If you have tried to rent a car for your company or for a private trip, you have probably run into the obstacle that it is mandatory to present a credit card. Why? Well, the law in Mexico requires you to request it before renting a unit, as a preventive measure and guarantee and for leasing companies. However, some companies already allow the guarantee in cash or with a debit card, but today we will talk about credit cards and how Renta Fast works.
What is a security deposit?
All car rental companies require a deposit for the rental of their units. They call this a guarantee deposit and they request a credit card for it. The company does not occupy this money, only that it blocks the card through which they obtain the necessary funds in case there is any repair to be made to the vehicle after the rental or for extra charges that arise during the rental period. contract, such as fines, gasoline charges or booths, etc.
How much is the deposit to make?
Depending on the type of unit you want to hire, the value of the deposit will be different. Some of the elements that go into the amount of the guarantee are the size of the unit and whether it falls between the low, mid or high end units. Some companies will ask you for 10% of the value of the car for its guarantee. At Renta Fast, for example, we handle them from $15,000 and $20.00 pesos in sedans and up to $40,000 in luxury cars and units for many passengers.
Each company applies different guarantee amounts. In Renta Fast these range between $15,000 and $40,000 pesos.
What do I need besides my credit card to rent the unit?
As we have seen, the credit card is the most accepted way to rent a car. First, you need to have sufficient funds to make the security deposit. If you will not be the primary driver, be sure to provide your sales agent with all of your paperwork and that of the additional driver. It is important that all your documents and your credit card are valid at the time of signing the contract. In summary, in Renta Fast you will need:
INE credential or valid passport
Proof of address no older than three months (water, electricity or telephone)
Valid driver's license
When do I get my money back?
As long as the rented unit is returned in the same conditions in which it was delivered, 100% of your deposit will be refunded. Now, the issuing bank of your credit card is in charge of releasing the funds again. This operation usually takes two or three days, even up to 14 days with certain banks. However, if you notice that it extends longer than usual, contact online support and ask for help.
Some car rental companies have adopted a measure of charging the customer 5% of the guarantee made, at the end of the contract. At Renta Fast, this is not part of our policies, on the contrary, we prefer to offer you the best and most complete customer service and only with the necessary prices stipulated in the rental contract.
What types of credit cards are accepted?
At Renta Fast we accept credit cards backed by Visa, MasterCard and American Express. For the purposes of the guarantee, we do not accept debit or departmental cards. The signature of the person who hires must coincide with the signature on the credit card, in order to obtain greater security in the rent. Other lessors in the republic also accept Discover Network cards, issued in the United States.
Can the deposit be my payment?
Yes and no. Depending on the company, the deposit may be the payment for your unit. However, most rental companies will ask you to make the payment for your vehicle at the time of contracting. The rental time and the type of unit will cause your prices to vary, representing less or more than the price of your guarantee. That is why, preferably, both payments will be executed separately.
Can I rent without a credit card?
Some companies in Mexico accept debit cards, gift cards and even cash for rental units. However, in local rental services it is very likely that they will only request credit cards. One option may be for another person to make the contract in their name and add you to the contract as an additional driver. In both cases, they must present their INE or Passport, their valid driver's license and a proof of address not older than three months of water, electricity or telephone.
Debit card: These types of cards are linked to a checking account, but unlike credit cards that are blocked, the money is withdrawn from the account before the rental period begins. Once the contract is finished and the unit is returned, the withdrawn money is replenished in your debit account.
Gift cards: Almost no car rental company accepts gift cards as a form of guarantee when renting a unit. Those that do accept them is because they consider that the card has the necessary amount and that, in addition, they are letterheaded with the Visa, MasterCard or American Express logo. It will probably be more convenient for you to pay with a gift card the amount of the rent and not the deposit.
Cash: If you do not have any of the above cards, it will be very difficult to rent a car or large unit, since for most companies it is an essential requirement. In only some cases will they allow you to deliver the deposit in cash and in others they will also request personal recommendation letters and other paperwork to ensure the validity of the information provided and have a backup in the rental of the vehicle.
Departmental cards: Under no circumstances are departmental cards accepted to date for the rental of a unit. For security reasons, this measure is implemented throughout the country and does not plan to change in the near future.
What other alternatives exist if I don't have a credit card?
For companies, there is also the possibility that they deliver a responsive letter to the rental agency. This letter must include the signature of the authorized person who will respond if necessary and must be on letterhead with the company logo. For individuals, a family member or friend can make the reservation in their name and pay the guarantee with their credit card, including you as an additional driver.
Conclusions
Vehicle rental still represents a high expense and most leasing companies require as an essential requirement to have a credit card to make the guarantee deposit. At Renta Fast, we will be pleased to help you find the best unit for you and carry out the contract in the shortest possible time. Remember that you can quote any of our units by email, phone or on our social networks.
Service is our business