Quick Summary:
- Usually only the main driver’s credit card is used for deposit.
- Extra drivers must show a valid licence and matching photo ID.
- A second card may be requested for high deposits or premium vehicles.
- Prevent desk delays by adding drivers early and bringing original documents.
Picking up a car hire in Las Vegas can be quick, but only if everyone on the rental agreement arrives prepared. One of the most common desk questions is whether an additional driver needs their own credit card for the deposit. The short, practical answer is that the deposit is normally taken on the main driver’s card, not each driver’s. However, there are situations where the counter staff may ask for another payment card or may insist the additional driver meets extra checks before they can be added.
This guide explains what additional drivers typically must present at Las Vegas pick-up, when a second card is requested, and how to avoid delays at the desk. Policies can vary by supplier, vehicle class, and payment type, so treat this as a planning checklist to help your pick-up run smoothly.
Who pays the deposit at Las Vegas pick-up?
In most Las Vegas car hire scenarios, the security deposit is preauthorised on the main driver’s credit card. The main driver is the person named first on the agreement, and they are the person financially responsible for the vehicle. An additional driver is authorised to drive, but they usually do not become the payer of the deposit unless the agreement is changed so they become the main driver.
That said, the counter agent can still require extra documentation from each additional driver, and in certain cases may ask for a second card. It is best to assume the deposit will be held on one card, but that every driver must arrive with proper documents and be present if they are to be added.
If you are collecting at the airport, your pick-up flow can differ slightly from an off-airport location due to queues and staffing, so it helps to know what to bring. For location details and supplier coverage, see Las Vegas airport car rental and Las Vegas car rental.
Does an additional driver need their own credit card for the deposit?
Usually, no. An additional driver is commonly added based on identity and licence checks, not based on providing a separate deposit card. The deposit is usually linked to the main driver because that card is the financial guarantee for the rental.
There are a few exceptions worth planning for:
1) The additional driver becomes the main driver. If you want the second person to be the one paying, they will need a qualifying credit card in their own name, and they will need to meet age, licence, and identity requirements for the supplier.
2) The supplier asks for an extra card due to risk controls. This can happen with higher-value vehicles, higher deposit amounts, or if the supplier wants extra assurance. In practice, this could be a second credit card from the main driver, or a card from another authorised party, depending on the supplier’s rules.
3) You are using a payment method the supplier restricts. If the main driver arrives with a card type that does not meet deposit rules, the desk may accept an alternative card, but it typically must still be in the main driver’s name. Some suppliers are strict about this, so relying on an additional driver’s card can cause delays.
4) The additional driver is not present. While this is not directly about a credit card, it is a common cause of “we cannot add them” outcomes. If they are not present with their documents, the desk cannot complete the checks, which can lead to disputes about who is allowed to drive.
What extra drivers must present: card, ID, and driving licence
The deposit generally centres on the main driver’s credit card, but additional drivers still have to meet eligibility requirements. At Las Vegas pick-up, plan for the additional driver to present the following.
1) Full, valid driving licence. It must be original, current, and in good condition. Temporary or digital-only licences are often not accepted. If the licence is close to expiring, resolve that before travel.
2) Photo ID that matches the licence. A passport is commonly used, especially for international visitors. The key point is that names must match across documents. If one document includes middle names and another does not, allow extra time at the desk and bring supporting ID if you have it.
3) Proof of eligibility if required. For non-US licences, some suppliers may request an International Driving Permit depending on the issuing country and the licence language. Even if it is not always required, bringing it can help avoid arguments at the counter.
4) Payment card only if they are paying or becoming main driver. Most of the time, the additional driver does not need to present a card for the deposit. However, they should still bring a card as a practical backup if plans change and they need to take over as main driver.
5) Being physically present at pick-up. If the additional driver will be listed on the agreement, they should attend the counter check-in so the agent can verify identity and licence. Adding them later can mean returning to the counter, queuing again, and sometimes paying extra administrative fees.
When a second card is requested in Las Vegas
Even if an additional driver does not usually need their own credit card for the deposit, you should understand the typical triggers that lead to requests for an extra card. These are the most common desk scenarios.
High deposit amounts. Deposits can be higher for larger vehicles, certain locations, or when optional protections are declined. If the preauthorisation is large, some card issuers may decline it due to security rules or insufficient available credit. A second card can help if the first card cannot support the hold.
Premium, luxury, or specialty vehicles. Higher-value vehicles can come with stricter financial requirements. For example, larger people carriers or upgraded categories can have higher deposits, particularly during busy Las Vegas dates.
