ATHENS · GREECE
Car Rental in Athens with No Credit Card & No Deposit
Travelling to Athens without a credit card? Most rental companies will turn you away or block hundreds of euros as a security deposit. 888 Car Rentals is different — pay in advance in cash or by card, choose full insurance with zero excess to skip the deposit, and drive away.
Why most Athens car rentals require a credit card
The standard practice at Athens airport (ATH) and city rental desks is to block a security deposit of €300–€1,500 on a credit card. That deposit covers the insurance excess in case of damage or theft. Debit cards, prepaid cards and cash are usually refused because they cannot pre-authorize funds.
For visitors on a debit-only bank, young travellers, or anyone who simply doesn't want their card frozen for weeks after the trip, this creates a real problem — especially on arrival, when jet-lagged and tired.
How our no-credit-card rental works
- Book online or by WhatsApp — pick your dates, choose a car and tell us where in Athens you want it.
- We deliver the car to Athens International Airport, the Port of Piraeus, your hotel or your home. Any delivery fee is shown during booking when you choose the pickup location, so you see the full price before you confirm.
- Pay in advance, in cash or by card — no credit card is required.
- Choose your insurance — CDW with an excess is included free of charge for drivers aged 21 and over; add full insurance with zero excess and no deposit is needed.
- Return the car at the drop-off point you chose when booking, with the same fuel level as at pickup.
Insurance without a deposit — how is that possible?
A deposit exists to cover the insurance excess. For drivers aged 21 and over, Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) insurance with an excess is included free of charge, and the excess is paid as a refundable deposit that is returned after the car is inspected on delivery. Drivers aged 18–20 are covered by basic insurance.
Want no deposit at all? Choose full insurance with zero excess for a small daily amount — the excess drops to zero, so no deposit is required.
Who this is perfect for
- Travellers arriving at Athens Airport without a credit card
- Cruise passengers landing at Piraeus port for a day or a week
- Digital nomads and long-stay visitors on debit-only bank accounts
- Young drivers — the minimum age is 18 (basic insurance for 18–20; CDW from 21 with a licence held for at least 1 year)
- Anyone who prefers to pay in cash
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a credit card to rent a car?
No. A credit or debit card is not required. Payment must be made in advance, either in cash or by card. You only need a valid ID (passport or national ID).
Is a deposit required?
With the full insurance option with zero excess, no deposit is required. Otherwise, a refundable deposit may be requested depending on the vehicle category or driving experience, which is returned after the inspection upon delivery.
What is the minimum age to rent?
The minimum age is 18 years old. For Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) insurance, the driver must be at least 21 years old with a valid license for at least 1 year.
What driver's license do I need?
A valid driver's license issued at least one year ago. Citizens of non-EU countries must also have a valid international driver's license.
What insurance is included?
For drivers aged 18–20, basic insurance is provided. For drivers aged 21 and over, full insurance (CDW) with an excess is included free of charge, the amount of which is paid as a refundable deposit. Alternatively, for a small daily amount you can choose the full insurance with zero excess, with no deposit required.
Where do I pick up the car?
We can bring the car to you across Athens, including Athens International Airport, the Port of Piraeus, hotels and home addresses. Any delivery fee is shown during booking when you choose the pickup location, so you see the full price before you confirm.
Ready to drive Athens without the credit-card headache?
No credit card, and no deposit with full insurance with zero excess. Book in under two minutes.
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