When you’re ready to plan your next vacation, you’re probably going to find out that you’re going to need a credit card in order to reserve your car.  What you’re going to find out is that you may not want to use it, or maybe you just don’t have a card.  That’s okay!

How you can rent a car without a credit card…

Get a quick prepaid credit card: Prepaid credit cards are great for those that don’t want to use their card, or maybe they just don’t have one.  Regardless of what your case is, you’ll want to highly consider applying for one.  Load the card up with some money, and use it when you book your car online.   It’s going to act just like a regular card, so you shouldn’t have any problems at all.

Use plain old cash: Yes, rental car companies will accept cash, because who’s going to deny it?  If you’re going to make your reservations online with services such as Priceline, etc, you’re going to find out that you won’t be able to do so, since they will require a credit card.  Instead, call up the company, and ask them how you can reserve, but you want to pay in cash.  Tell them your situation, and they will most likely work something out for you.

Call a travel agent: Yes, I know this sounds old school, but I can almost guarantee you that there will be an agent in your town still.  Call them up, and explain your situation.  Since they have closer ties with the rental car companies that you do, you will find that they might be able to pull some strings for you.

Of course, it’s going to help to have a credit card, and yes, I understand if you don’t have one, or don’t want to use one.  Just don’t be discouraged when you can’t find too many places that won’t confirm your registration without a credit card handy.