Discussion · VoyageForum

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Original post

Kamil411

5 posts

2026-02-14

Hi there, I know there are similar topics here and elsewhere, but they’re a few years old, and I need an up-to-date answer to make sure I don’t throw over 1000 € out the window. Thanks for your patience.

I’m planning a trip from France to Alberta/British Columbia, and I’m unsure about which bank card to use for the security deposit with the rental company (I’m thinking of going with AVIS).

I contacted Avis Canada, and they told me a credit card is absolutely required. I asked my bank for a credit card (a *real* credit card), but they only offered me a deferred debit card.

My question: For a rental with Avis Canada, is a Gold International Mastercard deferred debit card usable for the security deposit needed to finalize the rental? Is the "CREDIT" label enough? (Some cards say "CREDIT" and others say "CARTE DE CREDIT"—seems minor, but it’s actually a big deal in how the card works.)

I’ve seen conflicting info everywhere I look... My bank says it’s *usually* okay (the deferred debit card), while Avis Canada insists it *must* be a credit card, not debit—even when I mention the deferred debit card.

I know the whole credit card concept is already confusing, and on top of that, some sites say a deferred debit card counts as a credit card, while others say it doesn’t.

Thanks to anyone who can share a recent experience! Have a great day

Djalma Globetrotter ·2026-02-14

My question: For a rental with Avis Canada, is a Gold International Mastercard with deferred debit usable to make the security deposit required to finalize the rental? Is the "CREDIT" label sufficient? (because some cards have the "CREDIT" label and others have "CARTE DE CREDIT" > which seems trivial but isn't when it comes to how the card functions).

Hello, At Avis and other rental companies, what matters is the deferred debit feature so they can charge the deposit if needed. The Gold Mastercard is a deferred debit = credit card, so no problem there.

PS: On the Gold Mastercard, it clearly says "CREDIT" below the card number.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XCOyB7WStI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2eI67iCbKY

Biggie Regular ·2026-02-14

Hi Kamil,

After many trips without any issues using a debit card, I switched to a credit card for extra security—since more and more rental companies are refusing debit cards these days.

So, I asked my bank for a deferred debit card, which seems to be the French version of a credit card! It says "CREDIT" on it, and I’ve never had any problems with Alamo, Avis, Sixt, or Hertz... in the U.S., and it’s the same for Canada. My last trip was in October 2025 [;)]

Ask your bank for a deferred debit card, and you’ll be all set!

Happy planning

Texas en 2007 - Floride : 2013 - 2014 - 2015 - 2016 - 2018 - 2019 - 2021 - 2023 - 2025 - Montana et Wyoming : 2022 - Arizona et Utah : 2023 - Montana en 2024 - Nevada, Arizona et Utah : 2025 http://acheterenfloride.blogspot.fr/

Attila Globetrotter ·2026-02-14

Hello,

I’ve never had any issues anywhere in the world using a deferred debit card for car rentals.

And as it says on the card, it’s a credit card. (Interest-free credit between the time of purchase and the actual debit at the end of the month on your account.)

I think you confused the rental agent by mentioning "débit différé." I’m not sure that term exists in every country! They heard "debit" and said no.

If you’d told them, "It says ‘credit’ on my card—is that okay?" without mentioning deferred debit, they would’ve said yes.

This link might be helpful.

Un si beau paysage : concours de photos amical de juin 2026 Rubrique Jeux Voyages C'est le moment de poster vos meilleurs clichés !

KA Kamil411 ·2026-02-14

Thanks for your feedback! I’ll follow your advice and go for a deferred debit card. If anyone else has more feedback, feel free to share—it’s never too late ;) Thanks again! Kamil

KA Kamil411 ·2026-02-14

Here’s a list of available cards and their features. From my experience and based on your feedback, the "deferred debit card" is sufficient. No need for a "deferred debit credit card" or an "immediate-effect credit card", right?

CA Caussat Globetrotter ·2026-02-16

As long as it says "CREDIT" on it, you're good.

I have a VISA PREMIER with deferred debit at the end of the month, and it says "CREDIT" on it, and I've never had any issues—even this summer 2025. So in your list, the "deferred debit card" (the one in the middle at the top of the photo!) works perfectly.

Watch out: Even if you book prepaid, you’ll need this type of card when picking up the car.

Djalma Globetrotter ·2026-02-16

Warning: Even if you book prepaid, you’ll need this type of card when picking up the car.

Generally, you have to pay with the same card used for the booking... There are always exceptions, of course.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XCOyB7WStI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2eI67iCbKY

KA Kamil411 ·2026-02-26

Thanks for all your feedback! I booked with my deferred debit card, and now another issue has come up: insurance (especially third-party liability).

I’ve read that rental companies’ third-party liability insurance is minimal, with laughably low limits (CA$200,000). It’s possible to get extra coverage to raise those limits, but apparently only at the counter... How can I know what it’ll cost me? And what about insurance to cover potential medical expenses for me and my passengers?

It feels like a never-ending process—every time I clear one hurdle, I discover new fees, haha

CA Caussat Globetrotter ·2026-02-27

Interesting question—I didn’t find an answer last summer when I noticed Avis had lowered their supplemental liability insurance (SLI) threshold.

But normally, the SLI (supplemental liability), even at minimum amounts (like the $200k you mentioned), is included in the contract. Just check carefully. It’s the additional insurance options that you take at the counter.

One option if your booking is cancelable: go through a broker. They usually offer full insurance packages with SLI up to $1 million or even $10 million as an add-on. I’ve never done it myself, preferring to rent directly, but I’ve often read on VF that it works well.

Sorry I can’t help more. If others have info, I’m also interested because last summer, I just crossed my fingers hoping nothing would happen. Which luckily, it didn’t.

Biggie Regular ·2026-02-27

I read that rental companies' civil liability insurance is minimal with derisory amounts (CA$200,000). It’s possible to take out additional insurance to extend these limits, but apparently only at the counter... How can I know what it’ll cost me?

For the US, it’s recommended to have liability coverage of at least $1,000,000. I’m not sure if it’s the same for Canada. In the US, intermediaries like BSP Auto and Autoeurope offer this level of coverage, and they’re very reliable (I use them regularly). But I don’t see anything similar when I run a simulation for Canada... On the other hand, if you go through Sunnycars (another reputable provider), you automatically get $10,000,000 in liability coverage, even in Canada. One of the rare times I booked directly with a rental company was with Avis, and I ended up with extra charges taken from my account after returning the car (the counter employee had quietly added an insurance I didn’t ask for!).

What about insurance to cover potential medical expenses for me and my passengers...

With a Gold card, you get medical expense coverage for you and your family (children under 25). Otherwise, you’ll need to take out separate insurance.

KA Kamil411 ·2026-02-27

Hello, thanks for your replies!

I contacted Avis Canada, and they told me to get in touch with the Avis branch in Calgary, where I rented my car. So I did that, and the guy at the counter confirmed that minimum third-party liability (Liability Insurance) is included in the contract, with coverage up to $200,000 CAD. However, he insisted there’s no way to buy extended coverage for that insurance. Yet everywhere says rental companies offer this kind of service. My insurer (AXA) told me they don’t cover this and that I had to check with the rental company.

As for special travel insurance for Canada like Serenitrip, they don’t cover third-party liability for vehicle damage either.

I checked Sunnycars, but their rentals are indeed twice as expensive as Avis (going from 1000 € for 25 days to 1980 €).

I find it surprising this isn’t highlighted more! I mean, insurance is pretty basic. And everyone’s passing the buck a bit, haha. It’s a bit disheartening.

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