Credit cards for car rentals in Chile

Hi everyone, French travelers in Chile—what credit cards do you use for your various car rentals in the country? I’m traveling in September and was planning to switch my regular debit card (a VISA PREMIER in deferred debit mode) for the deposit guarantee.

My rentals are with Figal in Punta Arenas, Econautos in Arica, and Chilean Rent a Car in Temuco, and all of them want the deposit on a credit card. For me, deferred debit *should* work, but I’ve read comments saying the opposite.

How’s it actually working on the ground with these rental companies right now? Will a deferred debit card work, or not at all?

In France, banks don’t issue credit cards, right—or am I mistaken?

Thanks for your help!

Hi,

I might be saying something silly, but a deferred debit card is basically a "credit" card. During my stay in Thailand last November, car rental companies refused payment with my "debit" card—meaning immediate debit. Luckily, I had my business account card, which is a deferred debit card.

That said, each country might have different policies. During a trip to Chile in 2017, I only had a "debit" card and had no issues with my car rentals.

So, to recap: - "Debit" card: immediate debit - "Credit" card: deferred debit

Fred

Hi there, No, no, you're not talking nonsense: A deferred debit card is indeed a credit card. And it should be sufficient for any vehicle rental.

It’s usually written on it, by the way.

Hi,

I used a deferred debit card (so, credit) for the deposit during my 2025 trip to Chile.

The rental company was Europcar.

Hi All deferred debit cards are what we call in France a "credit card." Basic credit cards work just fine for renting a car, but the so-called "premier" or "gold" cards offer better insurance coverage.