- 📝 Lisbon Airport Car Hire – What To Know When Paying With a Debit Card
- ✈️ Why Lisbon Airport Is the Best Place to Rent a Car Without a Credit Card
- ✅ Which Lisbon Airport Car Rental Companies Accept Debit Cards?
- 💳 What Type of Debit Cards Are Accepted?
- 📑 Documents Needed at Lisbon Airport (for Debit Card Rentals)
- 🔒 Why Full Insurance is Crucial
- With full insurance:
- 🛫 Lisbon Airport Pickup: What to Expect
- 💰 Price Comparison (April 2025)
- 🔁 How Return Works (with Debit Card Rentals)
- 🧠 Pro Tips for Renting at Lisbon Airport Without a Credit Card
- ❓ FAQ – Debit Card Rentals at LIS
- ✅ Final Checklist for Debit Rentals at Lisbon Airport
- 🚘 Ready to Book a Car at LIS With Your Debit Card?
📝 Lisbon Airport Car Hire – What To Know When Paying With a Debit Card

✈️ Why Lisbon Airport Is the Best Place to Rent a Car Without a Credit Card
Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) is not just Portugal’s main international hub — it’s also one of the most flexible places in Europe to rent a car with a debit card.
But here’s the catch:
Not all companies accept debit cards. And those that do may require full insurance, return tickets, or physical cards with your name on them.
This guide will show you exactly:
- ✅ Which rental providers at Lisbon Airport accept debit cards
- ✅ How to avoid paying a €1000+ deposit
- ✅ What to bring, what to avoid, and how to book right
✅ Which Lisbon Airport Car Rental Companies Accept Debit Cards?
| Company | Debit Card | Deposit-Free Option | Location | Requires Full Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RecordGo | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Shuttle (5–7 min) | ✅ Yes |
| Centauro | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (Smart Cover) | Shuttle (7–10 min) | ✅ Yes |
| TurisPrime | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Sometimes | Shuttle (10 min) | ✅ Yes |
| OK Mobility | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Limited | Shuttle (5 min) | ✅ Recommended |
| DriveOnHolidays | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | Airport + City | ✅ Strongly Advised |
📌 Note: Most of these providers operate from outside the terminal, but provide free shuttle transfers from Terminal 1.
💳 What Type of Debit Cards Are Accepted?
✅ Accepted:
- Visa Debit (classic, embossed)
- Mastercard Debit (physical card)
❌ Not accepted:
- Prepaid cards (e.g. Wise, N26 prepaid)
- Virtual-only cards (Revolut, Apple Pay, Google Pay)
- American Express
🔐 The card must:
💸 Don’t Overpay at the Airport
Compare real-time rental deals with no hidden fees or credit card needed.
- Be in the name of the main driver
- Have enough funds if deposit is still required
- Be presented physically at the desk
📑 Documents Needed at Lisbon Airport (for Debit Card Rentals)
To rent a car at LIS using a debit card, prepare:
- 🪪 Passport or EU National ID
- 🚘 Driver’s license (valid for 12+ months)
- 💳 Debit card with your name
- ✈️ Return flight info (for off-site providers)
- 🛡️ Proof of full insurance (if purchased separately)
🔒 Why Full Insurance is Crucial
All companies require full coverage if you don’t want a massive deposit blocked.
With full insurance:
- You pay €0–150 deposit
- Minor damage (scratches, windows, tires) is covered
- No worries about deductibles or long claims
💡 Tip: Book full insurance online — usually cheaper than at the desk.
🛫 Lisbon Airport Pickup: What to Expect
- Land at Terminal 1 (all international arrivals)
- Walk outside to “Rent-a-Car Shuttle Zone”
- Present booking voucher to shuttle driver
- Short ride (5–10 mins) to depot
- Documents, card, and check-in
- Inspect car + take photos
- Drive off 🚘
💰 Price Comparison (April 2025)
| Car Class | Company | Full Cover Price/Day | Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | RecordGo | €39–42 | €0 |
| Compact | Centauro | €45–48 | €0 |
| SUV | OK Mobility | €59–65 | €100 |
| With credit card | All | €10–15 cheaper | €800–1500 |
🔁 How Return Works (with Debit Card Rentals)
- Return to same depot
- Take photos of vehicle, mileage, and fuel
- Drop key in box (if after hours)
- Confirmation emailed in 1–2 days
- No “release” needed on card if deposit = €0
⛽ Refill before return — fuel policy is usually full-to-full.
🧠 Pro Tips for Renting at Lisbon Airport Without a Credit Card
| Situation | Pro Tip |
|---|---|
| First-time renting | Book online with full filters |
| Unsure about insurance | Always choose zero excess / full cover |
| Arriving at night | Pick a 24/7 provider (RecordGo, OK Mobility) |
| Traveling with friends | Add extra driver in advance (some charge ~€6/day) |
| Driving north (e.g., Porto) | Ask for toll transponder to avoid fines |
❓ FAQ – Debit Card Rentals at LIS
Q: Can I rent a car with someone else’s debit card?
A: No. The card must belong to the main driver.
Q: Can I rent if I’m under 25?
A: Yes, but expect a young driver fee (€7–12/day).
Q: Is airport pickup more expensive?
A: Slightly, but the convenience + wider choice = worth it.
✅ Final Checklist for Debit Rentals at Lisbon Airport
- ✅ Book online with “debit card accepted” filter
- ✅ Choose full insurance / Smart Cover
- ✅ Bring physical debit card & ID
- ✅ Plan return with fuel refill
- ✅ Take photos before and after
🚘 Ready to Book a Car at LIS With Your Debit Card?
Compare debit-friendly rentals at Lisbon Airport:
- No credit card
- Zero deposit
- Full coverage
- Free cancellation




