Do you need a credit card to rent a car in Sweden?
What Hertz, Mabi and Avis say about cards, deposits and the amount reserved.
Short answer
Hertz accepts debit cards, but a renter paying with one must also show a credit card at pickup, so a credit card is the safe choice. Hertz reserves the rental cost plus at least SEK 2,000 on the card, and Konsumentverket says companies reserve an amount whatever insurance you buy.
Why
- Hertz says a valid physical debit or credit card is required for all rentals to secure deposits and extra fees, and that cash is accepted neither as payment nor as a deposit.
- Hertz says debit cards are accepted for all vehicle groups, and that you will need to present the debit card and one or more credit cards when picking up the vehicle.
- Mabi says it accepts cards such as Visa, American Express, Mastercard and Diners Club, that cash and electronic cards are not accepted, and that an extra deposit may be charged to the card until the rental ends.
Details
Hertz also says only physical payment or credit cards with chip and PIN are accepted at its stations, and that there must be sufficient credit on the card to cover all charges. Konsumentverket says some credit cards include additional insurance up to a certain amount, so check what you already have to avoid paying twice. For a wider view of costs, see how much money you need per day in Sweden, and for rental offices see car rental in Stockholm.
Tip
Bring a physical card with enough credit available for the reserved amount, because Hertz says there must be sufficient credit on the card to cover all charges. Debit card renters should also bring a credit card.
What may differ
Some models need more than one card: Hertz says certain models, such as the Volvo XC90 and Polestar 2, require two valid credit cards.
Common misconception
No money is held on your card if you buy full insurance.
What actually happens
Konsumentverket says that regardless of insurance, the car hire operator will reserve an amount on your payment or credit card.
People also ask
- Do I need a credit card to hire a car in Sweden?
- Can I rent a car with a debit card in Sweden?
Sources
- Hertz: Payment and deposit requirementsChecked at:
- Mabi: Rental termsChecked at:
- Hertz: General rental terms, SwedenChecked at:
- Konsumentverket: Before hiring a carChecked at:
This answer is for reference only. Rules can change, so check the rental company before you book.
Car rental in StockholmRelated questions
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How often does a car need inspection in Sweden?
A passenger car is inspected first within 36 months of the month it was put into traffic.
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Can you take a Swedish rental car to Denmark or Norway?
Sixt says its rental cars may be taken from Sweden to Denmark, Finland and Norway, while Hertz and Avis require written permission before you drive outside Sweden.
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Where can you find EV charging stations in Stockholm?
You find EV chargers in Stockholm with apps and maps such as ChargeFinder and PlugShare, or in an operator's app such as Vattenfall InCharge.
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Which bridges in Sweden have tolls?
Sweden's toll bridges include Motalabron (SEK 5), Sundsvallsbron (SEK 9) and Skurubron (SEK 4) per passage for a car, and the Öresund Bridge to Denmark (SEK 690).