Rent a Car in Greece Without a Credit Card
Why Renting Without a Credit Card Matters
Many travellers arrive in Greece expecting to pay for their rental car with cash, a debit card, or a prepaid travel card — only to discover that most international rental chains require a credit card for the security deposit. This can be a real headache if you don't carry a credit card, or if your credit limit is too low to cover the hold, which often ranges from €500 to €1,500 depending on the vehicle.
SimplyBook solves this by connecting you with local, family-run rental agencies across Greece that accept alternative payment methods. Many of our partners happily take a cash deposit, debit card, or bank transfer — no credit card required.
How Cash and Debit Card Car Rentals Work
When you rent through a local agency on SimplyBook, the process is straightforward:
Search and filter — use the "No credit card needed" filter on SimplyBook to show only agencies that accept alternative deposits
Compare prices — browse available vehicles sorted by daily rate, vehicle type, and customer ratings
Book online — reserve your vehicle with a small prepayment or no prepayment at all
Pay on arrival — when you collect the car, pay the rental fee and security deposit in cash, by debit card, or by bank transfer
Return and refund — return the vehicle undamaged and your deposit is refunded immediately
Security deposit amounts vary by agency and vehicle type. Economy cars typically require €300–500, while larger vehicles may need €500–1,000. Always check the specific terms when booking.
Where to Find No Credit Card Rental Agencies
SimplyBook partners with local agencies across Greece's most popular destinations. Here's where you can find no-credit-card rentals:
Crete — Greece's largest island with the widest selection of local agencies
Chania — agencies near the old harbour and airport
Heraklion — Crete's capital, major airport hub
Rethymno — charming old town, central location
Lasithi — eastern Crete, near Agios Nikolaos
Ionian Islands
Corfu — lush green island with flexible local agencies
Zakynthos — Navagio Beach and turtle-watching coast
Kefalonia — dramatic coastline and Myrtos Beach
Cyclades, Aegean & Mainland
Santorini — caldera views and sunset drives
Paros — golden beaches and Cycladic charm
Thessaloniki — northern Greece gateway to Halkidiki
Browse all no-credit-card destinations at our dedicated no credit card car rental page.
Why Choose a Local Rental Agency?
Local agencies offer several advantages over international chains:
Flexible deposits — cash, debit card, or bank transfer at your choice
Personal service — deal directly with the owner, not a call centre
Better prices — no middleman markup, competitive daily rates
Local knowledge — insider tips on routes, parking, and hidden gems
Support the local economy — your rental directly supports a Greek family business
Read more about why local agencies matter in our post on supporting small local companies in Greece.
What Types of Vehicles Are Available?
No-credit-card agencies offer the same range of vehicles as any rental company:
Economy cars (Fiat Panda, Toyota Aygo) — most affordable, perfect for couples or solo travellers
Compact cars (VW Polo, Opel Corsa) — more boot space, still easy to park on narrow island roads
SUVs & crossovers — higher ground clearance for families and rough terrain
Scooters & ATVs — many scooter and ATV agencies also accept cash deposits. Compare scooter rentals or ATV rentals on SimplyBook
Not sure which vehicle type suits your trip? Read our guide to choosing between a car, scooter, and ATV.
Tips for Renting a Car Without a Credit Card
Use the filter — always select "No credit card needed" when searching on SimplyBook to avoid surprises at the counter
Bring enough cash — if paying by cash deposit, bring sufficient euros to cover both the rental fee and the security deposit. ATMs are widely available, but island machines can run dry in peak season
Check the terms — each agency has different deposit amounts and accepted payment methods. Read the booking details before confirming
Book early in summer — no-credit-card agencies are popular with budget travellers. June to September is peak season, and availability can be limited
Keep your receipt — always get a written receipt for any cash deposit, with the return conditions clearly stated
Consider full insurance — basic CDW is usually included. Upgrading to full coverage reduces the excess, which may also lower your deposit
Whether you're a budget traveller, don't own a credit card, or simply prefer paying cash, renting a car in Greece without a credit card is easy through SimplyBook. Start comparing car rental prices now.