as of August 3, debit cards are allowed for rentals. however the smallest hold it will conduct is 300 dollars. You can continue to use debit cards when you prepay for your car with hotwire, priceline, or other discounters with the 100 dollar hold. The biggest reason why the cards were not allowed to begin with is the hold method that the debit cards employ. it holds directly on your checking account. There will be some delays in releasing the funds after your rental is complete, (example, the minimum hold is 300. it will hold 300 even if you rent only for one day 50$). When you return the car, the 50$ will be run through, and the remaining 250 will be released. HOWEVER its up to your bank to decide when to release the funds for use again. Avis has no control over that. therefore it could take up to 2 weeks before the other $250 is released for use. Avis cannot speed up that process. Your bank is the only one that can do that.

21-25 year old renters, from the website:


At most Avis locations in the US, the minimum age to rent an Avis vehicle is 25. In certain situations or at certain locations, the minimum age may be 18 or 21. In some instances a surcharge may apply for renters under age 25. Please check with Avis at 1-800-331-1212 for details.

Please Note: At corporate locations in Connecticut, Washington D.C., Iowa and Idaho the renter and any additional drivers must be 25 years of age or older. In New York, if the renter is between the ages of 18-24, a fee of $110.00 per day will apply. A fee of $25 per day will apply in all other states for renters 21-24 years old.

Using Debit Card when you are under 25. Avis Does not allow the use of a Debit Card AND the underage clause unless their AWD code allows for it. Perfect Example. US Military Code A555500 allows for military to rent at 21 and use a debit card at age 21 without additional fees, and if they are on military orders, they can rent and use debit cards at age 18.

Insurance Replacement Car program. since the rental is paid by your insurance company, usually age 18 is allowed for rentals and Debit cards with 100 dollar holds will be honored. Due check with your insurance company to be sure.