Renting Guide
Payment Options
- Why do rental car companies ask for a credit card?
- Can I use a credit card up front and then pay for the rental with cash when I return the car?
- What credit card can I use?
- Are there any other payment alternatives?
- Can I use a debit card?
1. Why do rental car companies ask for a credit card?
Rental companies need to know that their renters are credit-worthy, to minimise vehicle damage and losses. Credit cards and valid drivers' licences usually provide the only information we have about our renters.
2. Can I use a credit card up front and then pay for the rental with cash when I return the car?
Although you present a major credit card at the time of rental, when you return the vehicle, you will be asked if you'd like to keep the rental charges on that credit card or pay cash. Since car rental companies ask for credit approval on the estimated car rental charges when you pick up the car, that amount will be held against your credit balance on that card for up to 14 days, regardless of how you pay upon return.
3. What credit card can I use?
Budget accepts the following credit/charge cards as credit identification at the time of rental;
Budget American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard, and Visa. Note that debit cards are accepted at some locations provided that the card displays the Visa or Mastercard logo has been issued by a bank and has the customer's name and card number on the card. Prepaid and Reloadable Debit cards as well as Travel cards and EFTPOS cards are not acceptable for rental.
4. Are there any other payment alternatives?
Your travel agent can sell you a prepaid voucher that you can use to pay for rentals at various locations within and outside the Australia. In some cases vouchers do not cover taxes, surcharges, additional coverage, extra days, upgrades, etc. Therefore, you should carefully read the voucher information to understand exactly what is included. You may also be asked to show a credit card as well as a valid driver's licence, even though you have a voucher.
Debit cards are accepted at most locations provided that the card displays the Visa or Mastercard logo, has been issued by a bank and has the customer's name and card number on the card. Prepaid and Reloadable Debit cards as well as Travel cards and EFTPOS cards are not acceptable for rental. If you are planning to use a debit card please contact your rental location prior to your rental to confirm if it will be accepted, and whether any special conditions may apply.
