Can You Rent A Car With A Secured Credit Card In Ontario, CA?
Most car rental companies require a credit card to complete the reservation process. Nevertheless, can you rent a car with a secured credit card? The answer is yes, you can rent a car with a secured credit card, but there are important details to keep in mind.
Knowing how secured cards work in the car rental process will help you avoid surprises and make your experience smoother.
What Is a Secured Credit Card?
A secured credit card is a type of credit card that requires a deposit, which serves as collateral. The deposit typically becomes your credit limit. For example, if you put down a $500 deposit, your credit limit will also be $500.
Secured credit cards are commonly used by individuals who are looking to build or rebuild their credit. These cards can be used like regular credit cards. However, they come with the added benefit of improving your credit score over time.
How Does Renting a Car with a Secured Credit Card Work?
Renting a car with a secured credit card works similarly to using an unsecured card, but there are some important differences.
The rental company will place an authorization hold on your card to cover the cost of the rental and any additional charges, such as potential damages or late returns. This hold does not charge your account but temporarily reduces your available credit limit until the rental is returned and the final charges are processed.
It is important to make sure that there is enough available credit on your secured card to cover the rental costs and the authorization hold. If your card’s available credit is insufficient, the rental company may decline your card.
Therefore, always check your credit balance before attempting to rent a vehicle to avoid any issues.
Deposit and Authorization Hold
When you rent a car with a secured credit card, the rental company typically requires a deposit. This deposit is used to cover any unexpected charges during your rental period, such as vehicle damage or missing fuel. The amount of the deposit can vary depending on the car rental company, location, and vehicle type.
Once the car is returned in good condition, the rental company will release the authorization hold, which can take up to a couple of weeks to be refunded. This depends on the company and the card issuer.
If there are no additional charges, the funds are typically available again on your card after the hold is released. However, if any issues arise during your rental, such as vehicle damage or a late return, the deposit may be partially or fully used to cover those costs.
Credit Card Authorization Holds in Car Rentals
Most car rental companies, whether in Ontario, CA, or elsewhere, will place an authorization hold on your secured credit card.
This is a common practice, as it protects the rental company against potential damage or issues.
In some cases, the hold may be equal to or slightly higher than the rental price, but it is not always more. This depends on factors such as:
- The type of vehicle
- The rental company’s policy
- The length of your rental
- Your payment method
Before picking up your vehicle, it is best to confirm the total amount of the hold directly with the rental company. That way, you can make sure your secured credit card has enough available credit to cover both the rental charges and the hold without complications.
Are There Any Additional Considerations for Renting in Ontario, CA?
Renting a car in Ontario, CA, with a secured credit card comes with similar guidelines as renting in other locations. However, there may be location-specific policies.
For example, some rental locations may have higher security deposit requirements. This depends on the type of car you choose or the length of your rental.
To avoid complications, always call ahead to confirm the rental company’s policies regarding secured cards, authorization holds, and deposit amounts. United Auto Rental offers flexibility and clear communication on such matters to make the rental process in Southern California easier.
How United Auto Rental Can Assist
If you are planning to rent a car with a secured credit card, United Auto Rental is here to help. We bring a transparent and straightforward process with flexible policies. Our Ontario, CA location allows you to rent cars with secured cards, and we always provide clear details about deposit amounts and holds before you book.
For more information, check out our cars catalog or visit our Ontario, CA location.
Reach out today to book your car rental and experience the flexibility we offer at competitive prices.