The question about the card usually comes up at the office, when it is too late to change anything. To make sure you arrive prepared, we have put the SOLO Rent a Car deposit rules in one place. If you are still deciding where to rent, start with our page on car hire at Alicante Airport.
In Short
- The deposit is paid with a physical bank card in the main driver’s name.
- As a rule, a credit card is required. A debit card is accepted for the Comfort package on non-luxury vehicles.
- For Luxury Elite vehicles you need two physical credit cards, both in the main driver’s name.
- The deposit is blocked at the office when you collect the car, and you must present the card physically.
- The deposit depends on the package: Basic from €1,150, Comfort from €575, Select from €250. The exact amount is shown at booking and in your voucher.
- The deposit is returned within 30 days, usually within a week.
Whose Card Is Accepted
The card must be issued in the name of the main driver, the person named in the agreement as the principal driver. A card belonging to a spouse, friend, colleague or company will not do, even if they travel with you. If additional drivers are added to the agreement, the rule does not change: the main driver pays the deposit with their own card.
How to prepare: decide in advance who the main driver will be and make sure they have the right card.
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Credit Card or Debit Card
As a rule, the deposit is paid with a credit card. The exception: a debit card is accepted for the Comfort package on non-luxury vehicles. In all other cases a credit card is required. If you only have a debit card, check before booking whether your package and vehicle category qualify: +34 672 00 10 59 or carrental@sologroup.net.
The Card Must Be Physical
You must present the card at the office when you collect the car. This means you need the physical plastic card with you. A card in a phone app or a photo of a card does not replace it.
How to prepare: put the card in your hand luggage rather than a suitcase that might be delayed, and check the expiry date.
Luxury Elite: Two Credit Cards Required
For Luxury Elite vehicles (according to clause 15 of the agreement, “Definition of vehicle groups and categories”), the customer must provide two physical credit cards. Both must be in the main driver’s name and both must be presented at the office when collecting the car.
How to prepare: if you are planning a rental in this category, check both cards in advance and make sure they are in your name.
How Much Is the Deposit
| Package | Deposit |
|---|---|
| Basic | from €1,150 |
| Comfort | from €575 |
| Select | from €250 |
The exact amount depends on the car and is shown at booking and in your voucher.
When the Deposit Is Blocked and When It Is Returned
The deposit is blocked on your card at the office when you collect the car, not at the time of booking. After you return the car, the deposit is returned within 30 days, usually within a week.
The deposit amount and the option of paying with a debit card depend on the package, and so does the cover for damage to the car.
What to Bring to the Office: A Short Checklist
- Passport or ID.
- A category B driving licence valid in Spain, held for at least one year.
- A physical credit card in the main driver’s name (two cards for Luxury Elite), or a debit card where it is accepted.
- Your booking number and flight number.
How to get to the office after landing: go down to level -2, follow the Transfer Bus signs, leave the building, walk to the express parking area and keep to the right. The branded SOLO shuttle will pick you up between pillars 43 and 47. When you arrive, call +34 610 78 79 20.
Frequently Asked Questions
{{RatingShortcode}} Can I pay the deposit with a debit card?
Yes, for the Comfort package on non-luxury vehicles. In all other cases a credit card is required.
Whose name must the card be in?
The main driver’s name. Another person’s card will not be accepted.
Can I show the card on my phone?
No, the card must be presented physically at the office when you collect the car.
How many cards do I need for Luxury Elite?
Two physical credit cards, both in the main driver’s name.
How much is the deposit?
Basic from €1,150, Comfort from €575, Select from €250. The exact amount is shown at booking and in your voucher.
When is the deposit blocked?
At the office, when you collect the car.
When will the deposit be returned?
Within 30 days, usually within a week.
Does the package affect the deposit?
Yes, both the amount and whether you can pay by debit card.
What if I don’t have a suitable card?
Contact us before your trip: +34 672 00 10 59 or carrental@sologroup.net.