Renting a car at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) offers convenience and flexibility for your travels. To ensure a smooth rental experience at the Phoenix Airport Rental Car Center, it’s important to understand the renter requirements and payment policies. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of what you need to know before you pick up your rental car.
Essential Renter Requirements at Phoenix Airport
To rent a vehicle from the Phoenix Airport Rental Car Center, all renters and additional drivers must meet specific criteria:
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Age Requirement: The minimum age to rent a car is 21 years old. A daily underage surcharge of $25 applies to drivers aged 21 to 24. This surcharge is standard policy for younger renters and helps cover the increased risk associated with this age group. It is important to note that renters in this age bracket have some vehicle class restrictions. They are eligible to rent vehicles from economy through full-size cars, cargo and minivans, and compact, small, and standard SUVs with seating for up to five passengers. Luxury sedans, premium SUVs and similar larger or more expensive vehicles are typically restricted for renters under 25.
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Valid Driver’s License: A valid driver’s license is mandatory for all renters and additional drivers. Learner’s permits or instructional permits are not accepted. The driver’s license must be valid for the entire rental period. For renters using debit cards, the address on the driver’s license must match their current home address. An exception is made for active-duty military personnel, who are exempt from the address matching requirement. It’s always a good idea to check your license expiration date before your trip to avoid any last-minute issues at the rental counter.
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Credit or Debit Card: Renters must present a major credit card or debit card in their name at the time of rental. The card is required for security and deposit purposes. The specific rules regarding debit card usage are important to understand, especially at airport locations like the Phoenix Airport Rental Car Center.
Debit Card Policies at Phoenix Airport Car Rental Center
Using a debit card for your car rental at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport has specific conditions:
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Ticketed Return Travel Itinerary: At Phoenix Airport locations, debit cards are generally accepted at the time of rental only if you can provide a ticketed return travel itinerary. This policy is designed to mitigate risk and ensure the vehicle’s return. If you are renting without a flight return ticket, you may need to use a credit card or provide additional forms of verification.
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Address Verification: As mentioned, if you are using a debit card, the name and address on your driver’s license must match your current home address. This is a standard security measure. Active duty military personnel are exempt from this address requirement.
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Funds Reduction and Overdraft Fees: When using a debit card, be aware that the estimated rental costs and any potential additional charges will reduce the available funds in your account. Furthermore, renters are responsible for any overdraft fees that may be incurred due to these transactions. It’s crucial to ensure sufficient funds are available in your account to cover the rental costs and any potential deposit.
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Additional Drivers: If you are using a debit card, keep in mind that only your spouse or domestic partner is permitted as an additional driver. No other additional drivers are allowed under debit card rentals, which is a stricter policy compared to credit card rentals.
Insurance Verification for Specific Vehicle Classes
For renters without a ticketed return travel itinerary and who intend to rent certain premium vehicle classes from the Phoenix Airport Rental Car Center, insurance verification is required. This typically applies to:
- Full Size Luxury Sedan
- Premium Luxury Sedan
- Midsize Sport Luxury Sedan
- Electric Luxury Sedan
- Premium Luxury SUV
- Extended Luxury SUV
- Electric Luxury SUV
- Limo Van
- Corvette
For these vehicle types, you must provide evidence of a transferable auto collision, comprehensive, and liability insurance policy at the time of rental. This ensures adequate coverage for higher-value vehicles, especially for rentals not associated with immediate return travel.
Accepted Forms of Payment at Phoenix Sky Harbor
The Phoenix Airport Rental Car Center accepts a variety of payment methods for your convenience:
- VISA®
- MasterCard®
- American Express®
- Discover Network®
- Debit Card (under specific conditions outlined above)
When you reserve your rental car online or through email, the estimated total will be charged to your provided payment method. If you modify your rental, the final amount may change but will still be processed through the original payment form.
Deposit Policy at Phoenix Airport Rental Car Center
To cover potential additional charges during your rental, a deposit is often required. The deposit policy at Phoenix Airport Rental Car Center depends on whether you have a ticketed return travel itinerary and the type of vehicle you are renting.
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Standard Deposit: For renters without a ticketed return travel itinerary, a standard deposit of $300 is required.
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Higher Deposit for Premium Vehicles: A higher deposit of $850 applies to rentals of performance sport vehicles and luxury vehicles including:
- Performance Sport
- Full Size Luxury SUV
- Electric Luxury SUV
- Full Size Elite Electric Sedan
- Midsize Sport Luxury Sedan
- Full Size Luxury Sedan
- Premium Luxury Sedan
- Electric Luxury Sedan
- Premium Luxury SUV
- Extended Luxury SUV
- Limo Van
- Corvette
This deposit is held and will not be available for use during your rental period. It will be refunded after the vehicle is returned, provided there are no additional charges.
Important Payment Information
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Deposit Payment Method: The deposit must be paid using one of the accepted forms of payment listed above (credit or debit card).
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Deposit Hold: The deposit amount is held and not available for use until after the car is returned.
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Deductions from Deposit: Any additional amounts owed at the end of your rental, such as extra mileage, late return fees, or damage charges, may be deducted from your deposit. If these charges exceed the deposit, or if the deposit is insufficient, they will be charged to the payment method provided at the rental start, unless you provide an alternative accepted payment method.
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Debit Card Transactions: As mentioned before, using a debit card means the funds will be immediately reduced from your account, and you are responsible for any overdraft fees.
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Unacceptable Payment Forms: Money orders and prepaid cards are not accepted for payment at the start of the rental, including for the deposit. Cash is also not accepted. However, money orders and prepaid cards might be accepted to pay outstanding balances at the end of the rental after vehicle return.
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Credit Cards on Profile: Credit cards saved in your renter profile or loyalty accounts (like Emerald Club) can also be used for payment of all rental charges.
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Authorizations and Charges: All rental charges, including the deposit and final rental fees, will be processed as authorizations or direct charges to your credit or debit card.
By understanding these renter requirements and payment policies for the Phoenix Airport Rental Car Center, you can ensure a hassle-free car rental experience. Always verify specific terms and conditions at the time of booking and pickup, as policies can be subject to change. Safe travels!
