Do You Need a Credit Card to Rent a Car in Dubai?
Yes — a credit card pre-authorisation is compulsory, and there is no cash alternative. It is a hold, not a charge, and it is released within 21 days of returning the car.
Yes — a credit card pre-authorisation is compulsory to rent a car in Dubai with us. It is how the security deposit works, and there is no cash alternative.
A pre-authorisation is a hold, not a payment. The money is ring-fenced on your card and never leaves your account unless there is an outstanding fine, Salik charge or damage at the end of the rental. It is released within 21 days of returning the car.
The card has to be in the name of the person driving. If the booking is for someone else, the driver's own card is the one that gets used at handover.
Deposit and card rules
| Item | What applies | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Credit card pre-authorisation | Compulsory | This is the security deposit. It is a hold, not a charge. |
| Cash deposit | Not accepted | We do not take cash as security, on any car. |
| Debit card | Ask before booking | Many debit cards cannot hold a pre-authorisation. Check with us first rather than at handover. |
| Hold amount — exotic cars | AED 5,000 – 15,000 | Varies by car. |
| Hold amount — other cars | Quoted in writing before delivery | Confirmed in writing for your specific car before delivery. |
| When the hold is released | Within 21 days of return | Subject to no outstanding fines, Salik or damage. |
| Card must be in the driver's name | Yes | The renter, the licence and the card have to match. |
What comes out of the hold
- Traffic fines — at cost plus AED 50 admin handling per fine.
- Salik / DARB tolls — at cost plus AED 1 admin per crossing.
- Parking fines, impound and recovery charges — at cost.
- The insurance excess, if you are at fault and did not take CDW (AED 1,500 standard).
- The AED 500 cleaning penalty if the car has been smoked in.
- Nothing else. If none of the above applies, the full hold is released.
The rental terms behind these answers
| Term | What applies |
|---|---|
| Weekly rate | Quoted in writing before delivery |
| Mileage cap | 250 km/day · unlimited on monthly contracts |
| Cash deposit | None |
| Card pre-authorisation hold | Quoted in writing before delivery |
| Insurance excess without CDW | Quoted in writing before delivery |
| Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) | 25% of the rental — removes the excess |
| Hold released | Within 21 days of return |
| Doorstep delivery | AED 50 flat, anywhere in mainland Dubai (up to 80 km) |
| Collection | AED 50 flat, same basis as delivery |
| Minimum rental | 2 days |
| VAT | 5% UAE VAT on top of all figures |
Questions people ask us
Do I need a credit card to rent a car in Dubai?+
Is the deposit charged to my card?+
How much is the security hold?+
Can I rent a car in Dubai with a debit card?+
Can I pay a cash deposit instead?+
Does the card have to be in my name?+
When exactly do I get the hold back?+
Ask us before you book
Tell us where, when and how many people. You get one fixed fare in writing.
Fares agreed before pickup · Salik and fuel included · 24/7 · +5% VAT