Why Most Rental Sites Require Credit Cards

Most international car rental aggregators require a credit card for the security deposit. This is because they work with large rental chains that use credit card pre-authorisation holds to block a set amount on your card during the rental period. If you don't have a credit card — or prefer not to use one — this can make booking a rental vehicle surprisingly difficult.

But in Greece, things work differently. The rental market is dominated by local, family-run agencies rather than multinational chains. Many of these agencies have more flexible payment policies, accepting debit cards, cash deposits, or a combination of both.

How SimplyBook Connects You with No-Credit-Card Agencies

SimplyBook is a comparison platform that partners exclusively with local rental agencies across Greece. Unlike the big aggregator sites, we work directly with agencies that set their own policies — and many of them don't require a credit card at all.

When you search on SimplyBook, you can filter results to show only agencies that accept bookings without a credit card. This saves you time and ensures you only see options that match your payment preferences. Every listing clearly shows the deposit requirements and accepted payment methods, so there are no surprises at pickup.

Where to Rent Without a Credit Card

Greece has excellent coverage for no-credit-card rentals. Our partner agencies operate across the most popular destinations, from the beaches of Crete to the hills of Corfu. Here are the destinations where you can rent without a credit card:

Crete

• Chania — Western Crete's charming harbour city, gateway to Balos and Elafonissi beaches

• Heraklion — Crete's capital and the starting point for visiting Knossos and the south coast

• Rethymno — A Venetian old town on the north coast, perfectly positioned between Chania and Heraklion

• Lasithi — Eastern Crete's palm beach of Vai, Spinalonga island, and dramatic gorges

Ionian Islands

• Corfu — Lush green island with Venetian architecture and hidden coves

• Zakynthos — Home of the famous Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach and crystal-clear waters

• Kefalonia — The largest Ionian island, known for Myrtos Beach and Melissani Cave

Aegean Islands & Mainland

• Lesvos — Aegean island of olive groves, hot springs, and petrified forests

• Paros — Cycladic gem with golden beaches, traditional villages, and great windsurfing

• Santorini — Volcanic island famous for its caldera views and iconic sunsets

• Thessaloniki — Northern Greece's cultural capital, perfect base for exploring Macedonia

What to Expect at Pickup

When you book through SimplyBook with a no-credit-card agency, the pickup process is straightforward. You'll typically need to bring:

• A valid driving licence (EU licences are accepted directly; non-EU may need an International Driving Permit)

• A passport or national ID card

• The agreed deposit amount — payable by debit card or cash, depending on the agency

The exact deposit amount and accepted payment methods are always shown during the booking process on SimplyBook, so you can plan ahead. Most agencies will inspect the vehicle with you before departure and note any existing marks on a condition report.

Tips for Booking Without a Credit Card

1. Use the "No credit card needed" filter — When searching on SimplyBook, toggle this filter to see only agencies that accept alternative payment methods.

2. Book early in high season — June to September is peak season in Greece. No-credit-card agencies can fill up faster because they're popular with budget travellers. Booking a few weeks ahead ensures better availability and prices.

3. Check the deposit requirements — Each listing on SimplyBook shows the deposit amount and accepted payment methods. Review these before booking so you know exactly what to bring to the pickup.

4. Consider full insurance — Choosing a full coverage option can reduce or even eliminate the deposit amount, making the pickup process even simpler.