit Card?”
- ✅ What Does “Debit Card Only” Rental Mean?
- 🏆 Best Lisbon Car Rental Companies for Debit-Only Users
- 💳 Accepted Cards
- 🔐 Why Full Coverage Insurance = No Deposit
- 📋 What to Bring When Picking Up Your Car
- 💰 Price Example (Spring 2025 – Debit + No Deposit)
- 🧠 Pro Tips: Rent Smart With a Debit Card Only
- ❓ FAQ
- ✅ Summary: How to Rent a Car in Lisbon With Just a Debit Card
- 🚘 Ready to Rent Without a Credit Card?
📝 How to Rent a Car in Lisbon Using a Debit Card Only

❓ Why More Travelers Are Asking: “Can I Rent a Car With Just a Debit Card?”
More than ever, travelers prefer to ditch credit cards:
- They use debit to control budgets
- They avoid interest and debt
- They’re traveling light — especially digital nomads and younger drivers
But traditional car rental companies aren’t always ready to adapt. Many still block €1,000–€1,500 on your card — and refuse debit cards altogether.
Good news: In Lisbon, yes, you can rent a car with only a debit card, if you book right.
✅ What Does “Debit Card Only” Rental Mean?
It means you:
- Don’t have a credit card
- Want to pay with a Visa or Mastercard debit card
- Can’t or don’t want to leave a large deposit
- Want a legal, no-hassle way to rent a car in Portugal
This guide shows you exactly how — no tricks, no risk.
🏆 Best Lisbon Car Rental Companies for Debit-Only Users
| Company | Debit OK | No Deposit? | Booking Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| RecordGo | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Must book full coverage online |
| Centauro | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Choose “Smart Cover” |
| OK Mobility | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Limited | Ask about zero excess options |
| TurisPrime | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Sometimes | Some require return flight info |
| DriveOnHolidays | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | Debit OK, but deposit needed |
🧭 All of them operate at Lisbon Airport, using free shuttles from Terminal 1.
💳 Accepted Cards
✅ Accepted:
- Visa Debit (physical, bank-issued)
- Mastercard Debit (chip & name printed)
❌ Not accepted:
- Revolut virtual
- Wise / N26 prepaid
- Apple Pay / Google Pay
⚠️ Some cards might technically work, but will be refused if not physical or if prepaid.
💸 Don’t Overpay at the Airport
Compare real-time rental deals with no hidden fees or credit card needed.
🔐 Why Full Coverage Insurance = No Deposit
When using debit cards, most companies will waive the deposit only if you:
- Choose full insurance or
- Book a package with zero excess
This protects both sides:
- The rental company doesn’t risk your unpaid damages
- You don’t have to freeze €1,000 for 7–14 days
💡 Online full cover is often €7–12/day cheaper than buying at the desk.
📋 What to Bring When Picking Up Your Car
To avoid delays, always carry:
- 🪪 Valid ID / passport
- 🚘 Driver’s license (1+ year experience)
- 💳 Debit card with your name
- 📧 Booking confirmation (email or print)
- ✈️ Return flight ticket (if requested)
💰 Price Example (Spring 2025 – Debit + No Deposit)
| Car Class | RecordGo (full cover) | Centauro (Smart Cover) |
|---|---|---|
| Economy | €39/day – €0 deposit | €36/day – €0 deposit |
| Compact | €46/day – €0 deposit | €42/day – €0 deposit |
| SUV | €59/day – €100 deposit | €54/day – €150 deposit |
✅ No need for credit card
✅ No deposit holds
✅ No stress
🧠 Pro Tips: Rent Smart With a Debit Card Only
| Tip | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Book online with filters | Avoid desk rejection |
| Choose full insurance up front | No deposit, no arguments |
| Never use “pay on arrival” for debit | Risk of being denied |
| Check fuel + mileage policy | Avoid surprise fees |
| Take photos of car at pickup & return | Protects you from false damage claims |
❓ FAQ
Can I rent a car with a debit card at Lisbon Airport?
Yes — but only with selected providers and full insurance.
Can I use someone else’s debit card?
No — the card must be in the driver’s name.
Can I rent without deposit and without insurance?
No — full insurance is required to remove the deposit if you’re paying with debit.
Can I book one-way?
Yes, most companies allow one-way rentals for an extra fee (€30–60).
✅ Summary: How to Rent a Car in Lisbon With Just a Debit Card
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Choose the right company | RecordGo or Centauro |
| Select full insurance | Online or “Smart Cover” |
| Book with filters | “No deposit”, “Debit accepted” |
| Prepare documents | ID, license, physical debit card |
| Arrive early at pickup | Allow 15–30 minutes for shuttle |
🚘 Ready to Rent Without a Credit Card?
Compare the best debit card–friendly rentals in Lisbon now:
✅ No deposit
✅ Full protection
✅ No credit card required
✅ Trusted airport pickup




