What you really need to know about car rentals and credit cards

It is common knowledge that you almost always need a credit card to pay the deposit for your rental car. But did you know that you also need the main driver’s personal credit card to get the rental car on site? We will explain how this works.

Do I need a credit card to rent a car?

A credit card is almost always required to pay the deposit for a rental car. Please note the following points because if you have not adhered to them, you won’t get the rental car:

  • Check if the main driver has a credit card in his/her name
  • Take the physical credit card with you
  • Make sure you know the pin code
  • Keep sufficient funds available for the deposit

Tip: Would you like to keep funds available on your credit card during your holiday? Then choose a rental car with a low deposit. You can filter this under ‘Deposit’.

Can you rent a car without a credit card?

You can! A credit card is normally mandatory but not everyone has a credit card and it would be a shame not to be able to rent a car as a result. That is why we offer two ways of being able to rent a car at Sunny Cars. 

The first option is our unique No Deposit service. We guarantee you so that you don’t need to pay a deposit on site at all! Simply select rental cars which include the No Deposit service via the filter menu Services.

The second option for renting a car without a credit card is to select a rental car for which you can pay a cash deposit. This option can also be found via the filter menu. 

Can you pay the deposit for your rental car with someone else’s credit card?

No, you may not pay the deposit with another person’s credit card. This can only be done by the main driver with a credit card in his or her name. With the credit card in the name of the main driver, the local car rental company has an additional guarantee of the identity of the person renting the car. After all, you are receiving an item of significant value. The deposit is a guarantee for the local rental partner in the event of any damage, theft, fraud or negligence.

The rental car can be booked online and payment made to us with another credit card. As long as the main driver has a credit card in his/her name with him/her when picking up the rental car!

Can I use my prepaid credit card for the rental car deposit?

No, unfortunately that is not possible. A debit card or prepaid credit card is not accepted by local rental partners for payment of the deposit. This is because a debit card or prepaid credit card must first be charged with a self-selected amount. You can then use the card to pay up to that amount. It is not possible to be overdrawn. In addition, it is not possible for the local rental partner to refund the deposit to the debit card.

With a credit card, however, it is possible to be overdrawn. The car rental company can also both debit and make refunds to a credit card. An actual credit card thus offers the local rental partner much greater convenience and security.

Which costs will be charged to my credit card?

If you choose to pay us for your rental car reservation by credit card, we will charge the rental price to your credit card. You choose the time when you authorize. If you pay the deposit on site with your credit card, the local rental partner will also pre-authorize the deposit on the card.

In addition, the credit card with which the deposit is paid can also be used for passing on other costs. We list a number of possible options:

Costs for damage charged to credit card

If there is damage to the rental car, you will pay the loss amount on the spot. If you have incurred damage: don’t panic, we will reimburse the excess. And damage to windows-tires-roof-undercarriage of the rental car is also included. Damage is usually determined when the rental car is returned and deducted from the deposit, but sometimes damage will only be charged to your credit card afterwards. Therefore, always retain all the important documents after returning home, such as your local rental contract and final invoice. Tip: take photos of the rental car before picking it up and returning it. If you are wrongly charged, then you have proof!

Costs for extras or accessories charged to credit card

When you book delivery to your address, a child seat, GPS or other extra or accessory, you pay the costs to the local rental partner on site. You already know exactly what these costs are in advance, the amount is stated on the voucher. The costs of the booked extras or accessories are sometimes deducted from the deposit or charged separately to your credit card.

Costs for filling the tank charged to credit card

Was there fuel missing in the rental car when you returned it? Then the local rental partner will charge you for the missing fuel plus service costs. Naturally, you will wish to avoid these kinds of costs. Thanks to our fair fuel policy, you can always return the rental car with the same tank content as when you collected the car and thus avoid additional costs. Tip: when picking up and returning your rental car, take a photo of the fuel level or content of your tank on your digital dashboard. If you are wrongly charged, then you have proof!

A fine has been charged to your credit card

Oops, did you get a fine with your rental car while on holiday? The local rental partner charges administration fees for each fine. The amount of these fees can be found in the specific rental conditions. The administration fees will be deducted first, but you will receive the actual fine later. It’s a common misunderstanding that you get billed twice for the same fine.

Costs for toll roads have been charged to your credit card

At some destinations there is a so-called toll box in the rental car. Then you don’t have to pay for the toll road on the spot but can just drive on. Very convenient! But of course, these toll costs still have to be paid. They will be charged to your credit card after the rental period.

Still unclear about a credit card charge?

Then check the final invoice to see what you are being charged for. Still unclear why you’re being charged? Or do you feel that you are being unfairly charged or charged the wrong amount? Our customer care team will be happy to help you. Send an email to customercare@sunnycars.nl including your reservation number and a copy of the final invoice. With all their car rental experience, they often see what’s going on straight away.

What you really need to know about car rentals and credit cards