rental car with no security deposit
Article March 24, 2026 6 mins read

Can You Rent a Car Without a Deposit in the USA?

Renting cars in the United States without security deposits is rare, as most companies require a standard car rental deposit depending on policy and vehicle type. For a car rental without deposits, you can explore local service providers. Some prominent names include Zipcar and Turo.

Some rental companies also exist that charge a minimal security deposit. Please remember, you will end up paying more if you choose debit cards. Before booking, check if your chosen car rental company charges a deposit.

Top Car Rental Companies with No Deposit

Fortunately, there are a few car rental companies with no deposit. You can definitely save by choosing the following:

1. Zipcar

Some services operate differently compared to traditional rentals and may not follow the standard whether you need a credit card to rent a car policy. Therefore, no deposits are required for renting a car from it. Please remember that this car rental company only has its presence in New York, California, Chicago, and Massachusetts.

2. Turo

Peer-to-peer platforms often differ from traditional agencies, especially when compared with renting a car with a debit card policies. It is a peer-to-peer (P2P) platform where individuals offer their vehicles without a security deposit. However, the rental fees may be higher here.

3. Enterprise CarShare

Some shared mobility services differ from standard Enterprise insurance cost structures and rental rules. The services include flexible rentals, but shared rides with others at affordable rates. Again, it is accessible in the selected states/regions of the country only.

4. RentCarFy

You can get car rentals from this company without paying any deposits. In addition to this, a credit card or debit card is not mandatory for renting a car from RentCarFy. With a wider presence all across the country, you can get a compact car, SUV, and other car options.

5. LocAuto

This is a leading car rental agency that provides car rentals with no deposits. However, you will need to book through the official website of LocAuto. Besides, you can use the mobile app or call the local branch office to reserve a rental without any deposits.

6. Flex Car

Even though it has zero security deposit, it may sometimes charge USD 500, as per the credit card profile, vehicle chosen, and other factors. Keep in mind that this amount is refundable, but can be held for a few weeks or even months.

Do All Car Rental Companies Require a Deposit?

Nearly all car rental agencies in the United States charge a deposit for fuel charges, potential damages, and late returns. Still, there are a few agencies that charge a minimal deposit ranging from USD 200 to USD 500 (for credit card users):

  • Budget

  • Dollar

  • Avis

  • Thrifty

  • Payless

  • Enterprise

  • National

Note: These car rental agencies charge a slightly higher deposit when using a debit card. Also, check the ways to avoid the security deposits on rental cars.

Closure

You can get a car rental without a deposit by choosing the right service provider. In case such options are not accessible in your region/state, you can save on the deposits by booking a smaller vehicle, using a credit card, and booking with a local service provider.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do all car rental companies require a deposit?

Almost every leading car rental agency, including Hertz, Enterprise, SIXT, and Alamo in the USA charge a security deposit.

Is there any company in the USA that offers no-deposit options?

Yes, Zipcar, Turo, Enterprise CarShare, and RentCarFy are offering rental cars without any security deposits.

Which company charges the lowest security deposits?

Some leading names, such as Budget, Dollar, National, and Payless, have the lowest security deposits if you use a credit card.

Can I completely avoid security deposits?

If a company is charging a security deposit, you cannot avoid it, but you can minimize it by choosing the right methods.

How to reduce the security deposits on car rentals?

To minimize car rental security deposits, prepay the rental fees, use the right credit card, or maximize the AAA membership/loyalty status.

Howard Page

About Howard Page

Howard Page is a U.S.-based travel journalist with more than 10 years of experience. He has worked on guidebooks, documentaries, and reports across more than 20 countries. He’s driven by discovering new places. When he encounters something outside the everyday, his curiosity kicks in, his focus sharpens, and his mind feels more alert than usual.