Quick Summary:
- Use a credit card in the main driver’s name, with raised credit.
- Visa, Mastercard, Amex, and sometimes Discover are usually considered major.
- Debit, prepaid, and virtual cards often fail deposit rules at pick-up.
- Check deposit amount, card type, and billing address before travelling.
In the United States, the phrase “major credit card” appears everywhere in rental terms, yet it is rarely defined in a way that feels practical when you are stood at the counter. For car hire, it usually means a widely accepted credit card brand, issued by a recognised bank, that allows the rental desk to place a security deposit (often a pre-authorisation) in the main driver’s name. If the desk cannot place that deposit on a qualifying card, the rental can be refused at pick-up, even if the reservation itself is confirmed.
This guide breaks down what rental desks usually mean by “major credit card”, which card types commonly trigger problems, and how to turn the rules into a quick checklist before you fly. For general information on options and requirements, see the Hola overview for car hire in the United States.
What rental desks usually mean by “major credit card”
At most US rental desks, a “major credit card” is defined by three practical characteristics.
1) It is a widely recognised network. Most commonly, that means Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Some locations also accept Discover, although acceptance can vary by supplier, state, or even specific airport desk.
2) It is a true credit card, not a debit product. The key is whether the desk can place a pre-authorisation that reduces available credit, without taking funds from a current account. Many debit cards can technically handle pre-authorisations, but rental policies often still exclude them for standard pick-ups, certain vehicle groups, or drivers without extra documentation.
3) It is in the main driver’s name and meets basic status checks. The card must normally show the driver’s name, be valid for the whole rental period, and have sufficient available credit to cover the deposit plus any estimated charges. The desk may also require the card to be physically present and chip-enabled.
In other words, “major” is less about prestige and more about predictable acceptance and the ability to hold a deposit cleanly. If you want to compare supplier policies while you browse, the broader United States car rental page is a useful starting point.
Why the deposit is stricter than the rental charge
People are often surprised that a card which works online for the reservation may not work at the desk for the deposit. That is because the deposit is about risk management and damage security, not simply payment.
Most US suppliers place a pre-authorisation, which temporarily “holds” a set amount of your available credit. You do not pay it unless something later needs charging, but it can reduce your spending limit while the hold remains. The desk needs a card type that reliably supports this process, including the right merchant category codes and a bank that does not block car rental holds.
Also note that deposits can be higher for larger vehicles, one-way rentals, younger drivers, or renters using certain payment methods. If you are considering a people carrier, the deposit rules can matter as much as luggage space, so it is worth checking details while you research minivan hire in the United States.
Cards that are commonly accepted as “major” in the US
Although acceptance depends on the specific rental supplier and location, these are the brands most often recognised as “major credit cards” at US desks.
Visa and Mastercard credit cards. These are the most widely accepted for car hire deposits in the US. If you have a standard bank-issued credit card on either network, it is usually the safest option.
American Express. Frequently accepted, particularly at major airport locations and with large suppliers. However, some smaller locations or specific franchise operations may restrict Amex, so it is still worth double-checking the supplier’s payment rules for your pick-up.
Discover. Sometimes accepted, sometimes not. If Discover is your only credit card, treat this as a potential risk area and confirm acceptance for your exact supplier and station before travel.
What matters just as much as the logo is the underlying product type. A Visa debit card is not the same as a Visa credit card for deposit purposes, even though the front of the card looks familiar.
Cards that often cause deposit refusal at pick-up
The quickest way to avoid problems is to recognise the card categories that frequently fail rental desk rules, even when the card works elsewhere.
Debit cards. Many US suppliers either do not accept debit cards for the deposit at all, or they accept them only with additional constraints. Those constraints can include additional identity checks, proof of return travel, a higher deposit, a credit check, or restrictions on vehicle categories. Debit acceptance can also differ between airport and neighbourhood locations.
Prepaid cards. These are commonly excluded because the issuer may not support pre-authorisations in the same way, and because the risk controls for damage liability are different.
Virtual or app-only cards. Even if they are linked to a credit line, some desks require a physical card that can be inserted or tapped. If a desk cannot verify the card in person, you can run into refusal.
Cards not in the main driver’s name. A companion’s card can be rejected, even if they are travelling with you. For most suppliers, the security deposit must be on the main driver’s credit card. Adding that person as an additional driver does not always solve it, because the primary responsibility remains with the main driver.
Corporate, fleet, or lodge cards with restrictions. Some company cards block specific merchant categories or pre-authorisations, or require prior travel approval. If you intend to use one, test it with your card issuer beforehand.
