Car Rental Italy: No Deposit, No Credit Card
- Low prices
- No deposit
- No credit card
- Debit cards accepted
- Full insurance
- Free cancellation
- Free consultation by car rental experts
Car rental in Italy without a credit card is possible, and often without any deposit. At almost every airport in our deposit table below, Locauto accepts a debit card and asks for no deposit, only a symbolic 0,01 EUR card authorisation at pick-up. At Palermo, Catania, Trapani, Naples, Bari and Pisa, Automania no-deposit offers need no card at all. The catch is that most other companies want a credit card in the main driver’s name, and the cheapest debit-card offer can cost noticeably more than the cheapest credit-card one. About 6 in 10 of the travellers who contact us have only a debit card, so this page starts with the answers they need most.
Data last verified: October 2026. By Simas Krasaitis, founder of Autorentwiz and former head of car rental at ADCRent.
Below you will find the deposit and debit card rules airport by airport, real prices we searched for March and August 2027, what Italian rental insurance actually covers, the documents you need at the desk, and the driving rules that cost visitors the most money.
Short on time? Here is the summary:
- No deposit: Locauto, with a debit card (only a symbolic 0,01 EUR card authorisation)
- No card at all: Automania no-deposit offers at Palermo, Catania, Trapani, Naples, Bari and Pisa
- Credit card only: Sicily by Car and Goldcar do not accept debit cards
- Debit card price gap: in our March 2027 search, the cheapest debit-card offer cost about twice the cheapest credit-card offer at Bari and Bergamo, and the same at Alghero
- Insurance: basic damage and theft cover is included in every Italian rental price; what you risk is the excess
- Licence from outside the EU/EEA: bring an International Driving Permit
- Historic centres: ZTL camera zones send fines months later, plus a 25 to 100 EUR admin fee from the rental company
Table of contents
- How to rent a car in Italy in 3 steps
- Car rental deposits in Italy, airport by airport
- Can you rent a car in Italy without a credit card?
- Can you rent a car in Italy with no deposit?
- How much does car rental in Italy cost?
- Is insurance included in Italian car rental?
- What documents do you need to rent a car in Italy?
- Driving rules in Italy that cost visitors money
- When to book a rental car in Italy
- Why book through Autorentwiz
- Popular car rental locations in Italy
- Frequently asked questions
Where to book a rental car in Italy
Book through Autorentwiz and you get the same companies, cars and rental conditions as on Discovercars, with our discount already applied, so the same car costs less. We can give the discount because our booking partner pays us a commission, and we give part of it back to you.
- Book online yourself: our search shows all the companies at your pick-up location, and the discount is applied automatically.
- Free consultation by car rental experts on Messenger: send us your dates, card and landing time, and we pick the offers that fit. The discount is the same as with the search button.
- Help before, during and after the rental: if something goes wrong at the desk, message us and we help sort it out.
Want to check? Open the same car on Discovercars and you will see a higher price than in our search.
How to rent a car in Italy in 3 steps
- Search, or message us. Search offers through our discount link, or message us on Messenger with your dates, airport and card type, and we will send back the offers that fit, with our discount applied.
- Pick an offer that accepts your card. Before you pay, check the deposit amount and whether the offer takes a debit card. This is where most problems at Italian rental desks start.
- Pick up with the right documents. Bring your licence, an International Driving Permit if your licence is from outside the EU/EEA, your passport or ID, and the physical card in the main driver’s name.
Car rental deposits in Italy, airport by airport
This is our own data, collected desk by desk for each airport guide. It lists the companies we recommend that accept a debit card, with the deposit they block on it.
