Car Rental Payment Without a Card — Available Methods and Rules in Ukraine

Many international rental companies still require a physical plastic card to block a security deposit; however, the Ukrainian market is becoming more flexible. In this article, we will explore how car rental payments without a card can be processed via digital wallets, bank transfers, and other alternative tools. You will learn which documents to prepare and how to secure a comfortable fleet without unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.

What to Do if You Don't Have a Card?

When a physical card is left at home or has expired, modern mobile payment apps come to the rescue. Most terminals in major cities like Kyiv, Odesa, or Lviv support contactless payments. Paying via Google Pay without a physical card is becoming a standard procedure: you simply hold your smartphone near the reader.

However, there is one nuance to keep in mind. While the payment for the daily rental rate itself can go through a phone, the rental provider often requests a physical card for pre-authorization (blocking) of the deposit. This is due to banking security protocols. If you plan to rent a car in Kyiv, check with the manager in advance if the terminal can process a virtual card for the deposit. In such cases, paying via Apple Pay without a physical bank card often works if you have FaceID or TouchID activated to confirm the transaction.

Is it Possible to Pay for Car Rental in Cash on-site, via E-wallets, or Mobile Services?

The issue of cash payments in official rentals is quite complex. For instance, in large networks like Payless, all financial transactions are conducted cashless for transparency and speed. However, some local services allow clients to leave a deposit in cash. In this case, the car rental payment is accompanied by a receipt, which must be kept until the vehicle is returned.

If cash is not an option, consider digital neobanks. Popular services like Revolut for car rentals allow for instant currency conversion and transfers. Additionally, for some international bookings, PayPal might be used, though in Ukraine, these methods are more common when paying through aggregator intermediaries. Paying for a car rental through such systems usually requires prior voucher confirmation.

Using Terminals and QR Codes

Recently, paying for car rentals via terminals and QR codes has gained popularity:

• You scan the code through your banking app.
• Funds are instantly credited to the company's account.
• You don't need to share your card details with third parties.

This is a great solution when you need to quickly make an additional payment, such as for unlimited mileage or a cross-border travel service in a rental car.

Alternative Methods of Paying for Car Rental Without a Card

Separate procedures exist for legal entities. Corporate payment without a card is handled via a cashless wire transfer to the rental provider's current account based on an issued pro-forma invoice. This eliminates the need for the driver to use personal funds.

Regarding innovations, cryptocurrency for car rental payments is not yet a mainstream phenomenon in Ukraine due to legislative specifics. However, some premium services are starting to experiment in this direction through intermediaries. In most cases, car rental payment without a card still comes down to IBAN transfers.

When planning your trip, remember: paying for a car rental without a card requires more attention to the contract details. Always check if "Zero Excess" insurance is included, as this often reduces the requirements for having a credit limit on the card.

FAQ

Do car rental services accept cryptocurrency for payment? 

At the moment, official major rental companies in Ukraine do not accept direct payments in crypto.

How to arrange corporate car rental payment without a card? 

To do this, a contract must be signed between your company and the rental provider. Payment is made via bank transfer according to the issued invoice before the rental begins.

Can terminals and QR payments be used for car rental? 

Yes, some modern services support instant payment via QR codes, allowing you to avoid manual card data entry.

Is it possible to pay for car rental in cash? 

International brands usually do not accept cash. Local companies may allow it, but often subject to a higher deposit or additional insurance.