What “in the main driver’s name” means in practice
Rental desks generally treat the main driver as the person whose driving licence is used for the contract and whose name is printed on the rental agreement. The deposit card typically has to match that name closely. Small differences such as missing middle names are usually fine, but if the card belongs to someone else, you can be stuck.
If you and your travel companion are deciding who should be the main driver, base it on who has a qualifying credit card, not only on who will do most of the driving. This simple choice prevents a large share of pick-up counter issues.
How much available credit do you need for the deposit?
There is no single deposit figure for US car hire. It varies by supplier, station, vehicle group, and optional extras. However, the common principle is that your available credit must cover:
1) The security deposit hold plus 2) any estimated rental charges plus 3) any add-ons selected at the desk (for example toll products, upgrades, or additional insurance selections).
Even if your credit limit looks high, your available credit can be lower because of existing balances or other pre-authorisations from hotels and travel providers. If you want to avoid an awkward surprise at the counter, consider keeping a buffer available on the card you intend to use.
Brand rules can differ by supplier and location
Two desks in the same airport can interpret “major credit card” slightly differently. Some suppliers accept a wider range of card products, while others are more strict. Even within the same brand, a neighbourhood location may apply tighter rules than an airport location.
To get a feel for how supplier policies can vary, it helps to look at specific provider pages while comparing options, such as Thrifty car hire in the United States or National car hire in the United States. The key takeaway is not that one supplier is always better, but that you should align your payment method with the rules of the supplier you intend to use.
How to avoid a deposit refusal at pick-up
Use this pre-travel checklist to reduce the chance of a desk turning you away for payment reasons.
Confirm your card is a credit card, not debit. Do not rely on the logo alone. Many bank cards show Visa or Mastercard branding regardless of whether they are debit or credit. If you are unsure, check your banking app or ask the issuer directly.
Bring the physical card you plan to use. Even if you paid online another way, the desk may require the deposit card to be inserted or tapped. A screenshot of card details is not a substitute.
Make the cardholder the main driver. If the main driver cannot present a qualifying credit card, you may have to change drivers on the day, which the desk may not allow without re-rating, or you may be refused.
Ensure your card has enough available credit for the hold. Remember hotels often place their own holds, and that can stack up during travel days.
Match IDs and billing details. Some desks are stricter if the address on the driving licence differs significantly from the card billing address, or if your ID documents are inconsistent.
Be cautious with debit-only travel plans. If you intend to use a debit card, research the supplier’s debit policy for your station, including extra documents and any vehicle group restrictions. For larger vehicles, it is especially important, since categories like passenger vans can have higher holds. If you are comparing that type of trip, see the Hola page for van rental in the United States.
Does paying online change the deposit rule?
Usually not. Paying online can cover the rental cost, but the desk still needs a deposit method that meets the supplier’s security requirements. In practice, that means you should treat the deposit card requirement as a separate rule from the payment for the booking itself.
Also remember that optional items chosen at the desk can change the amount authorised. If you are trying to keep things predictable, decide in advance what you do and do not want to add, and keep extra available credit as a cushion.
Common misconceptions about “major credit cards”
“My card says Visa, so it must be accepted.” Not necessarily, because Visa debit and Visa credit are treated differently by many suppliers.
“If I have Apple Pay or Google Pay, I’m covered.” Digital wallets are convenient, but desks may still require a physical card, and some wallet tokens do not present in a way that meets counter rules.
“My partner can put down their card while I drive.” Often not allowed, because the security deposit must be in the main driver’s name.
“A prepaid travel card should work like a credit card.” Prepaid products are frequently excluded for deposit holds.
FAQ
Q: What is the safest “major credit card” to use for a US car hire deposit? A: A bank-issued Visa or Mastercard credit card in the main driver’s name is usually the most widely accepted for US deposits.
Q: Is American Express considered a major credit card at US rental desks? A: Often yes, but acceptance can vary by supplier and location, so it is worth confirming for your specific pick-up station.
Q: Can I use a debit card for the deposit instead of a credit card? A: Sometimes, but many suppliers restrict debit use, require extra documentation, or limit vehicle categories, so it can increase refusal risk.
Q: Why was my card accepted online but rejected at the counter? A: Online payment and deposit pre-authorisation are different processes, and the desk may require a true credit card that supports a deposit hold.
Q: Does the deposit need to be on the same card used for payment? A: Not always, but the deposit almost always must be on a qualifying card in the main driver’s name.
