What you need to bring for a cash car rental at Dublin Airport
Most car rental companies at Dublin Airport will rent to you with cash, but they require a cash deposit held on a debit or credit card — they do not hold actual cash as security. You will also need a valid passport, a driving licence from your home country, and an International Driving Permit if your licence is not in English or Roman characters.
The deposit amount varies by rental company and car type, but typically ranges from €500 to €2,000. This money stays in your account and is released back to you after you return the car undamaged and settle the rental charges. Some companies require the card to be in the driver's name; others accept a card held by a travelling companion.
Bring your booking confirmation if you have one, though walk-up rentals are possible. Have a contact phone number for someone at your home address in case the rental company needs to reach you after you leave Ireland.
Key Takeaways
- The deposit is held on a debit or credit card, not taken as cash, and released after you return the car.
- You need a valid passport, driving licence, and International Driving Permit if your licence is not in English.
- Deposit amounts typically range from €500 to €2,000 depending on the car size and rental company.
- Major rental desks are in the arrivals hall at Dublin Airport; smaller companies operate from nearby locations and run shuttle buses.
- Fuel, insurance, and tolls are separate charges on top of the daily rental rate.
Which rental companies operate at Dublin Airport
The major international companies with desks in the arrivals hall are Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise. These companies have standardised deposit policies and accept most debit and credit cards. Smaller operators like Europcar, Sixt, and local Irish companies also rent from Dublin Airport but may have different deposit requirements or card acceptance rules.
Check the rental company's website before you arrive to confirm they accept your card type and that they have cars available for your dates. Some companies charge extra fees for drivers under 25 or over 70, and these fees are not always shown in the initial quote. Call ahead if you fall into either age group.
How the deposit and payment process works
When you arrive at the rental desk, the agent will take an imprint or authorisation hold on your card for the deposit amount. This is not a charge — it is a temporary hold that shows the company you have funds available. The hold typically lasts 7 to 30 days after you return the car, depending on your bank and the rental company.
You pay the actual rental charges separately, usually at the end of your rental period when you return the car. This payment covers the daily rate, any insurance you purchased, fuel (if you did not return the car full), and any damage charges or tolls incurred during the rental. Some companies allow you to pay this with cash at the return desk, though most prefer card payment.
If you damage the car, the rental company will charge your card for repairs after you leave. This is why the deposit hold matters — it ensures they can recover costs if you are not reachable by phone or email.
Insurance and what happens if you damage the car
The rental company's basic liability insurance is included in most quotes, but it often comes with a high excess (the amount you pay toward repairs). The excess is typically €800 to €1,500 for standard cars. You can reduce this by purchasing Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Super CDW at the rental desk, which lowers your out-of-pocket cost if the car is damaged.
If you cause damage, the rental company photographs the car, documents the damage, and sends you an invoice weeks or even months later. This invoice is charged to the card you used for the deposit. If the damage exceeds your deposit amount, the company will attempt to charge you for the overage. This is why having a valid contact address and phone number is important.
Read the damage policy carefully at the desk before you sign. Some companies charge for minor scratches; others do not. Clarify what counts as "normal wear and tear" versus chargeable damage.
Tolls, fuel, and other charges to expect
Ireland has electronic tolls on several motorways, including the M4, M6, M7, and M8. If you use a tolled road, the rental company will charge you the toll amount plus an administration fee (usually €2 to €5 per toll). Some rental companies include a toll tag in the car; others bill you after you return it based on number plate records.
Fuel is charged at the end of your rental. If you return the car with less than a full tank, you pay the rental company's fuel price, which is typically higher than petrol station prices. Some companies offer a pre-purchase fuel option where you pay for a full tank upfront at a set rate; this is worth considering if you plan to drive long distances.
Parking, traffic fines, and congestion charges are your responsibility. If you park illegally or exceed speed limits, the rental company will pass the fine to you with an administration fee added.
Returning the car and getting your deposit released
Return the car to the location specified in your booking. Most rentals are returned to Dublin Airport itself, but some companies operate off-airport locations. Confirm your return location when you pick up the car.
Arrive with a full tank of fuel and inspect the car with the agent before you leave the desk. Take photos of the odometer, fuel gauge, and any existing damage so you have proof of the car's condition. The agent will do a walk-around inspection and note any new damage on the return paperwork.
The deposit hold is released within 7 to 30 days, depending on your bank and the rental company. If there are no damage charges or outstanding tolls, the hold straightforward expires and the money becomes available again. If charges are applied, they are deducted from the hold before it is released. Check your bank statement after two weeks to confirm the hold has been released.
What to do if you have a problem with the rental
If the rental company charges you for damage you did not cause, or if you believe a charge is incorrect, contact them in writing within 30 days with photos and documentation. Keep your rental agreement, return paperwork, and any photos you took of the car's condition.
If the company does not respond or refuses to adjust the charge, you can dispute the charge with your bank or credit card company. Your bank can reverse the charge if you provide evidence that the company's claim was unfounded. This process takes 4 to 8 weeks.
For safety concerns — such as a car that breaks down or has mechanical problems — contact the rental company's emergency number when ready. Most companies offer roadside information or will send a replacement vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a debit card for the deposit instead of a credit card?
Yes, most rental companies accept debit cards for the deposit hold. The hold works the same way — the money is reserved but not charged. Confirm with your bank that they allow holds on your debit card, as some banks decline them for security reasons.
What if my card is declined when I try to pay the deposit?
Contact your bank before you travel and let them know you will be renting a car in Ireland. Banks sometimes block large holds as fraud prevention. If your card is declined at the desk, ask if the rental company accepts a different card or if a travelling companion can provide their card instead.
Do I have to buy insurance at the rental desk?
No, but the basic insurance included in your rental has a high excess. If you have travel insurance or credit card coverage that includes car rentals, check what it covers before you decline the rental company's insurance. Some policies do not cover damage in Ireland or have exclusions for certain situations.
How long does it take for the deposit hold to disappear from my account?
The hold typically releases within 7 to 30 days after you return the car, depending on your bank and the rental company. If no damage charges are applied, it straightforward expires. If charges are applied, they are deducted and the remaining balance is released. Contact your bank if the hold is still showing after 30 days.
What happens if I return the car late?
Late return charges are typically €30 to €50 per hour, charged to your card after you return the car. Some companies charge a full day's rate if you are more than a few hours late. Confirm the late return policy when you pick up the car, and plan to return it well before your important date.