Without Credit Card Japan Car Hire

What is car hire in Japan without a credit card?

Driving in Japan can vary in terms of difficulty and convenience, as there are different landscapes and roads e.g. mountains, forests and inner city urban roads, but for the most part, driving in Japan is easy and the roads are well maintained and well signposted. It makes sense to want to hire a car in Japan for ease of navigation and flexibility when getting around, as some more remote country areas may not offer efficient public transport.

Normally, credit cards are required for car hire because of their security. It’s much easier to detect fraud, trace payments and transactions and ensure funds are available on credit cards than if you were using an alternative means of payment. Large companies like car hire companies would therefore require car renters to use a credit card, especially when making large purchases. While you can normally use a debit card with major car hire companies, it’s a lot less secure and harder to trace or issue refunds when using one as opposed to when you use a credit card.

If you don’t own a credit card or have access to one, you’ll usually be able to pay with an alternative like a debit card. When booking online or pre-booking, it may be much easier to use a debit card than paying in person at a car rental desk, so bear this in mind if you intend to use a debit card or alternative payment method.

What are the benefits of renting a car in Japan without a credit card?

Credit cards are normally the preferred method of payment for larger purchases like security deposits, but they do still have disadvantages. Credit cards usually have a capped amount so may be unable to cover the cost of a large payment, but credit limits can be altered. Credit cards also normally mean that you need to have a credit check carried out which, if you’re short on time or don’t have a required credit score, can be inconvenient.

What are the common policies for car hire in Japan?

Japan has many driving rules and regulations that also apply to tourists who are looking to rent a car in the country. The minimum age for car hire in Japan and for driving a car is 18 years old. If you’re looking to rent a more luxury car, you may need to be older than 18. Be aware that this may vary depending on the car hire company. You can drive in Japan with a full and valid UK driving licence, but you’ll also need an International Driving Permit which you can usually obtain from a local post office in your home country. Also, be sure to bring any relevant and updated insurance documents with you when hiring your car.

What alternative payment options are available for car hire in Japan?

You can normally use debit cards in place of credit cards with most major car hire suppliers in international locations. However, prepaid cards, PayPal or cash are not commonly accepted. If you don’t have a debit or credit card, you’ll need to purchase one before booking a car rental. Security deposits can reach around thousands of pounds (or yen which is the currency in Japan), so cash payments are normally accepted and debit cards will need to have sufficient funds to pay this off. Prepaid cards or PayPal are not commonly accepted, but this will need to be double-checked as some companies may allow them.

How can you rent a car in Japan without a credit card?

As stated, you can normally use a debit card to pay for car hire in Japan with larger suppliers, however double-check before. Cash, prepaid cards and PayPal are not generally accepted, but this depends on the company you’re renting with and the location.

Where can you rent a car without a credit card in Japan?

The main suppliers that allow debit or alternative payments in Japan include:

Enterprise

Major debit cards like Mastercard and Visa are accepted to pay for your car rental with this company. However, most locations will not accept a debit card for the deposit.

Toyota Rent a Car

While credit cards are the preferred payment method, for some vehicles cash is accepted as a means of payment.

National

National generally accepts debit cards as a payment method in numerous international locations.

How can you rent a car with a prepaid card in Japan?

For many of the larger international car hire suppliers, prepaid cards are not accepted. Some suppliers may allow prepaid cards if booked online, but when booking car hire in person, prepaid cards are typically not accepted.

How do you rent a car using cash in Japan?

With many of the main car hire suppliers, cash is not usually an accepted form of payment. However, some local or national car hire companies like Toyota Rent a Car may accept cash as a valid form of payment for certain vehicle classes or in certain circumstances. Taking out large amounts of cash poses a lot of financial and security risks, which is generally why it’s not normally accepted as a payment method.

Can I use a debit card to pay the security deposit in Japan?

It’s commonly accepted by many of the main car rental companies to allow debit card payments for security deposits, but you must ensure that your debit card holds sufficient funds and enough to cover the deposit, which can reach up to about £3,000 in certain cases. Refunds are harder to issue to debit cards, which is another reason why credit cards tend to be favoured over debit cards.

When should you consider renting a car without a credit card in Japan?

Not everyone has a credit card, so you may be looking for alternative ways of paying for your car rental. Luckily, many of the larger car hire companies allow debit cards, but it’s a good idea to acquire a credit card for ease of booking and to avoid any hassles. Debit cards don’t require a lengthy credit check either, which is often the case with credit cards, which is another incentive to not use a credit card when booking car hire.

Why do some car hire companies in Japan require a credit card?

Credit cards have fewer financial and security risks attached to them, and payments made from credit cards are a lot easier to trace, and refunds are a lot easier to issue if required. Credit cards also ensure that you will have the means of paying for your car rental– your debit card may not have the correct funds to cover the costs, but with a credit card this is not an issue.

Why is it important to understand security deposits?

Security deposits protect all parties involved from hassles or financial problems. They act as an incentive for drivers to drive a lot more carefully and responsibly, as they would be liable to pay for damage repairs should the car be damaged or stolen and you don’t have insurance. They also ensure the company can easily issue out vehicles without worrying that you won’t be able to pay or that you’ll safely return the vehicle.

Why should you check local policies and restrictions?

It’s important to know about the driving rules and regulations before you drive, to avoid putting yourself or other drivers at risk. Local car rental companies can differ from the larger international ones, so what is offered by one company may not be offered by another. This is why it’s recommended that you know your car hire supplier well before you book with them, to ensure that the services they offer align with your expectations and that you don’t get charged anything unexpected.