Hertz, Dollar and Thrifty customers can now use a debit card payment option across selected European locations instead of a credit card for van and car rentals.

Debit card rentals are now available in selected markets

The debit card rentals are available at Hertz, Dollar and Thrifty locations in Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Slovakia, mainland Spain and the UK.

The simplified ‘Pay Your Own Way’ policy has been introduced as recent Mastercard research shows that people are increasingly using their debit card. In 2016, more than 70% of all card payment transactions in Europe were made with debit cards, with additional research showing that 50% of people carry debit cards only.

Tracy Gehlan, senior vice president, Hertz Europe, said: “The new ‘pay your own way’ option is all about offering customers greater flexibility, convenience and choice in how they rent from us, putting them in the driving seat.”

Customers who prefer to use a debit card must have a Debit Mastercard or other recognised debit cards, and will undergo the same ID and driving licence checks prior to renting the vehicle. A pre-authorised deposit for the vehicle will be held on the customer’s account and released minus any owed charges once the vehicle has been returned.