💡 What Does “No Deposit Car Rental” Mean?
When renting a car, most companies block a security deposit on your card — usually €800–€1500 — in case of damage, fuel charges, or late return.
👉 For a full overview of rental options, requirements, and costs, see our Rent a Car in Lisbon guide.
With a zero-deposit rental, you:
- Don’t need to block any amount
- Can use a debit card, not just credit
- Are fully insured (with no excess)
- Can pick up the car faster, with less paperwork
💡 This is ideal for travelers who:
- Don’t have a credit card
- Don’t want to tie up funds
- Prefer full protection and peace of mind
🏆 Best Rental Companies in Portugal Offering No Deposit
| Company | No Deposit | Debit Accepted | Insurance Needed | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Centauro | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Smart Cover | Lisbon, Porto, Faro |
| RecordGo | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Full Insurance | Lisbon (LIS only) |
| OK Mobility | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ Yes | ✅ Full Coverage | Lisbon, Faro |
| TurisPrime | ⚠️ Sometimes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Zero Excess | Lisbon Airport |
| DriveOnHolidays | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Required | Lisbon + airports |
🧠 Tip: Zero deposit is always conditional on buying full insurance / Smart Cover.
💳 Is It Possible Without a Credit Card?
Yes — most zero-deposit rentals in Portugal are designed for debit card users.
But be aware:
💸 Don’t Overpay at the Airport
Compare real-time rental deals with no hidden fees or credit card needed.
- You must book full coverage
- Card must be physical, with your name
- Prepaid or virtual cards are not accepted
📍 Some providers may still ask for a small validation hold (e.g., €100), refunded immediately.
🔐 How Full Insurance Removes the Deposit
| Without Insurance | With Full Insurance |
|---|---|
| Deposit: €1000–€1500 | Deposit: €0–150 |
| Risk: You pay for damage | Damage = Covered |
| Credit card often required | Debit card accepted |
| Long return process | Quick drop-off |
🧠 Most “no deposit” offers require:
- Full coverage selected during online booking
- Zero excess stated in policy (check carefully)
📋 What Documents Do You Need?
- 🪪 Passport or EU ID
- 🚘 Valid driver’s license (1+ year)
- 💳 Physical debit card (Visa/Mastercard)
- ✈️ Booking confirmation
- 🛡️ Return flight or ID may be requested
💰 Example Prices (Zero Deposit Rentals)
| Vehicle | Daily Price | Insurance Included | Deposit Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiat 500 | €39 | ✅ Yes | €0 |
| Renault Clio | €45 | ✅ Yes | €0 |
| Dacia Duster | €60 | ✅ Yes | €0–100 (optional) |
✅ Book early — no deposit vehicles are limited.
🧠 Pro Tips to Get a No Deposit Rental
| Tip | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| ✅ Filter by “No Deposit” | Saves time and avoids surprises |
| ✅ Choose full coverage at booking | Required to skip deposit |
| ✅ Use debit card with your name | Prepaid/virtual often rejected |
| ✅ Check fuel and mileage policy | Avoid hidden fees |
| ✅ Take photos of vehicle on pickup | Protects you from false damage claims |
❓ FAQ – Renting Without Deposit in Portugal
Q: Can I get a zero-deposit car without insurance?
A: No. Full coverage or Smart Cover is always required.
Q: Will they still hold €100 temporarily?
A: Some may do a small validation, returned automatically.
Q: What’s the catch?
A: Slightly higher daily rates — but peace of mind and no blocked money.
Q: Are there zero-deposit options outside Lisbon?
A: Yes — Porto, Faro, and Coimbra also have them.
✅ Final Summary – Rent a Car in Portugal Without a Deposit
| Want to… | Do this… |
|---|---|
| Skip €1000+ block | ✅ Book full coverage |
| Use debit card only | ✅ Centauro / RecordGo |
| Avoid credit check | ✅ No credit card needed |
| Save time at return | ✅ Take photos, full-to-full fuel |
| Travel light & safe | ✅ Zero-deposit rentals = ✅ Win |
🚘 Ready to Book?
Compare the best no-deposit rental cars in Lisbon with:
- ✅ Debit card support
- ✅ Full coverage
- ✅ No blocked funds
- ✅ 100% online confirmation