Debit card restrictions. Some suppliers restrict debit cards for deposits or require additional checks. If you arrive planning to use a debit card, bring a credit card as a fallback to avoid delays.
Name mismatch on payment card. The main driver’s payment card must usually match the main driver’s identity. If someone else’s card is offered, even if they are an additional driver, the supplier may refuse it. This is one of the biggest causes of counter delays.
Multiple drivers and long rentals. A longer hire period or multiple-authorised-driver setup can trigger more stringent verification, even if the card requirement itself does not change.
If your trip involves a people carrier, it is worth reading vehicle-category notes in advance, because deposits and requirements can differ. Relevant pages include minivan rental in Las Vegas and minivan hire in Las Vegas.
How to avoid delays at the rental desk
Las Vegas rental counters can be busy, and small issues can snowball into long waits. These steps help you avoid the most common document and deposit problems when adding an additional driver.
Check the name format on all documents. Ensure the main driver’s name matches across passport, driving licence, and credit card. Do the same for the additional driver. If your passport includes a middle name, it is better if your card also includes it, but at minimum the first and last names should clearly match.
Bring original documents, not photos. A photo of a licence on your phone is rarely accepted as a substitute. The additional driver should bring their original licence and passport or ID to the counter.
Arrive with a deposit-ready credit card in the main driver’s name. The most efficient pick-up is when the main driver presents a credit card with enough available credit for the preauthorisation hold. If you are unsure of your available limit, contact your card issuer before travel.
Have a realistic backup plan. If your main driver’s card is declined for the hold, you may need another credit card that fits the same name requirement. If the only other card belongs to the additional driver, it might not be accepted unless they become the main driver and the contract is rewritten. That process takes time, and it can affect pricing and eligibility.
Add drivers as early as practical. If you know you want an additional driver, add them during the booking process where possible, or at least be ready to add them at the start of pick-up. Adding a driver later usually requires returning to the desk and re-checking documents.
Keep everyone together at the counter. If the additional driver is in the car park or off buying snacks, the agent may refuse to add them without seeing them. In busy periods, this can mean going back to the queue.
Allow extra time for international travellers. International visitors may face extra licence questions. Having an International Driving Permit (where applicable) and a clear travel itinerary can reduce friction, even if it is not always required.
Common misunderstandings about deposits and additional drivers
“We both need to pay a deposit because we both will drive.” Usually false. The deposit is typically one hold tied to the rental agreement, not per driver.
“The additional driver’s card is fine if they are on the contract.” Not necessarily. Many suppliers want the deposit card to match the main driver, regardless of additional drivers listed.
“A debit card works the same way as a credit card.” Often false at pick-up. Debit policies vary, and debit holds can behave differently, including higher holds or added checks.
“We can add the additional driver later without hassle.” Sometimes possible, but it can take time and may require everyone to return with documents. Doing it at pick-up is usually smoother.
Planning tips for smoother Las Vegas car hire pick-up
Think of the pick-up process as two separate checks: a financial check for the main driver (deposit card and funds), and an eligibility check for every driver (licence and ID). If you satisfy both quickly, you minimise queue time and reduce the chance of having to reissue the agreement.
When comparing options, it can help to look at supplier pages to understand vehicle types, locations, and what is typical for that supplier’s desk process. For instance, National car hire in Las Vegas and Thrifty car rental in Las Vegas can be useful reference points while you plan documents and timing.
If you are travelling with family or a group, nominate the person most likely to pass payment checks as the main driver. That usually means someone with a mainstream credit card, sufficient available credit, and documents that match perfectly. Then add additional drivers for flexibility, but do not rely on them to solve a payment issue at the counter unless you are prepared to change the main driver and rework the agreement.
FAQ
Q: Does an additional driver need their own credit card for the deposit in Las Vegas?
A: Usually no. The deposit is normally preauthorised on the main driver’s credit card, while additional drivers are added via licence and ID checks.
Q: What documents should an additional driver bring to the Las Vegas counter?
A: Bring an original valid driving licence and matching photo ID, commonly a passport. If your licence is not in English, an International Driving Permit can help where applicable.
Q: When might the desk ask for a second credit card?
A: It can happen if the deposit is high, the vehicle category is premium, the first card cannot accept the hold, or the supplier has stricter risk controls for that rental.
Q: Can we use the additional driver’s card if the main driver’s card is declined?
A: Sometimes only if the additional driver becomes the main driver and meets all requirements. Many suppliers will not take a third-party card for the deposit.
Q: How do we avoid delays when adding an extra driver?
A: Ensure the additional driver is present at pick-up with original documents, confirm names match across ID and licence, and bring a deposit-ready credit card in the main driver’s name.
