Many travelers visiting Sicily wonder if it’s possible to rent a car without a credit card — especially at popular airports like Catania Fontanarossa (CTA), Palermo Falcone-Borsellino (PMO), and Trapani-Birgi (TPS).
The short answer is ✅ yes, it’s possible, but only with specific companies and under certain conditions.
This 2026 guide explains which rental providers accept debit cards, what requirements they have, and how to make your trip smooth when exploring Sicily’s beaches, mountains, and historical towns.
📍 Where You Can Rent a Car Without a Credit Card in Sicily
Most international car rental companies in Sicily require a major credit card (Visa, Mastercard) under the driver’s name for deposit purposes.
However, a few providers accept debit cards — particularly at large airports.
| Airport | Companies Accepting Debit Cards | Special Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Catania (CTA) | Sicily by Car, Locauto, Sixt | Must show return flight ticket, debit card with embossed numbers |
| Palermo (PMO) | Hertz, Enterprise, Leasys | Full insurance coverage required |
| Trapani (TPS) | Autovia, Noleggiare | Card must support pre-authorization |
| Comiso (CIY) | Sicily by Car | Only with Full Protection plan |
💡 Tip: Always confirm the debit card policy directly with the provider before booking online — some companies vary by location.
💳 Credit Card vs. Debit Card — What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Credit Card | Debit Card |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit Hold | Yes (blocked, not withdrawn) | Withdrawn directly from your account |
| Acceptance Rate | 95% of rental agencies | ~40% of agencies |
| Refund Time | 3–5 business days | 5–15 business days |
| Insurance Flexibility | Wide choice | Often limited to full coverage only |
| Risk for Travelers | Lower (credit buffer) | Higher (funds tied up) |
🚦 Pro tip: If you only have a debit card, choose a rental with “Zero Excess” or “Full Protection”, as it minimizes financial holds.
🏢 Top Car Rental Companies in Sicily Accepting Debit Cards
| Company | Accepts Debit Cards | Required Insurance | Airport Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sicily by Car | ✅ Yes | Full Coverage | Palermo, Catania, Trapani |
| Locauto (Enterprise Italy) | ✅ Yes | Super CDW | Palermo, Catania |
| Sixt | ✅ Conditional | Full Protection | Catania, Palermo |
| Autovia | ✅ Conditional | Minimum CDW | Trapani |
| Leasys (by Stellantis) | ❌ No (Credit only) | — | Palermo, Catania |
Most of these providers require:
- A debit card with embossed numbers (no prepaid cards).
- The same name on the driver’s license and card.
- Proof of return flight (especially for international travelers).
🧾 Required Documents for Car Rental Without a Credit Card
When renting with a debit card, you’ll typically need the following:
- 🪪 Passport or ID card (for EU residents)
- 🚗 Driver’s license (and International Driving Permit for non-EU citizens)
- 💳 Debit card with embossed numbers and sufficient balance
- 📄 Return ticket or accommodation proof
- 📧 Booking confirmation (print or mobile)
Some companies may ask for a second ID (like a utility bill or digital address proof).
🛡️ Insurance and Deposit Details
Renting without a credit card often means the agency will require full insurance to minimize risk.
That’s why rates may appear higher for debit card bookings.
| Insurance Type | Coverage | Average Cost / Day |
|---|---|---|
| Basic CDW | Partial damage coverage | Included |
| Super CDW | Reduces deductible | €10–20 |
| Full Protection (Zero Excess) | No deductible | €20–30 |
💰 Note: Full Protection usually waives the need for a large deposit (from €600–€1,500).
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⛽ Fuel Policy and Payments
Most rental companies in Sicily use a Full-to-Full fuel policy — meaning you return the car with the same fuel level as when picked up.
| Policy Type | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Full-to-Full | Return with full tank | ✅ Best option |
| Full-to-Empty | Pay for fuel upfront | ⚠️ Often more expensive |
| Prepaid | Limited option for debit users | 👎 Not ideal |
Fuel stations are located within 2–3 km of all major airports (Palermo, Catania, Trapani). Keep the fuel receipt — it may be required during vehicle inspection.
🕓 Returning a Car Rented Without a Credit Card
The return process is the same as standard rentals, but refund times differ.
- Follow “Car Rental Return” signs near the terminal.
- Refuel before entering the airport area.
- Inspect the car together with an agent.
- Request a written confirmation that no damages were found.
- Wait for your deposit refund (usually within 5–15 days).
| Airport | Nearest Fuel Station | Refund Time (Avg.) |
|---|---|---|
| Catania (CTA) | Q8 – Via Fontanarossa | 5–10 days |
| Palermo (PMO) | ENI – Via Kennedy | 7–14 days |
| Trapani (TPS) | ENI – SP21 | 5–10 days |
🗺️ Tips for Driving in Sicily
Driving in Sicily can be a mix of adventure and challenge — from mountain curves to historic town centers.
✅ Follow these quick tips:
- Avoid entering ZTL zones (restricted city areas).
- Use Google Maps or Waze for live traffic updates.
- Always carry cash for small parking lots and tolls.
- Use automatic transmission if you’re not confident with manual driving.
- Take photos of the car before and after rental.
💬 Pros and Cons of Renting Without a Credit Card
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easier access for travelers without credit cards | Higher insurance costs |
| Less dependency on credit systems | Larger deposits required |
| Works well for short-term rentals | Fewer car categories available |
| Some agencies offer flexible payment options | Refunds take longer |
⚖️ Verdict: Renting without a credit card in Sicily is totally possible, but it’s best for travelers who plan ahead and choose agencies that clearly support debit payments.
🌅 Exploring Sicily by Car
Sicily offers spectacular routes worth exploring by car:
| Route | Highlights | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Palermo → Cefalù | Coastal views & beaches | 70 km |
| Catania → Taormina | Etna volcano, sea cliffs | 55 km |
| Trapani → Marsala | Salt pans, vineyards | 30 km |
| Palermo → Agrigento | Valley of Temples | 130 km |
🧭 Pro tip: Sicily’s highways (A19, A29, A20) are toll-free in many parts, making driving cost-effective compared to mainland Italy.
🏁 Conclusion: Yes, You Can Rent a Car in Sicily Without a Credit Card
In 2026, renting a car at Sicily Airport without a credit card is increasingly common, thanks to flexible agencies like Sicily by Car, Locauto, and Sixt.
Just make sure to:
- Choose a debit-friendly provider
- Opt for full insurance to avoid blocked deposits
- Bring all required documents and proof of return travel
That way, you’ll enjoy complete freedom to discover Sicily’s stunning landscapes — from Palermo’s architecture to Mount Etna’s lava fields — without worrying about payment complications.
🌍 RomeAutoRent Tip: Always book online in advance and check “Debit Card Accepted” in the rental conditions. It’s safer, cheaper, and saves time upon arrival.
🧾 Quick Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Availability | Palermo, Catania, Trapani Airports |
| Card Type | Debit cards with embossed numbers |
| Insurance | Full Coverage required |
| Deposit | €500–€1,200 (refundable) |
| Refund Time | 5–15 days |
| Top Providers | Sicily by Car, Locauto, Sixt |
| Fuel Policy | Full-to-Full |
| Suitable For | Travelers without credit cards |