| Airport | Region | No deposit with a debit card | Other debit-card companies we recommend | No-card offers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alghero | Sardinia | Locauto (0,01 EUR card authorisation) | Maggiore 200-800 EUR, Avis 200-800 EUR, Keddy 800-1000 EUR, NOLAUTO.IT 1000-1500 EUR | – |
| Cagliari | Sardinia | Locauto (0,01 EUR card authorisation) | Budget/Avis 200 EUR, Maggiore 200-700 EUR, Alamo/National/Enterprise 500 EUR, Keddy 800 EUR (also Revolut credit card) | – |
| Olbia | Sardinia | Locauto (0,01 EUR card authorisation) | Keddy 800-1200 EUR, Centauro 1000-1500 EUR | – |
| Catania | Sicily | Locauto (0,01 EUR card authorisation) | – | Automania |
| Palermo | Sicily | Locauto (0,01 EUR card authorisation) | Maggiore 200 EUR, Alamo 500 EUR, Dollar/Hertz 700 EUR, Masi Car Noleggio about 1200 EUR (also Revolut) | Automania |
| Trapani | Sicily | Locauto (0,01 EUR card authorisation) | Maggiore 200-500 EUR, Alamo 500 EUR | Automania |
| Bari | Mainland | Locauto (0,01 EUR card authorisation) | RecordGo from 1200 EUR | Automania |
| Bergamo | Mainland | Locauto (0,01 EUR card authorisation) | Alamo, Enterprise 500 EUR, SIXT about 520-590 EUR, Dollar, Hertz, Thrifty 700 EUR, Keddy 800 EUR, Centauro 990-1500 EUR (off the airport, by shuttle) | – |
| Milan Malpensa | Mainland | Locauto (0,01 EUR card authorisation) | Alamo, Enterprise, National 500 EUR, Flizzr about 500 EUR, SIXT 400-1000 EUR, Dollar 700 EUR | Message us |
| Naples | Mainland | Locauto (0,01 EUR card authorisation) | Alamo 500 EUR | Automania |
| Pisa | Mainland | Locauto (0,01 EUR card authorisation) | Budget 200 EUR, Maggiore 200-1415 EUR, SIXT 300-1054 EUR, Alamo, Enterprise 500 EUR, Dollar, Thrifty, Hertz 700 EUR, Centauro 990-1500 EUR, SRC Rent Car 800-2000 EUR (most offers) | Automania |
| Rimini | Mainland | Locauto in Rimini city (0,01 EUR card authorisation) | at the airport: SIXT about 500-850 EUR, Flizzr about 480-555 EUR; in Rimini city: Noleggiare 600-800 EUR, Keddy 800 EUR | – |
| Rome Ciampino | Mainland | Locauto (0,01 EUR card authorisation) | Alamo, Enterprise 500 EUR, SIXT about 490-600 EUR, Dollar, Hertz 700 EUR, Centauro 990-1500 EUR (off the airport, by shuttle) | – |
| Treviso | Mainland | Locauto (0,01 EUR card authorisation) | Maggiore 200-500 EUR, SIXT about 465-575 EUR, Alamo 500 EUR, Noleggiare 600-1000 EUR, Keddy 800 EUR | – |
| Pescara | Mainland | Locauto (0,01 EUR card authorisation) | Maggiore 200-340 EUR, Alamo, Enterprise, National 500 EUR, Noleggiare 600 EUR, SIXT 630-1130 EUR | – |
| Brindisi | Mainland | Locauto (0,01 EUR card authorisation) | Alamo, Enterprise 500 EUR, Thrifty, Dollar 700 EUR, Keddy 800 EUR | – |
| Lamezia Terme | Mainland | Locauto (0,01 EUR card authorisation) | Budget 200 EUR, Alamo, Enterprise 500 EUR, Dollar, Hertz, Thrifty 700 EUR, Keddy 800 EUR | – |
| Rome Fiumicino | Mainland | Locauto (0,01 EUR card authorisation) | Alamo, Enterprise, National 500 EUR, Hertz, Dollar 700 EUR | Automania |
| Venice Marco Polo | Mainland | Dolomiti Rent a Car (0 EUR) and Locauto (0,01 EUR card authorisation) | Flizzr about 454-463 EUR (small cars), Alamo, Enterprise, National 500 EUR, Hertz, Thrifty, Dollar 700 EUR, Record go 900-1200 EUR, SIXT (check the card rules in your offer) | – |
| Bologna | Mainland | Locauto (0,01 EUR card authorisation) | Maggiore 200 EUR (small cars), Alamo, Enterprise, National 500 EUR, Flizzr about 510-1070 EUR, Hertz, Thrifty 700 EUR, SRC Rent Car 800 EUR (small cars only), Record go 900-1600 EUR, Centauro 990-1500 EUR, SIXT about 530-1620 EUR (dearer rate only) | – |
