Rent a Car on Bonaire Without a Credit Card: How It Works

You've booked your trip to Bonaire, and then you read the fine print of the rental company: "credit card in the name of the main driver required." Many travelers, especially from Europe, only have a debit card. Or they simply don't want hundreds of dollars blocked on their card for the whole trip. Good news: you can rent a car on Bonaire without a credit card.

Why most rental companies ask for a credit card

Most rental companies on Bonaire block a deposit on your credit card, usually somewhere between $500 and $2,000 depending on the car and the insurance. Debit cards are usually not accepted for that block.

The downsides for you:

• No credit card, no car. If you only have a debit card, you may be turned away at the counter.
• Less spending money. The blocked amount is unavailable for the rest of your trip.
• Waiting for your money. After you return the car, it can take days before the block is released.

How we do it: a simple cash deposit

At Spare Keys we don't use credit card blocks. You pay a fixed deposit at handover, in cash (US dollars) [or by bank transfer]:

• $500 for the Toyota RAV4 and the Chevrolet Trailblazer
• $1,000 for the Jeep Wrangler

When you return the car and everything is fine, you get your deposit back right away. [If you paid by transfer, within 3 working days.] You receive a signed deposit settlement form, so everything is on paper.

One simple rule for damage

Your deposit is also the most you'll ever pay for damage to the car, including tires and windows. Only in a few clear cases, like drunk driving or taking the RAV4 or Trailblazer into the national park, does that maximum not apply. It's all in our rental terms.

What do you need?

• A valid driver's license (main driver 23+, license for at least 2 years)
• Your passport
• The rental price and deposit in US dollars [or proof of transfer]

Tips for paying in cash on Bonaire

• Bonaire uses the US dollar. You don't need to exchange money if you're coming from the US.
• Coming from Europe? Order US dollars from your bank before you leave, or withdraw them at an ATM on the island. Check your bank's fees for withdrawals abroad.
• Bring some extra cash for small local spots and food trucks.
• Keep your deposit receipt until you've received your money back.

Is a cash deposit safe?

Yes. At handover and return, we take photos of the car together and share them in our WhatsApp chat. You sign a condition report and receive a written settlement. No surprises afterwards, and no block on your card for weeks.