How to Rent a Car in Dubai Without a Credit Card

Let me guess—you’ve landed in Dubai or maybe you’re planning your trip, and you’re thinking, “I really need a car to get around this sprawling city, but… I don’t have a credit card.” Sound familiar? You’re not alone. I was in the exact same boat once. No plastic with a magic chip, and a whole lot of questions. I’m going to walk you through what I learned—warts and all—about renting a car in Dubai without a credit card. Because yes, it is possible.

But let’s rewind for a sec.

When I first thought about renting a car in Dubai, I figured it would be as easy as waving a passport and tossing a few bills at the counter. I mean, I had cash, I had a debit card, and I had the will. That should count for something, right? Wrong. Or at least, not quite right. Turns out, Dubai—like most global cities—loves credit cards when it comes to car rentals. They’re like the golden ticket. They provide security for rental companies, act as a safety net for damages, and, let’s be honest, they make the transaction smoother from the company’s point of view.

So yeah, not having one can make things a bit tricky. But not impossible. And if you’re reading this, you probably know that already and just need to figure out a way forward. So, let’s talk about how to actually pull this off.

First things first—find the right rental companies.

This is the step most people skip, but trust me, it saves you time and a lot of frustration. Not all rental companies in Dubai are created equal. The big international names—think Hertz, Avis, Budget, etc.—they usually demand a credit card. They’ve got systems in place and global policies they follow, so they’re not very flexible on this. But—and here’s the good news—there are tons of local and regional rental agencies in Dubai that are more accommodating. They’re the real MVPs for people like us who live in a debit-card world.

I stumbled upon a few during my hunt. Companies like Speedy Drive, Moosa Rent a Car, Quick Lease, and even some smaller players tucked away in the corners of Al Barsha or Deira—these places often allow rentals with debit cards or even cash, provided you meet some basic conditions. And no, this isn’t some shady back-alley transaction. These are legit businesses, licensed and everything. But you’ll probably have to call or WhatsApp them directly. Don’t just rely on their website—some of them haven’t updated those in ages, and you might miss out on important details.

Here’s where it gets a bit sticky though: the security deposit.

Most places will still want a deposit of some kind. It’s their insurance policy in case you do something crazy like take a joyride through the dunes and return the car with sand in every crevice. If you don’t have a credit card, that deposit will usually need to be paid in cash or held against your debit card. And here’s the kicker—they might hold onto it for a while, sometimes up to 30 days after you return the car. That was a tough pill to swallow for me because I didn’t expect it. I thought, “Why should they keep my money if I gave the car back in perfect condition?” But it’s just how things work, and it’s better to know ahead of time.

Oh, and pro tip: get a receipt for that deposit. Always. In fact, get everything in writing. When you’re not going through the typical credit card process, things can get a little less official. So paper trails are your best friend.

Another curveball I wasn’t ready for? Insurance.

If you rent with a credit card, some cards offer built-in insurance coverage. Without one? You’ve got to either take the insurance offered by the rental company (which can be pricey) or get third-party coverage. I went with the company’s insurance the first time—mainly because I was exhausted from arguing with the rep over whether my international license was “really international enough”—but later I found out there are apps and websites like RentalCover.com where you can buy third-party coverage that’s often cheaper and covers more.

Just don’t skip the insurance altogether. Seriously. I once met a guy at a hostel in Bur Dubai who rented a car without insurance and ended up paying for a scratch he swore was already there. Couldn’t prove it. No photos, no paperwork. That guy’s wallet cried that day. Lesson learned.

Now let’s talk documents. You need to have your valid driving license, obviously, and for most visitors, that means an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your original license. Some nationalities can get by without one, especially if they’re from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, the US, the UK, or certain parts of Europe. But don’t take my word for it—check before you go. Nothing worse than being turned away at the counter because you didn’t read the fine print.

Also, carry your Emirates ID or passport. Some companies get really fussy about ID verification. I once had a guy inspect my documents like I was applying for citizenship. It wasn’t fun, but again, better safe than sorry.

Now, let me throw in a weird detail that might actually help you. Some car rental companies are totally fine with accepting cash upfront for the entire rental, and then asking for a smaller cash deposit compared to what they’d ask with a card. It’s like they’re saying, “Okay, if you’re putting more skin in the game, we’ll ease up a bit.” That’s how I got a sweet little Nissan Sunny for a week, all-in cash, with just AED 500 as a deposit. Not bad, right?

Oh, and don’t be shy to negotiate. Especially with the smaller agencies, you’ve got more wiggle room. I once talked a guy down from AED 110 per day to AED 85 just because it was low season and I booked for five days. Be polite, be friendly, and you’ll be surprised how often it works.

Let me also throw this in here: delivery and pickup services are a game-changer. If you’re not keen on navigating public transport or taxis to get to the rental office, a lot of agencies will actually bring the car to your hotel or Airbnb and pick it up when you’re done. Some charge a small fee, others include it if your rental is long enough. It’s one of those things that just makes the whole process easier, especially if you’re juggling luggage or traveling with kids.

Now, all that being said, renting a car without a credit card in Dubai isn’t always sunshine and smooth roads. You’ve got to be a little more cautious. Read the agreement. Inspect the car. Take pictures—yes, even of that tiny scratch on the rear bumper that they swear is “not a big deal.” Because trust me, when you return it, that could be the scratch they suddenly want AED 800 for.

One last thing I’ll say—and this might sound obvious—is to plan ahead. Don’t assume you can land at DXB, saunter up to a counter, and drive off with the keys using your debit card. You’ll likely get hit with a “sorry sir, we need credit card only” speech that’ll ruin your mood. Book in advance. Confirm over phone or email. Ask for a written confirmation if needed. It’s not being paranoid—it’s being smart.

All in all, once you jump through a few hoops, it’s actually a pretty smooth ride (pun absolutely intended). Dubai is one of those places where having a car opens up a whole different side of the city. You’re not stuck with expensive taxis or limited metro routes. You can cruise down Sheikh Zayed Road, explore the desert outskirts, hit up Jumeirah Beach at sunrise, or even take a spontaneous drive to Hatta if the mood strikes.

And look, renting a car—especially without a credit card—isn’t the most glamorous part of travel planning. But it’s one of those little wins that feels big. Like you figured out a hack. Like you got a seat at the table when the sign said “reservations only.”

So if you’re hesitating, don’t. Do your homework, ask the right questions, and stay flexible. Because yes, you can rent a car in Dubai without a credit card. I did it. You can too. And hey—once you’re behind the wheel, with the Burj Khalifa glinting in your rearview mirror and the open road stretching ahead—it’ll be more than worth it.

Oh, and before I forget—there’s something about renting a car in Dubai that feels… different. Like the city was built for it. The roads are smooth, the signage is clear, and there’s just this vibe that makes you want to keep driving. You feel like you belong. Even if it’s just for a few days.