Finding the right car hire in Austin, Texas, requires understanding the rental policies. This guide outlines the renter requirements and accepted payment methods for car rentals in Austin.
Renter Requirements
All renters and additional drivers must be at least 21 years old with a valid driver’s license and a major credit or debit card in their name. Provisional licenses are not accepted. Drivers between 21 and 24 years old will incur a $25 per day underage surcharge and are restricted to specific vehicle classes: Economy to Full-Size cars, Cargo and Minivans, Pickup Trucks, and Compact, Small, and Standard SUVs with a maximum seating capacity of five.
Debit Card Policy
Debit cards are accepted at Austin airport locations only if presented with a ticketed return travel itinerary. The renter’s driver’s license must display their current home address, matching the address on the debit card. Active-duty military personnel are exempt from this address requirement. Only the renter’s spouse or domestic partner is permitted as an additional driver when using a debit card. Using a debit card will result in a hold on the associated account for the estimated rental cost and any potential additional charges. Overdraft fees are the renter’s responsibility.
Insurance Verification
Renters without a return travel itinerary must provide proof of transferable collision, comprehensive, and liability car insurance for luxury vehicles, including Full-Size Luxury Sedan, Premium Luxury Sedan, Intermediate Sport Luxury Sedan, Electric Luxury Sedan, Premium Luxury SUV, Extended Luxury SUV, Electric Luxury SUV, Limo Van, and Corvette.
Accepted Payment Methods
The following forms of payment are accepted for car hire in Austin, Texas:
- VISA®
- MasterCard®
- American Express®
- Discover Network®
- Debit Card (with restrictions)
The estimated total rental cost, displayed during reservation and in the confirmation email, will be charged to the provided payment method. Modifications to the reservation may alter the total cost, which will still be charged to the original payment method. A rental contract, outlining the rental agreement summary and additional terms and conditions, will be signed at the time of rental.
Deposit Requirements
A deposit of $400 or $850 is required at the time of rental for certain vehicle classes, including Electric Luxury SUV, Full Size Elite Electric Sedan, Intermediate Sport Luxury Sedan, Premium Luxury Sedan, Electric Luxury Sedan, Premium Luxury SUV, Extended Luxury SUV, Limo Van, and Corvette. This deposit covers potential additional charges incurred during the rental period. The deposit is held and refunded after the vehicle is returned, less any applicable charges.
Additional Payment Information
Renters must present a credit or debit card at the time of rental. The deposit is payable using the listed payment methods and remains unavailable to the renter until after the vehicle’s return. Any additional charges beyond the deposit will be charged to the original payment method or a different accepted payment method provided by the renter. Using a debit card will reduce the available funds in the associated account, and the renter is responsible for any resulting overdraft fees.
Money orders and prepaid cards are not accepted for initial payment or the deposit but can be used for outstanding balances after the vehicle is returned. Cash is not accepted. Credit cards with sufficient credit listed on the renter’s profile or loyalty account (e.g., Emerald Club, E Club) are also acceptable. All charges will be authorized and ultimately charged to the provided credit or debit card. For more details on debit card usage and general rental requirements for car hire in Austin, Texas, review the policies outlined above.