| Florence | Mainland | Locauto (0,01 EUR card authorisation) | Flizzr about 450 EUR, SIXT from about 460 EUR (regular offers), Alamo, Enterprise, National 500 EUR, Dollar 700 EUR | – |
| Turin | Mainland | Locauto (0,01 EUR card authorisation) | Maggiore 200 EUR (Fiat 500 or Opel Corsa), Alamo, Enterprise, National 500 EUR, Thrifty, Dollar 700 EUR, Keddy 800 EUR | – |
| Milan Linate | Mainland | Locauto (0,01 EUR card authorisation) | Maggiore 200 EUR, Flizzr from about 475 EUR, SIXT from about 490 EUR, Alamo, Enterprise, National 500 EUR, Thrifty 700 EUR, Hertz 700 EUR (some cars), Keddy 800 EUR | – |
| Verona | Mainland | Locauto (0,01 EUR card authorisation) | Maggiore 200 EUR, Flizzr about 439-450 EUR, SIXT about 447-466 EUR, Alamo, Enterprise, National 500 EUR, Hertz, Dollar 700 EUR, Keddy 800 EUR | – |
| Reggio Calabria | Mainland | Locauto (0,01 EUR card authorisation) | Maggiore 200 EUR, Alamo, Enterprise, National 500 EUR, SIXT, Flizzr from about 584 EUR, Noleggiare 600 EUR (small cars), Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty 700 EUR | – |
| Trieste | Mainland | Locauto (0,01 EUR card authorisation) | Maggiore 200-478 EUR, Alamo, Enterprise, National 500 EUR, Flizzr about 508-610 EUR, SIXT about 530-868 EUR, Noleggiare from 600 EUR (190-390 EUR on zero-excess offers), Hertz 700 EUR (small cars), Keddy 800 EUR | – |
| Genoa | Mainland | Locauto (0,01 EUR card authorisation) | Maggiore 200 EUR, Flizzr about 440 EUR, SIXT about 451 EUR, Alamo, Enterprise, National 500 EUR, Dollar, Thrifty, Hertz 700 EUR, Keddy 800 EUR | – |
A deposit is not a payment. The company blocks the amount on your card at pick-up and releases it after you return the car, usually within a week. On a debit card the money is still unavailable while it is blocked, so plan your budget for it. Our guide to renting a car in Italy with a debit card explains the process in detail.
Book your rental car in Italy
Our discount is applied automatically when you use the search button.
Can you rent a car in Italy without a credit card?
Yes. Many of the companies we recommend accept a debit card, and Locauto asks for no deposit, only a symbolic 0,01 EUR card authorisation at pick-up. Three rules decide whether your debit card works at the desk:
- The offer must say it accepts a debit card. The same company can accept debit cards for one car class and refuse them for another.
- The card must be in the main driver’s name and you must bring the physical card.
- Online bank cards are rarely accepted. Revolut is accepted for the deposit by Keddy/Europcar at Cagliari and Masi Car Noleggio at Palermo. Elsewhere, pick an offer that needs no card at pick-up, such as an Automania no-deposit offer.
Sicily by Car and Goldcar do not accept debit cards, so skip their offers if you have only a debit card. The card rules of each company, including Maestro and Visa Electron, are in our guide to car rental in Italy with a debit card.
Only have a debit card? Message us and we will find you the best offer without a credit card, with our discount applied.
Can you rent a car in Italy with no deposit?
Yes. Two options exist:
- Locauto with a debit card: no deposit at almost every airport in our guides, only a symbolic 0,01 EUR card authorisation at pick-up.
- Automania no-deposit offers: no card needed at all, at Palermo, Catania, Trapani, Naples, Bari and Pisa. These offers cost more than the cheapest car, because the company carries the risk.
How much does car rental in Italy cost?
In our searches, the cheapest car rental in Italy cost about 5 to 31 EUR a day depending on the month: cheapest in November and December, most expensive in August. Paying with a debit card raised the price in every month.
