Usually not for the deposit — most desks require a credit card in the main driver's name, and debit or prepaid cards are declined for the security hold. A small number of rates do accept debit cards with extra conditions (the deposit is charged rather than held, refunds take longer). Always check the payment terms shown for your specific rate before booking.
Why desks prefer credit cards
The deposit is an authorisation hold — an amount blocked on your card and released after the car comes back in order. Holds work reliably on credit cards; on debit cards the money has to be actually taken and later refunded, which is slower and messier for everyone. That's why credit-only is the default across Dubai.
If a rate does accept debit
- The deposit is debited from your account, not just blocked — the money genuinely leaves.
- Refunds take longer than a hold release once the car is returned.
- Extra conditions may apply — always spelled out in the rental conditions before you confirm.
Where to look: every rate on our site shows its rental conditions before you book. If they don't mention debit cards, assume credit-only.
No credit card? Your options
Book a pay-at-pickup rate and bring any credit card in the main driver's name — it doesn't have to be the card you'd pay the rental with. If no one in your group has a credit card at all, a chauffeur-driven transfer or day hire gets you moving with no deposit at all.
Compare before you commit
Search cars on our site and read the payment terms on your chosen rate — the card rules are always stated there. More on deposits and payments in payments & account help.