Without Credit Card Kenya Car Hire

What is Car Hire in Kenya Without a Credit Card?

Most car hire companies in Kenya require a credit card to rent a car, but this is not universally applicable. While deposits are generally easier to handle via credit card than through cash or debit card methods, some suppliers do accept these alternatives.

This article will explain the various payment methods available and their benefits.

What are the Benefits of Renting a Car in Kenya Without a Credit Card?

The booking process is much simpler when you don’t use a credit card. You can save time by avoiding the need to check your eligibility for a credit card or waiting for credit checks to be completed if you've applied for one. Instead, you can pay with an alternative method and streamline the process.

What are the Common Policies for Car Hire in Kenya?

Several common policies apply to car hire in Kenya. Firstly, drivers must be at least 23 years old to hire a car, applicable to both Kenyan nationals and foreign visitors.

Drivers must also have a minimum of two years of driving experience on their licences, regardless of age. For instance, if you are 50 and passed your test at 49, you would be ineligible to hire a car in Kenya, as you need at least two years of driving experience on your licence.

Individuals can hire cars until the age of 75, after which they cannot rent vehicles in Kenya.

What Alternative Payment Options Are Available for Car Hire in Kenya?

The second most common payment method for car hire in Kenya is undoubtedly a debit card. Car hire companies that accept alternative payment methods other than credit cards will almost always accept debit cards as a viable option.

Some suppliers may also accept prepaid cards or vouchers, and a few even allow cash payments, although these options are becoming rarer in the digital age.

How Can You Rent a Car Without a Credit Card in Kenya?

The process for renting a car without a credit card is essentially the same as with a credit card; the main difference lies in the payment method. When hiring a car using a debit card, the funds will be directly deducted from your bank account linked to the debit card, meaning your current account will be charged.

This amount can be significant (sometimes over £1,000), so you should be comfortable with having a large sum temporarily withdrawn from your account. The same applies to cash payments—if you are willing to pay a large amount of cash (for example, £1,000 equates to approximately 172,250 Kenyan Shillings), then this is also a feasible option for car hire without a credit card in Kenya.

Where Can You Rent a Car Without A Credit Card in Kenya?

Here are a few suppliers from whom you can rent a car without a credit card in Kenya:

Enterprise

Enterprise allows car hire without a credit card in Kenya, but the debit card used must be in the main driver’s name.

Hertz

Hertz has a similar policy to Enterprise, accepting debit cards as long as they are in the name of the primary driver.

Alamo

Customers can rent cars from Alamo without a credit card, but there may be a surcharge for using a debit card instead of a credit card. This surcharge varies depending on the type of vehicle hired, with larger and luxury cars incurring higher fees.

Avis

Avis also offers car hire without a credit card in Kenya, preferring debit cards over cash payments if a credit card cannot be used.

How Can You Rent a Car with a Prepaid Card in Kenya?

The most common type of prepaid card accepted for car rentals in Kenya is a debit card. Most suppliers do not accept prepaid vouchers or cards like Revolut.

How Do You Rent a Car Using Cash in Kenya?

Some suppliers may accept cash payments in Kenya. However, carrying large amounts of cash can be dangerous and is generally discouraged. While some companies accept US dollars, the majority that accept cash will only take Kenyan Shillings.

Can I Use a Debit Card to Pay for the Security Deposit in Kenya?

Yes, you can use a debit card for the security deposit similarly to how you would with a credit card. However, as previously mentioned, using a debit card may incur additional fees that credit cards typically do not. The card must be in the name of the primary driver, not any passengers, making the driver solely responsible for any further costs incurred.

When Should You Consider Renting a Car Without a Credit Card in Kenya?

If you do not own or qualify for a credit card, exploring alternative payment methods such as those listed above is advisable.

Why Do Some Car Hire Companies in Kenya Require a Credit Card?

Credit cards provide a safety net for both companies and customers. For rental companies, they can deduct any damages or expenses directly from the deposit before returning it to the customer. Such damages typically include vehicle damage, speeding tickets, or parking fines.

If a customer is involved in an accident or incurs fines for irresponsible driving, the rental company can quickly and easily deduct the amount from the credit card, making the process more efficient than if they had to recover funds from a debit card or cash deposit.

Why Is It Important to Understand Security Deposits?

As mentioned earlier, security deposits and credit cards act as a safety net for both companies and customers. From the customer's perspective, they are incentivised to drive safely and carefully to avoid unwanted expenses such as speeding tickets or parking fines, ensuring they receive their entire deposit back.

Why Should You Check Local Policies and Restrictions?

It is crucial to check local policies and restrictions before your trip. For example, companies that currently accept cash payments for car rentals may change their policies by the time you book your holiday in Kenya or when you arrive to pick up your hire car.

Keeping abreast of any changes in payment methods will prepare you to use a credit card or another payment option required by individual suppliers.