Debit card or cash
The accepted methods are listed with each car. A physical debit card in the main driver's name is the most common alternative; prepaid and virtual cards are often refused.
CRETE AUTORENT
Heraklion Airport Car Rental – Without Credit Card
Rent a car at Heraklion Airport and pay by debit card or cash on selected offers. Compare conditions and total prices for your dates.
✓ No Deposit Required✓ No Credit Card Needed✓ Airport, City & Hotel Pickup✓ Full Insurance Options✓ Zero Excess Options✓ Manual & Automatic Cars✓ Free Cancellation Options✓ New Cars Available
Car rental at Heraklion Airport without a credit card: quick answer
Yes, selected cars at Heraklion Airport (HER) can be rented without a credit card. Depending on the offer, you pay by debit card or in cash at pickup, and these cars usually come with full insurance and a low or zero deposit. Use the 'No credit card' filter above and check the accepted payment methods before you book. Heraklion Airport (HER) is Crete's busiest airport, about 5 km from the city, so in July and August the best-value offers go early – book ahead.
Why insurance matters
Debit-card acceptance and any security deposit depend on the selected car and supplier. Many of these offers include full insurance, which keeps the amount at pickup predictable; check the conditions shown with each car.
What to bring
Your driving licence, passport or ID card, the voucher and the card or cash you will pay with. The name on the card must match the main driver.
Check before you fly
Make sure the card has enough balance for any payment at pickup and that it works abroad. If your card is restricted, choose an offer that accepts cash.
Meeting point
Most rental suppliers at Heraklion Airport meet customers outside the arrivals exit or in the car parks beside the terminal, then walk with you to the car. Your voucher shows the exact place and a phone number to call when you land.
Driving times from the airport
Heraklion centre about 10–15 minutes, Knossos about 20 minutes, Hersonissos about 25 minutes, Malia about 30–35 minutes, Agios Nikolaos about 55–60 minutes and Rethymno about 1 hour 10 minutes.
Returning the car
The roads and car parks around HER are congested in summer, so allow at least 2–2.5 hours before your flight. Follow the voucher's return instructions and refuel before you reach the airport area, according to the fuel policy.
Busy summer arrivals
On summer weekends many flights land within a short time, and automatics and family cars sell out first. Book early and add your flight number so the supplier can adjust to delays.
FAQ
Car rental at Heraklion Airport without a credit card – FAQ
Can I rent a car at Heraklion Airport without a credit card?
Yes, on selected offers. Use the 'No credit card' filter: payment is usually by debit card or cash, and the accepted methods are shown with each car.
Do I need a deposit if I pay by debit card?
Usually not a large one: most no-credit-card offers include full insurance with a low or zero deposit. The exact amount is shown before you book.
Can I pay in cash at Heraklion Airport?
Some offers accept cash at pickup. Check the payment details of the car before booking, as not every supplier accepts cash.
How far is Heraklion Airport from Heraklion?
About 5 km – around 10–15 minutes by car.
