Without Credit Card Mexico Car Hire

What is Car Hire in Mexico Without a Credit Card?

It’s generally considered easy and hassle-free to drive around Mexico, especially in larger cities. However, some care will be needed when driving through more rural and off-road areas. Much like the rest of North America, there are certain driving rules and regulations when driving in Mexico, which we’ll discuss in further detail later. Public transport in Mexico, particularly in more rural areas, may be few and far between, which may lead someone to want to hire a car as their primary means of transportation. Hiring a car gives you much more freedom to go wherever you want, provided there’s a road and a decent parking space.

It’s usually the norm to hire a car using a credit card. This is because transactions made via credit card are a lot easier to track, trace, and refund if required. Credit cards are famed for the heightened financial security they give the user, which is why they’re a favoured payment method of most large car hire companies. While many car hire companies will allow alternative methods of payment, such as cash, debit cards, or prepaid cards, it would save you a lot of unnecessary hassle and complications if you used a credit card.

However, not everyone has access to a credit card or even owns one. In such cases, certain companies will allow alternative forms of payment, like prepaid cards, cash, bank transfer, and debit cards. Debit cards are usually the most commonly accepted alternative, as prepaid cards and cash are rarely accepted as valid forms of payment, usually because of the potential fraud risks associated with using large amounts of cash and the hard-to-trace nature of prepaid cards.

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

While credit cards are generally the most accepted and encouraged form of payment, they do still come with their fair share of drawbacks. Credit cards can sometimes require lengthy credit checks, especially if they’re brand new, which is a hassle if you’re short on time and want to quickly begin your journey. Credit cards can also be capped at a certain credit amount which may be less than the security deposit amount, meaning you may be overdrawn or be unable to pay for the balance.

What are the Common Policies for Car Hire in Mexico?

Much like most of North America, you can drive in Mexico with a valid and full UK licence without much hassle, although it’s still important to ensure you have any relevant documents such as insurance or registration to hand. The legal driving age in Mexico is 18 years old, but you must be at least 21 years of age to hire a car. Sometimes, it’s required that you are over the age of 25 to hire certain types of vehicles like larger vehicles, SUVs, luxury cars, or passenger vans. Drivers younger than 25 may be charged a young driver surcharge for hiring a car, which is common with some of Mexico’s top car hire companies.

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

Aside from credit cards, you can hire your car using debit cards with most major car hire suppliers in Mexico. One of Mexico’s main payment methods is OXXO, which is a voucher-style payment method that can sometimes be used for car hire with certain companies. Prepaid cards and cash are not typically accepted by many of the main car hire suppliers in Mexico.

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

As we mentioned, you can use a debit card or OXXO payment method; however, cash and prepaid cards or gift cards are not usually accepted by most of the main car hire suppliers in Mexico.

Where Can You Rent a Car Without a Credit Card in Mexico?

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

Alamo

Alamo accepts debit card payments via Mastercard or Visa and prepaid cards with the Mastercard, Visa, or Amex logo. You may also benefit from discounts or better rates if pre-paying online.

Mex Rent a Car

You can pay via a debit card with Mex Rent a Car. Note that voucher payments or cash are not accepted.

Sixt

Debit card payments are allowed; however, your debit card must have the appropriate funds to be able to successfully pay for security deposits or any other charges when renting with Sixt.

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

Prepaid cards are not generally accepted in Mexico by many of the large car rental companies. However, voucher payments, pre-payment online, or PayPal may be accepted by certain companies in differing circumstances.

How Do You Rent a Car Using Cash in Mexico?

Most, if not all, of the main car hire suppliers don’t allow cash payments for car rental. This is because security deposits or rentals can reach up to £2,000 (around 52,000 pesos), which can flag as fraud or make companies more susceptible to theft.

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

You can sometimes use debit cards to pay security deposits, but you must ensure you have the appropriate funds in your bank account before you do so. Normally, debit cards are accepted for deposit payments but are not usually accepted for full rental payments.

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

You may be susceptible to high currency exchange markups if you’re coming into Mexico from another country and haven’t prepaid for your car hire in your home country’s currency. Not everyone has access to a credit card in their name, so they might look to pay with alternative methods like debit cards or prepaid cards.

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

It’s normally required to pay for large charges with a credit card, as they ensure that you have the appropriate funds to pay the deposit or rental amount without the risk of being overdrawn. Credit cards are also easier to trace and issue refunds for than debit cards, and credit cards come with much less hassle when using them. While some companies may not accept debit cards, most car hire companies in Mexico require credit card payments. Using a credit card means there’s no issue with checking to see if a supplier accepts alternative payments.

Why Is It Important to Understand Security Deposits?

Security deposits are as they sound—they are used for security reasons for both the company and the car renter. They act as an incentive to drive carefully, as the deposit can be used to pay for any damages the vehicle may sustain during the rental period, and they can be used to ensure that the booking is secure and there are no issues.

Why Should You Check Local Policies and Restrictions?

Not everywhere has the same car rental companies, services, or policies, and you need to be aware of any local rules and regulations before hiring your car in Mexico. What is accepted in the USA or Canada may not be accepted in Mexico, which is why it’s important to do your research before opting for a specific car rental company.