Find answers about hiring a car in Malta with a debit card, collecting your vehicle and preparing for your trip. For vehicle-specific deposit amounts and rental conditions, check your quotation and our payment and deposit guide.
What types of debit cards do you accept?
We generally accept Visa Debit and Mastercard Debit cards. The card must be issued by a recognized banking institution and must have sufficient available funds.
Is there an extra fee for using a debit card?
No, there are typically no extra fees for using a debit card for your rental payment.
How does the security deposit work with a debit card?
A temporary security deposit (a "pre-authorization hold") is placed on your debit card at the time of pickup. The amount typically ranges from €250 to €1,000, depending on the vehicle group. You must ensure you have sufficient funds in your bank account to cover this hold, as it will temporarily reduce your available balance.
When is the security deposit released?
The deposit hold is released once the vehicle is returned in the same condition. The timeframe for the funds to become available in your account varies by bank, but generally takes 3 to 7 working days after the vehicle return.
What documents do I need to present at pickup?
You will need to present:
- A valid driver's license (held for a minimum period, typically 1 year).
- Your debit card (the name on the card must exactly match the name on the driver's license).
- Your Passport or other government-issued ID.
Does the main driver's name have to match the debit card name?
Yes, the name on the debit card used for the deposit and rental must exactly match the name of the main driver on the rental agreement.
Is there a minimum or maximum age to rent a car?
Yes, the typical age range is 21 to 90 years old.
- Drivers aged 21-24 may incur a "Young Driver" surcharge per day.
- Drivers over 70 may incur a "Senior Driver" surcharge per day.
Where are you located for pickup and drop-off?
Our main location is typically at the Car Rental Centre at Malta Airport (MLA), often on Level 1 of the Park East Car Park, which is a short walk from the arrivals terminal.
What is your fuel policy?
We generally operate on a Full/Full fuel policy. You will receive the vehicle with a full tank and must return it with a full tank. If the car is returned with less fuel, you will be charged for the missing fuel plus a refueling fee.
Can I drive the rental car to Gozo?
Yes, all our vehicles are fully insured to travel between the islands of Malta and Gozo on the Gozo Ferry. Travel to any other foreign territories is prohibited.
What happens if my flight is delayed?
We monitor flight arrival times. However, if you anticipate a significant delay, please contact us immediately on the provided contact number to ensure our team is ready for your arrival.
What should I do in case of an accident or breakdown?
You must contact us immediately on our emergency number provided in your rental agreement. Do not attempt to repair the vehicle yourself. We will provide instructions and arrange for assistance or a replacement vehicle if necessary.
Which side of the road do you drive on in Malta?
In Malta, we drive on the left-hand side of the road, similar to the UK. The cars we provide are right-hand drive.
Do I need to pay to enter Valletta (the capital city)?
Valletta operates a Controlled Vehicular Access (CVA) system. This is an access fee that is automatically calculated based on the time you spend inside the CVA zone during operating hours (typically weekdays). The rental company will receive the charge and forward it to you, usually with a small administrative fee.
Can I add an additional driver?
Yes, you can add an additional driver for a daily fee. The additional driver must meet the same age and licensing requirements as the main driver and must be present at the time of collection with their documents.
Can I rent a child seat or GPS?
Yes, optional extras such as child seats, booster seats, and GPS navigation systems are available for an extra daily charge. You can select these during the online booking process.
Can tourists rent a car in Malta with a debit card?
Yes. Tourists can rent a car in Malta using a debit card, provided they meet the rental requirements. At Debit Card Car Hire Malta, we accept major Visa Debit and Mastercard Debit cards, allowing you to rent a vehicle without needing a credit card. A refundable security deposit is still required and will be pre-authorised on your debit card.
Is a credit card legally required to hire a car in Malta?
No. Maltese law does not require a credit card to rent a car. The decision to accept debit cards or require credit cards is entirely up to each rental company. We specialise in debit card car hire, making it easy for customers who do not own a credit card.
Which Malta car hire companies accept debit cards?
Only a limited number of car rental companies in Malta accept debit cards for both payment and the security deposit. Many still require a credit card for the deposit. Debit Card Car Hire Malta specialises in providing car hire with debit card acceptance, making the process simple and transparent.
Can I hire a car using a Visa Debit card?
Yes. We accept most Visa Debit cards issued by recognised banks, provided the card is in the name of the main driver and has sufficient available funds for the security deposit.
Can I rent a car with a Mastercard Debit card?
Absolutely. Mastercard Debit cards are accepted under the same conditions as Visa Debit cards. The card must belong to the lead driver and have enough available balance for the deposit.
Can I hire a car in Malta with a prepaid debit card?
In most cases, prepaid debit cards cannot be accepted for the security deposit because they do not support standard pre-authorisations. We recommend using a standard Visa Debit or Mastercard Debit card issued by a bank.
Does Revolut work for car hire in Malta?
Yes. Revolut Visa and Mastercard debit cards are generally accepted. Please ensure your Revolut account has sufficient available funds for the refundable security deposit.
Can I hire a car in Malta without a deposit?
No. A refundable security deposit is required with every rental. The deposit protects against any outstanding charges, such as vehicle damage, missing fuel, traffic fines or breaches of the rental agreement. The amount depends on the vehicle category and insurance option selected.
Is debit card car hire more expensive?
Not necessarily. At Debit Card Car Hire Malta, there is no additional charge simply because you choose to pay with a debit card. Our prices remain competitive, and we aim to provide transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
Can I rent a car in Malta if I'm under 25?
Yes. Drivers aged 21 and over may hire a vehicle, subject to the rental conditions for the selected vehicle category. Some vehicle groups may carry a young driver surcharge or have additional licence requirements.
Can I hire a car at Malta Airport using a debit card?
Yes. You can collect your vehicle directly from our Malta International Airport office using your debit card. There is no need to travel by shuttle bus, allowing you to start your journey as soon as you land.
What documents do I need to rent a car in Malta?
To collect your rental vehicle, you will normally need:
- A valid driving licence.
- A valid passport or national identity card.
- A Visa Debit or Mastercard Debit card in the main driver's name.
- Your booking confirmation.
- Any additional documentation requested for international driving licences where applicable.
Having these documents ready will ensure a quick and hassle-free vehicle collection.
Can I hire a car in Malta with Revolut?
Yes! You can use a Revolut Card to hire one of our vehicles.
Is Revolut accepted for the security deposit?
Yes! Revolut cards accepted for pre authorization deposit.
Does Wise work for Malta car hire?
Yes! You can use a Wise Card to hire one of our vehicles.
Can I use N26?
Yes! You can use a N26 Card to hire one of our vehicles.
Does Monzo work?
Yes! You can use a Monzo Card to hire one of our vehicles.