Quick Summary
- Most US suppliers still expect a physical payment card in the main driver’s name at the desk.
- Phone wallets are useful for everyday spending, but they are not always accepted for security deposits or identity checks.
- Hola Car Rentals recommends travelling with at least one physical credit card and treating digital wallets as a convenient backup.
Why physical cards remain essential
Contactless payments and phone wallets are now common in shops and restaurants, but the rental desk is a little different. The agent needs to place a security hold and confirm that the person signing the agreement is the same person whose name appears on the card. With a plastic card this is simple: the name is printed clearly and the card can be inserted or swiped through the terminal. Some digital wallet transactions, by contrast, only show the last four digits of a tokenised card and may not display the cardholder name the agent expects.
For that reason many US locations insist that the physical card is presented even if the actual charge is processed using contactless technology. At smaller city branches or in destination resorts, card terminals might also be older models that do not accept phone wallets at all. Turning up with only your phone can therefore create delays or even lead to the vehicle being refused.
How digital wallets fit into the picture
Digital wallets are still useful on a driving holiday. They can make it faster to pay for fuel, parking or a snack stop when you have left your wallet in the glovebox. However, it is safer to think of them as a supplement to, not a replacement for, a traditional card when it comes to deposits. If your wallet battery runs flat or the handset is damaged, you will still be able to pay with the physical card.
Some travellers choose to store the same card in their wallet app and bring the plastic version as well. This can work well for busy arrivals into hubs such as Los Angeles arrival experience, where you can use your wallet for taxis or snacks in the terminal and then present the physical card at the rental desk. It is also worth remembering that refunds of unused deposits or adjustments to toll and fuel charges are normally processed back to the original card, so you need to keep that card active for a period after the trip.
Matching the card to the main driver
Whatever form of payment you use, the name on the card must usually match the main driver on the agreement. A card in a partner’s name may only be accepted if that person is also added as a driver and is present to sign. If your card shows both your personal name and your employer’s name, make sure your driving licence matches the personal name exactly. Photo ID, card and voucher should tell a consistent story.
This is especially important at busy gateway airports. Travellers collecting a vehicle for a New York city break can save time by making sure the right card is ready when they reach the counter in New York city break driving hubs. On the West Coast, those planning San Francisco scenic drives will find it much easier if the same card is used consistently for deposits, fuel and any later adjustments.
How Hola Car Rentals helps you prepare
When you book US car hire with Hola Car Rentals, the payment rules highlighted in the booking journey make it clear whether credit cards, debit cards or both are accepted at your chosen location. Our All Inclusive+ Rate options bundle key protections into one price, so you have fewer separate card transactions to worry about on arrival.
Hola Car Rentals also offers Free travel insurance up to US$150,000 on selected products, together with Free Cancellation up to forty eight hours before pick up. That flexibility lets you change plans if you receive a new card, lose your wallet or need to travel with a different driver. With no additional fees and competitive savings compared with paying on arrival, you can keep your preferred card free for hotels, dining and experiences.
FAQs
Will staff ever accept only a phone wallet for the deposit? Some locations with modern terminals may be able to complete the pre authorisation using Apple Pay, Google Pay or a similar service. However, acceptance is never guaranteed, and staff may still ask to see the underlying plastic card to verify your identity. To avoid stress, it is better to treat the wallet as a handy extra rather than the main payment method.
Can I use one card in my phone and a different card at the desk? Yes, it is common to use a digital wallet for everyday spending and a separate physical card for the deposit. Just keep track of which card is linked to the rental, because any adjustments, fines or tolls are likely to be charged to that card. Keeping notes in your phone or travel folder can help you match statements to each trip.
What happens if I lose my card while travelling? If a card used for the deposit is lost or stolen, you should contact your bank immediately so it can be blocked. Then inform the rental supplier as soon as possible and ask how any remaining charges will be handled. It is wise to travel with a second card kept in a separate place so you can still pay for hotels and flights while the issue is resolved.
Arriving with a physical card in the main driver’s name and a well charged phone wallet gives you the best of both worlds on a US driving holiday. Hola Car Rentals is on hand to help you choose the right protection, understand the payment rules and collect your vehicle with confidence.