Chart of car rental prices in Italy by month
We searched every month of the coming year for a 7-day rental starting around the 10th, at Alghero, Catania and Bari, and averaged the cheapest price per day. The lowest prices were in November and December, around 5 to 6 EUR a day. The highest was August, around 31 EUR a day, so a low-season week can cost about 84% less than a summer one. With a debit card the cheapest car cost more in every month.
Average of the cheapest price per day at Alghero, Catania and Bari, searched on 3 October 2026 through our discount link for 7-day rentals from November 2026 to October 2027. Prices close to the date are often lower in the off season and change daily.
We searched prices through our discount link on 1 October 2026 for a 7-day rental, Wednesday to Wednesday, at four of our airports, once for mid-March and once for mid-August 2027. These are the lowest total prices for the whole week.
| Airport | Week | Cheapest car | Cheapest with a debit card | Automatic | SUV | Van |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alghero | 10-17 Mar 2027 | 99.91 EUR | 99.91 EUR | 144.28 EUR | 137.68 EUR | 494.97 EUR |
| Catania | 10-17 Mar 2027 | 98.71 EUR | 111.62 EUR | 137.67 EUR | 151.68 EUR | 453.97 EUR |
| Bari | 10-17 Mar 2027 | 91.96 EUR | 193.92 EUR | 110.24 EUR | 155.98 EUR | 517.91 EUR |
| Bergamo | 10-17 Mar 2027 | 110.91 EUR | 213.95 EUR | 157.51 EUR | 179.14 EUR | 586.29 EUR |
| Alghero | 11-18 Aug 2027 | 309.01 EUR | 309.01 EUR | 334.43 EUR | 381.90 EUR | 753.91 EUR |
| Catania | 11-18 Aug 2027 | 182.69 EUR | 285.49 EUR | 185.10 EUR | 227.99 EUR | 672.68 EUR |
| Bari | 11-18 Aug 2027 | 157.06 EUR | 264.24 EUR | 159.28 EUR | 316.72 EUR | 753.91 EUR |
| Bergamo | 11-18 Aug 2027 | 158.29 EUR | 282.61 EUR | 160.53 EUR | 297.10 EUR | 736.45 EUR |
Two things stand out. First, a debit card costs extra almost everywhere: at Bari and Bergamo in March the cheapest debit-card offer cost about twice the cheapest overall, while at Alghero the cheapest car also took a debit card. Second, August costs 1.5 to 3 times March, and at Alghero the same week went from about 100 EUR to about 309 EUR.
Is insurance included in Italian car rental?
Basic collision damage cover (CDW) and theft protection are included in every Italian rental price. What they do not remove is the excess: the amount you pay if the car is damaged or stolen, often the same as the deposit. That is why the desk will offer you its own zero-excess cover at pick-up.
- Desk cover removes the excess at the counter. It is usually the most expensive option.
- Full coverage bought online with your booking is cheaper. It works by refund: if something happens, the rental company charges your card and you claim the money back. The deposit still gets blocked.
- No extra cover is a valid choice if you can afford the excess, but read the damage rules carefully.
None of the companies we recommend force you to buy their own insurance just because you pay with a debit card. Some require their own cover for specific cases, such as taking the car on a ferry, and we note those in each airport guide.
What documents do you need to rent a car in Italy?
To rent a car in Italy you need your driving licence, an International Driving Permit if your licence was issued outside the EU/EEA, your passport or ID card, and a card in the main driver’s name for the deposit.
- Your driving licence. A licence issued in the EU or EEA is enough on its own.
- An International Driving Permit if your licence was issued outside the EU/EEA. Italian law (Article 135 of the Highway Code) requires it, or an official Italian translation, together with your licence.
- Your passport or national ID card.
- A card in the main driver’s name for the deposit, of the type your offer accepts. Bring the physical card.
- Your booking voucher, printed or on your phone.
Most companies set the minimum age between 21 and 23, often with a young driver fee under 25, and the exact rules differ by company and car class. For a smooth pick-up, read our tips for a flawless car rental pick-up.
