Quick Summary
- Most US rental brands do not run a full credit check when you pay with a standard credit card, but extra checks are more common with debit cards.
- You can often still rent with a low credit score if you meet the payment and documentation rules, although deposits and conditions may be stricter.
- Booking through Hola Car Rentals helps you compare policies in advance so you are not surprised at the counter.
Do rental companies really check your credit?
Before you start comparing car hire options, it helps to understand when credit checks usually happen and what they actually mean. At most US locations, the agent is mainly interested in whether your payment card can handle the security hold and final bill. With a standard credit card, many suppliers will not run a separate formal credit check. Instead, they place a temporary authorisation on your card and rely on your bank to confirm there is enough available limit.
The size of that authorisation varies by company, city and vehicle class. A compact car at a regional airport might require a smaller hold than an SUV collected at a major hub. Your Hola Car Rentals voucher shows the planned deposit so you can check it against your card limit before you travel.
What changes when you pay with a debit card?
Things can look different if you want to pay with a debit card or prepaid card. Some rental partners will run a soft credit check to understand your payment history and level of risk. A soft check should not affect your score, but it may lead to extra rules at the desk, such as proof of a return flight or a recent utility bill. Requirements are often tighter at high risk locations, including large airports in Florida and New York, where one way bookings and last minute changes are common.
Even when a soft check is involved, the key factor is still whether your card can support the deposit and expected charges. If the authorisation fails because there is not enough available balance, the rental company may refuse the vehicle or ask for a different card, regardless of your underlying score.
Renting a car with a bad credit score
A low credit score does not automatically mean you cannot rent a car. If you have a working credit card in your own name, you can usually rent as long as you meet age and licence rules and your card has enough limit for the deposit. However, some suppliers are more cautious when they see weaker credit profiles, especially if you are paying with a debit card or collecting a premium vehicle.
To improve your chances, make sure the payment card belongs to the main driver and is valid for the entire trip. Keep supporting documents ready in case the agent asks for them. If you know that traditional credit cards are not an option, the article renting without a traditional credit card walks through practical alternatives such as debit cards, prepaid products and cash deposits in selected locations.
How Hola Car Rentals helps you prepare
Hola Car Rentals works with trusted partners across the United States and highlights key payment rules before you confirm. On each offer you can see whether debit cards are accepted, how much the security hold will be and whether extra documents may be requested at pick up. That information is especially valuable if you are flying into busier hubs such as the Orlando MCO counters or the New York JFK desks, where queues are long and you will want everything to go smoothly.
Many Hola Car Rentals offers include All Inclusive style protection that reduces your liability, and selected All Inclusive plus packages add free travel insurance up to US$150,000 and cashback on tolls. Knowing that damage and medical costs are largely covered can make it easier to manage your credit limits and avoid unexpected bills after the trip.
Practical steps before you book
Before confirming a booking, check the deposit against your available card limit and leave a comfortable buffer for other holiday expenses. If your score is low, avoid applying for new credit right before travelling so your profile looks stable. Consider travelling with a second card in case your primary card is blocked by your bank’s fraud systems.
If someone in your group has a stronger financial profile, it can be sensible to make them the main driver so their card supports the hold. Just remember that the cardholder must usually be present at the desk and drive the car regularly, so choose the person who will genuinely be in charge of the vehicle.
FAQs
Does Hola Car Rentals run a credit check on me? Hola Car Rentals is an online platform that connects you with leading rental brands. Any credit or identity checks are carried out by the rental company or payment provider, not by Hola Car Rentals directly.
Will a soft credit check for a rental harm my score? Soft enquiries should not reduce your score, but each bank and credit bureau has its own rules. If you are worried, speak to your card issuer before you travel and keep an eye on your statements afterwards.
Can I rent if I have recent credit issues? Many travellers with past credit problems still rent successfully every day. The key is to have a valid payment card, bring the right documents and choose a supplier whose conditions fit your situation. Hola Car Rentals helps you compare deposits, payment rules and protection options so you can choose a booking that feels comfortable.
When you are ready to plan your next driving holiday in the United States, you can combine clear payment rules and flexible cover by booking with Hola Car Rentals.
