Car rental brings welcome flexibility when you don’t have your own vehicle or need a bigger ride. But for many planning to rent, questions pop up about the booking process and payment methods. One of the most common concerns is whether you really need a credit card—do you have to have one to get a car, or can you handle the booking and payment some other way? Understanding the rules around payments and deposits makes things smoother and ensures your trip starts without any delays or confusion when you pick up the car.
Does booking and picking up a car always require a credit card?
In car rentals, it’s important to distinguish between two different stages: booking and paying for the vehicle online, and picking up the car at the location. These stages often follow different rules when it comes to payment cards. If you’re planning a flexible car rental, you can make an online booking using a variety of payment methods. However, the pick-up stage has its own requirements.
When picking up a rental car, rental companies usually require a credit card in the main driver’s name. This is standard practice for handling the deposit. The rental company will place a hold on your card when you pick up the car, which serves as protection in case of damage, fuel shortages, or other breaches of the rental agreement. The hold locks a certain amount of money on your card for the duration of the rental. You won’t be charged unless something happens to the car during your trip. Once you return the car in the agreed condition, the hold is released back to your account.
If the main driver can’t show a physical credit card in their own name when picking up the car, the rental company might refuse to hand it over. This also applies even if you’ve paid for the rental in advance. It’s always a good idea to carefully check the exact terms of that rental location before your trip.
Key differences between booking and picking up
What payment methods can I use to pay for a rental car online?
Modern booking systems offer flexible options for paying rent in advance. Domestic services widely support payment methods popular among Finns. This makes transactions quick and easy, whether on a computer or a mobile device.
The most common payment methods for online bookings include Finnish online banking credentials, debit cards, and traditional credit cards. Many people like using online banking payments because the rental amount is charged straight from their bank account without entering card details. Debit cards, like Visa Debit or Mastercard Debit, are also widely used and let you pay directly from your account.
| Payment method online | Purpose of use | Benefit for customer |
|---|---|---|
| Online banking | Instant payment with Finnish bank credentials | No need to enter card details, charged directly from your account |
| Debit cards | Paying with a bank card (Visa/Mastercard) | Secure online payment directly from your bank accounts |
| Credit cards | Paying with the most common credit cards | Purchase protection and the option to pay the bill later |
Even though online payment works smoothly with bank credentials or a debit card, you still need to keep in mind the deposit requirement at pickup. Online payment speeds things up at the branch quite a bit. When picking up, you no longer have to spend time paying the rental fee at the counter, so you can focus entirely on handing over the vehicle and registering the deposits.
How is the price of a rental car and any other possible costs formed?
Car rental pricing is mainly based on a daily model, meaning a strict 24-hour cycle. The rental period starts from the moment you pick up the car, and it should be returned at the same time of day after the agreed number of days. If you’re even an hour late, the system might automatically charge you for a whole extra day. Planning your schedule carefully is an easy way to save money and avoid extra fees.
In addition to the base price, the total cost is affected by any extra services and contract terms. It’s good to be aware of these variables when booking so that the final bill matches your expectations:
Factors of the rent price
When the basic pricing principles are clear and you choose the terms that fit your needs already at the booking stage, renting a car stays simple and predictable. It’s also a good idea to take advantage of current offers. They give you a chance to get around more cheaply, especially on weekends or for longer rental periods.
How do rental car insurance and reducing the deductible work?
Car rental insurance and liabilities might seem complicated at first, but the basic idea is straightforward. Every rental car is legally required to have motor insurance. On top of that, the rental price almost always includes basic coverage, like collision damage waiver (CDW).
Collision insurance limits the customer’s responsibility in situations where the car gets damaged, for example, in an accident or in a parking lot. The customer isn’t responsible for the full value of the car or the total repair costs; instead, their financial liability is capped at the deductible amount agreed in the contract. Typical basic deductibles range from 1,500 to 2,000 euros depending on the vehicle class. If damage occurs, the customer only pays up to this agreed amount, and the insurance covers the rest of the repair costs.
You can get extra peace of mind for traveling by opting to lower your deductible. It’s an optional add-on where, for a small daily extra fee, your financial risk drops to just a fraction – in the best-case scenario, for example, to 500 euros.
How does lowering your deductible protect your finances?
Lowering your deductible is especially a good idea when you’re driving in an unfamiliar city, in tricky weather, or using a vehicle type that’s new to you, like a big van. With a reduced deductible, the hold on your card is usually much smaller too. This leaves you with more spending money for other things on your trip.
How do you fill up a rental car and how do the fuel rules work?
Fuel policies vary a bit depending on the location and country. The most common and straightforward approach in the industry is the so-called full-to-full policy. That means the car is handed over to the customer with a full tank, and it should be returned to the rental place with a full tank as well.
This option is the most economical and fair for the customer. By returning the car with a full tank, you only pay for the fuel you’ve actually used. It’s best to fill up as close to the drop-off point as possible. Keep the fuel receipt just in case, since the rental company might ask for it when you return the car.
If the car is returned with less than a full tank, the rental company will charge for the missing fuel afterwards. On top of that, the rental company may also charge a separate refueling service fee for the hassle and time it takes to take the car to the gas station. So, filling up the tank yourself before returning the car always saves a good amount of money compared to leaving it for the rental company to handle.
REMEMBER
Always check the car’s fuel flap or rental agreement before filling up to see if the car uses petrol, diesel, or if it’s an electric car. Putting in the wrong fuel can cause expensive engine damage that no basic insurance will cover.
Here’s how to quickly and easily book the right vehicle online
Choosing the right vehicle always starts with the purpose of the trip and the amount of cargo to be transported. A modern booking system lets you browse and reserve vehicles quickly. There’s a flexible range of options for different needs, whether it’s a short errand or a bigger transport project.
Whether you’re traveling alone, as a couple, or with a small family, renting a reliable car is an easy way to make sure you get around smoothly. The selection includes nimble city cars that are perfect for tight streets and tricky parking spots. Bigger station wagons and SUVs, on the other hand, offer plenty of space for luggage and more comfort for longer trips.
For bigger transport needs, like moving house or picking up heavy items, vans offer plenty of cargo space. Smaller 6–8 m³ vans are easy to handle in city traffic. Large moving vans, up to 20 m³, can carry all the furniture from a bigger apartment in one go. All of these vans can be driven with a regular Class B driving license. For trips with larger groups, like sports teams going to a game or family gatherings, minibuses provide comfortable space for more passengers without needing a coach license.
From small city cars to spacious family cars for road trips.
For moves and goods transport, 6–20 m³ with a B driver’s license.
Multipurpose minibuses for easy transport of groups.
Thanks to a wide network of locations, picking up and dropping off a car is easy in most major cities and at key airports and train stations. By booking your vehicle online in advance, you can make sure the car class you want is available at the right time.
Find the right car for your trip easily and affordably
MABI (formerly Scandia Rent) offers flexible mobility solutions for all kinds of needs from Hanko to Ivalo. Whether you’re planning a weekend trip with a car, moving with a spacious van, or taking a shared ride in a minibus, you’ll find a reliable and well-maintained vehicle with us.
- A wide selection of cars, vans, and minibuses
- Easy and quick booking straight online
- Locations all around Finland
- Safe and flexible payment methods
A smooth car rental experience comes from clear rental terms and careful preparation. When you know the payment methods, how deposits work, and the fuel policies before you even get to the counter, you can avoid surprises and just focus on enjoying a stress-free drive. Picking the right vehicle and insurance level for your needs ensures your trip goes smoothly from start to finish.