Can you hire a car with a debit card?

Yes, you can hire a car with a debit card with Wiber. You can do so with a Visa or Mastercard, provided it is valid.

The key is to choose the right rate, bring the correct card, check whether there is an excess and prepare your documentation before collection. This will make the process much easier.

In this guide, we share everything you need to know to hire a car with a debit card with us: which cards are accepted, what documentation you need to bring, what happens with the excess and what to check before booking.

Which cards does Wiber accept for hiring a car?

At Wiber, we accept Visa and Mastercard, both credit and debit cards. This means you can hire a car at the airport provided the card is valid and meets the payment conditions. We also offer car hire with no excess when paying by debit card, meaning with any of the payment methods we accept. 

The following are not accepted:

• American Express.
• Girocard.
• Virtual cards.
• Digital cards.
• Smartphone payments.

In addition, the cardholder must be present at the time of rental. With the All Inclusive rate or SmartCar with Top Cover insurance, the payer and the driver may be different people. 

What you should bear in mind about debit cards

There are several important points to consider regarding the requirements for hiring a car.

The card must be in the cardholder’s name, active, have sufficient funds and meet the booking conditions. The cardholder must be present at the relevant point during the rental process. 

Which rate should you choose if you want to hire a car with a debit card?

You can pay by debit card with any rate, as we accept it in all cases, with no restrictions. 

If you want to book with maximum peace of mind, it is worth understanding the differences between the rates properly.

Full/Full rate

The Full/Full rate includes basic cover with an excess. This means that, in addition to paying for the rental, there may be a pre-authorisation held as a guarantee depending on the vehicle group. If there is no damage when the car is returned, the held amount is released.

This rate may be suitable if you are looking for a more basic option and are comfortable with an excess linked to the rental, although it involves more inconvenience: the return process is slower as it includes an inspection process. Unexpected situations may also arise for which you are not covered. 

All Inclusive rate

The All Inclusive rate includes full cover with no excess, covering damage to tyres, windows, underbody, mirrors, battery and clutch. It also includes unlimited mileage with exceptions, free cancellation up to 24 hours before and the option to collect the keys from the Smart Box. 

There is no deposit or excess, making it an interesting option if you want to reduce worries and travel more comfortably. It is the smartest and fastest option. 

Smart Car rate

The Smart Car rate offers cover equivalent to All Inclusive and allows you to collect and return the car directly at the airport or station car park using your smartphone, without going to the counter. Online check-in and document verification are required. It also allows you to return the vehicle 24 hours a day at the specified car park.

It is an alternative designed for those who want a more digital, faster and more flexible experience.

What should you check before booking with a debit card?

Before making a debit card car hire booking, check the following points:

1. That your card is Visa or Mastercard.
At Wiber, these are the accepted brands for payment by credit or debit card.

2. That it is a physical card if you are paying at the counter.
Smartphone payments and digital or virtual cards are not accepted. For counter payments, the card must be in physical format.

3. That the cardholder is present.
As a general rule, the cardholder must be the same person as the vehicle driver. However, if you take out Top Cover, included in All Inclusive and Smart Car, the payer and driver may be different people. Even so, the cardholder must always be present at collection. 

4. That there are sufficient funds.
If you choose a rate with an excess or deposit, the card must have enough available balance to cover the associated amounts.

5. That you bring the required documentation.
At Wiber, you must present a physical ID card or passport, a physical driving licence or a digital driving licence via the miDGT app if it is Spanish, and any additional documentation that may apply depending on where the driving licence was issued.

Can I hire a car with a debit card if I am a young driver?

Yes, provided you meet the age and documentation requirements. At Wiber, the general minimum age to hire a car is 21, with at least 12 months’ driving licence experience. Drivers aged between 21 and 24 pay a supplement of €9/day, up to a maximum of €90 per rental. For some vehicle groups, the minimum age is 25.

Therefore, if you want to hire a car with a debit card and you are a young driver, you should also check the vehicle group selected and the corresponding supplement.

Tips for hiring a car with a debit card

1. The first tip is to check the conditions before booking, not when you are already at the counter. Many issues occur because the customer arrives with a card that is not accepted, a virtual card or a card whose holder does not match the driver.
2. It is also advisable to complete online check-in when available, have your documentation ready and confirm the rate selected. If you are travelling in high season, booking in advance helps you choose the best vehicle, rate and extras.
3. Above all, do not confuse “I have a debit card” with “any debit card will do”. It must be an accepted, valid card, in the cardholder’s name and with sufficient funds.