Driving rules in Italy that cost visitors money
The rules that cost visitors the most money in Italy are speed limits checked by cameras, ZTL zones in historic centres, motorway tolls and paid parking. Here is what to know before you drive off.
Speed limits and alcohol
- Motorways (autostrada): 130 km/h, 110 km/h in rain
- Main roads outside towns: 110 km/h, 90 km/h in rain
- Other roads outside towns: 90 km/h
- Towns: 50 km/h
- Drivers in their first three years: 100 km/h on motorways and 90 km/h on main roads
- Alcohol: 0.5 g/l, and zero for drivers under 21 or in their first three years
- Dipped headlights are required outside towns, day and night
Average-speed cameras (Tutor) measure your speed over long motorway sections. A full country overview is in the AA guide to driving in Italy.
From 15 November to 15 April, roads marked with the sign require winter tyres or snow chains on board. Ask the company if you are driving into the mountains in winter.
When to book a rental car in Italy
Book as early as you can with free cancellation, then keep an eye on prices. If the price drops, cancel and rebook. In June, July and August the islands sell out weeks in advance and prices rise long before the season starts. Rent for the whole trip rather than for one or two days: short rentals are expensive, and two days often cost about the same as five.
Book through our discount link or message us first: the discount is the same either way, and we can help you pick the right offer. More ways to pay less are in our guide to saving money on car rental.
Why book through Autorentwiz
- Our own data. Deposits, card rules and ferry permissions in our guides are collected airport by airport, not copied from booking sites.
- Our discount when you book through our link or through us.
- Help before, during and after the rental, including disputes at the desk.
- Free consultation by car rental experts.
On a separate page we explain, step by step, how to rent a car with Autorentwiz and what we do not do.
Popular car rental locations in Italy
- Car rental Alghero Airport
- Car rental Olbia Airport
- Car rental Cagliari Airport
- Car rental in Sicily
- Car rental Catania Airport
- Car rental Palermo Airport
- Car rental Trapani Airport
- Car rental Bari Airport
- Car rental Naples Airport
- Car rental Milan Malpensa Airport
- Car rental Pisa Airport
- Car rental Rimini Airport
- Car rental Rome Ciampino Airport
- Car rental Treviso Airport
- Car rental Pescara Airport
- Car rental Brindisi Airport
- Car rental Lamezia Terme Airport
- Car rental Rome Fiumicino Airport
- Car rental Venice Marco Polo Airport
- Car rental Bologna Airport
- Car rental Florence Airport
- Car rental Turin Airport
- Car rental Bergamo Airport
- Car rental Milan Linate Airport
- Car rental Verona Airport
- Car rental Reggio Calabria Airport
- Car rental Trieste Airport
- Car rental Genoa Airport
- Car rental in Italy with a debit card
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Locauto accepts a debit card and asks for no deposit, only a symbolic 0,01 EUR card authorisation at pick-up, and other companies accept debit cards at most airports. The offer must say it accepts a debit card, and the card must be in the main driver’s name.
Automania no-deposit offers need no card at all at Palermo, Catania, Trapani, Naples, Bari and Pisa. Elsewhere, Locauto asks for no deposit with a debit card, only a symbolic 0,01 EUR authorisation at pick-up.
Locauto asks for no deposit, only a symbolic 0,01 EUR card authorisation at pick-up, also with a debit card. Most other companies block between 200 and 1500 EUR, depending on the car and dates.
Only if your licence was issued outside the EU or EEA. Italian law requires an International Driving Permit, or an official Italian translation, together with your licence.
Yes. Basic damage cover and theft protection are included in every Italian rental price. You still pay the excess if the car is damaged or stolen, unless you add extra cover.
Only if you want the excess removed at the counter and are happy to pay the highest price for it. Full coverage bought online with your booking is cheaper but works by refund, and the deposit is still blocked.
Rarely. Keddy/Europcar at Cagliari and Masi Car Noleggio at Palermo accept Revolut for the deposit. Elsewhere, choose an offer that needs no card at pick-up, such as Automania no-deposit offers. Message us and we will pick an offer that works with your Revolut card.
In our search for March 2027, the cheapest car for 7 days cost about 92 to 111 EUR at Alghero, Catania, Bari and Bergamo. For the same week in August it cost about 157 to 309 EUR.
