Payment methods for your rental car

Most rental car providers prefer credit card payments, however depending on which provider you go with — as well as your location and choice of vehicle — alternative payment methods may be accepted. As always, we suggest getting in touch beforehand with your prospective rental provider to find out what payment methods are accepted at your chosen depot.

Credit card

New Zealand’s major rental brands — including Apex, Avis, Budget, East Coast, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt, and Thrifty — accept Visa and Mastercard credit cards, with many also accepting American Express and Diners Club credit cards. Whichever credit card you use, you will need to ensure that enough credit is available for all of your rental charges, including the security bond, the amount for which will be held for the duration of the rental period. In some cases you may need a second credit card depending on the type of vehicle you select.

Furthermore, the credit card used must be in the name of the primary driver; if you’re paying for a rental car that has been booked under your name, the credit card will also need to have your name on it. If you’re unable to present an accepted credit card to the depot staff when you arrive to collect your rental car, you may not be permitted to proceed with the booking.

If you forget your credit card, you cannot use a picture of it instead. The physical credit card (along with your driver’s licence) must be sighted by staff at the rental counter prior to the signing of your rental agreement. As you will be taking the rental car off site, this is a security measure that needs to take place.

Debit card

Most major rental providers in New Zealand accept debit cards, however the card will need to display either the Visa or Mastercard logo. If you do wish to pay using debit card, you may also be required to pay an increased security bond amount.

The location of the depot and type of vehicle can determine if you’ll be able to use your debit card, so if you’re in doubt, reach out to your prospective rental provider to ask about their accepted payment methods.

Cash

Some rental providers may accept cash payment, though a higher than normal security bond will likely be required; this can be upwards of $1,000. There may also be instances — depending on your provider — where you’ll be required to purchase additional products, such as loss-damage waivers, if you wish to pay for your rental car using cash. In many cases, you’ll still be asked to present a valid credit or debit card upon collection for security purposes, and amounts paid in cash must be in New Zealand Dollars.

You’ll need to coordinate with the rental provider directly if you’re planning to pay in cash. Our booking system will only allow for payments to be made in credit or debit card.

Payment on behalf of someone else

Rental providers typically require payment from the primary driver — the person whose name is attached to the booking — as they will be the one signing the rental agreement. Some locations may allow someone else to pay, but in these instances, the payment will still need to be made at the rental counter, and the person paying must present a valid photo ID. If you need someone else to pay for your rental car on your behalf, or you are looking to pay for someone else, you should contact the rental provider prior to the collection date to find out what their requirements are.

An easy way around this is to place the booking under the name of the payer, then, upon collection of the vehicle, have the intended driver be added to the rental agreement as an additional driver.

For further details on paying for a rental car booked through VroomVroomVroom, click the Important Information box that is displayed when you select a rental car using our search form. The Important Information box will tell you what is required based on the payment option of your choice.