Outside June to August. Book early with free cancellation and rebook if the price drops.
A limited traffic zone in a historic centre, controlled by cameras. Driving in without a permit brings a fine by post, plus a 25 to 100 EUR admin fee from the rental company.
Only with companies that allow it, and the rules differ by airport. Our airport guides list which companies allow ferries and on what terms.
Yes, with companies that offer one-way rentals. Fees range from nothing to over 100 EUR, so message us for the cheapest option for your route.
Most companies set the minimum age between 21 and 23, often with a young driver fee under 25. The exact rules differ by company and car class.
Take a ticket when you join the motorway and pay at the exit by card or cash. Avoid lanes marked only with the yellow Telepass sign.
Our discount is the same whether you book through our search button or through us. We also check that the deposit and card rules fit you, and help if anything goes wrong at the desk.
Yes. Locauto accepts a debit card and asks for no deposit, only a symbolic 0,01 EUR card authorisation at pick-up, and Alamo, Maggiore, Sixt and Centauro accept debit cards too. The card must be a physical Visa or Mastercard in the main driver’s name, and some debit card offers require the rental company’s own insurance at the desk, so check the offer’s terms or message us.
Usually yes. Basic cover is included, but you still pay the excess if the car is damaged or stolen. Full coverage bought online with your booking is the cheapest way to cover it: it works by refund, and the deposit is still blocked. The rental company’s own insurance at the desk removes the excess directly but costs the most.
What our customers say
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★★★★★Donatas, Google review “We spent a couple of days looking for the best option. After contacting Autorentwiz, within 20 minutes they offered an option with no deposit and no credit card needed, at the best price. At the rental desk I got a new car. Only the best reviews.”
Arnas, Facebook review (translated) “We rented a car online from another company. But when we got there, we ended up in a dispute with the rental company over the insurance terms. Autorentwiz replied to our messages late in the evening, went through the photos of the contract we sent and gladly gave us useful advice on how to handle the situation. Sincere thanks for the help.”
★★★★★Jurgita, Google review (translated) “Highly recommend! I was looking for a car in Sardinia at the last minute and found one thanks to Autorentwiz 🙂 at a great price and on good terms.”
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★★★★★Katarzyna, Google review (translated) “It was our first time renting the car in Italy, Bergamo airport. Simas helped us to choose the car and answered all the questions we had. Was very easy to rent the car and was no issue with it. Thanks Simas. Would highly recommend and would rent again.”
★★★★★Dovile, Google review “I recommend them! They helped us rent 3 cars in Italy. Convenient and a very good price! Quick, smooth communication and good, clear advice. Thank you!”
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★★★★★Eitvydas, Google review “Thank you, Autorentwiz, for helping me find a reliable company to rent a car in Italy. Everything was exactly as described. Pick-up and return were smooth and quick. There were no problems, just as Autorentwiz had assured me. Thanks again, and I recommend them!”
★★★★★Kristina, Google review (translated) “I recommend this company. They quickly and efficiently found me a car in Sardinia at a very competitive price, reply fast and explain the whole procedure. I will definitely use their services again. Recommended.”
★★★★★Grzegorz, Google review (translated) “Fast, friendly service. Picking up the car in one place and returning it in another went smoothly!”
★★★★★Gytis, Google review (translated) “Excellent service, we rented a car via them in Sicily and the service and communication was flawless. Thanks a lot, will definitely continue using your services.”
★★★★★Dainius, Google review “Recommended!!! We rented 2 cars in Pescara, Italy, and everything was great. The cars were clean and well kept.”
★★★★★Indrė, Google review (translated) “Had a great experience with them. They communicate clearly, respond quickly and explain everything in an understandable way, and they recommended reliable car rental companies. Highly professional and trustworthy.”
★★★★★Zoltán, Google review “I recommend them! This isn't the first time we've used Autorentwiz and every time we're very happy. This time we rented a car in Italy: they found and offered the right option very quickly, and the whole process was smooth, clear and fast. Great communication, easy booking and professional service. We'll definitely be back. Thank you!”
★★★★★Jovita, Google review (translated)
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