Navigating payment policies for car rentals can sometimes be confusing. At SIXT, we aim to make your rental experience as smooth as possible, starting with clear and straightforward payment options. Understanding these policies ensures a hassle-free pick-up and return, letting you focus on enjoying your journey. Should you have any questions or require assistance at any point, the Sixt Customer Service Number is readily available to provide support and clarify any concerns you may have regarding payments or any other aspect of your rental. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about payment methods accepted at SIXT, from credit and debit card usage to prepaid reservations and security deposits.
General Payment Information at SIXT
For all SIXT rentals, the payment method must be in the name of the primary renter and presented physically at the time of vehicle pick-up. It’s crucial to ensure that your card is valid for the entire duration of your rental period. SIXT accepts cards from online banking institutions, provided you can present the physical card and it meets all other requirements. For enhanced security and global usability, credit and debit cards are required to have a chip, with the exception of China Union Pay cards.
SIXT gladly accepts major credit cards including:
- Visa
- Mastercard/Maestro
- American Express
- Discover
- Diners Club
- China Union Pay
- Japan Credit Bureau
- AirPlus
When using a credit card, please ensure that it has sufficient available credit to cover the rental cost and the security hold at the time of pick-up. In some instances, payment via credit card might require your PIN for authorization.
Debit Card Policy at SIXT Locations
SIXT’s debit card policy varies slightly depending on the location type (airport or downtown) and the vehicle category you intend to rent.
Debit Cards at Airport Locations:
Debit cards are accepted at all SIXT airport locations under specific conditions:
- You must present a confirmed return flight, train, or bus ticket in your name that matches the rental return date. This ticket must have been booked at least 24 hours prior to your pick-up time.
- The vehicle category must NOT be from the following groups: L***, X***, FF**, GF** or Sports and Luxury vehicles. These categories often require a credit card due to higher security deposit requirements.
Debit Cards for International Renters at Airports:
International renters can use debit cards issued in their country of origin at airport locations, with the key condition being that the vehicle category is NOT a Sports & Luxury vehicle.
Debit Cards at Downtown Locations:
Using a debit card at SIXT downtown locations requires meeting one of the following criteria:
- Present a confirmed return flight, train, or bus ticket in your name, matching the rental return date, booked at least 24 hours in advance.
- Alternatively, provide two current (not expired or overdue) utility or cable bills, a lease agreement, or a credit card statement from the pick-up state. These documents must match the name and address on your driver’s license. Digital copies are accepted if sourced from the official provider’s page (e.g., a utility company website).
- Similar to airport locations, the vehicle category must not be L***, X***, FF**, GF** or Sports and Luxury vehicles.
Payment Methods Not Accepted:
Please note that SIXT does not accept virtual credit or debit cards, prepaid cards, checks, or cash for rentals. Chime cards are accepted only for final payment upon vehicle return. SIXT Express cards (Advantage Circle) are not considered valid payment methods for rentals.
Security Deposits and Authorization Holds
At the time of pick-up, SIXT will authorize your payment method for an amount that includes the estimated rental price, any additional charges, extras, and a security hold. The security hold amount varies depending on the vehicle category. These funds will be temporarily held and made unavailable to you during the rental period. Refer to the table below for a breakdown of security hold amounts and accepted payment methods by vehicle category.
| Vehicle Category | Vehicle Code | Minimum Authorization Amount | Payment Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy through Premium Sedan, Compact through Premium SUV, Compact and Midsize Convertibles, Minivans, Standard and Premium Pick-up Trucks, and Standard and Premium Coupe | All vehicle codes not specifically listed below. | Rental amount + $200* | Debit cards accepted with additional documentation at pick-up (see above). |
| Full-size and Full-size Elite SUV, Luxury vehicles and Extraordinary vehicles (not labeled ‘Sports & Luxury Car’) | FF**, GF**, LC**, LS**, LD**, LF**, LT**, WC**, WFA*, XCAE, XCAR, XCAH, XCAM, XFAE, XFAR, XFAH, XFAC, XFAZ, XFQR, XLAE, XTAJ and XTAN | $500, or Rental amount + $200, whichever is higher* | Credit card required. Internationally issued debit cards may be accepted with additional documentation (see above). |
| Extraordinary vehicles labeled ‘Sports & Luxury Car’, BMW i7 or similar, BMW 7 series or similar, BMW 8 series or similar, and Cadillac Escalades or similar | XDAE, XDAL, XDAN, XDAR, XFAL, XFAN, XFAP, XFAW, XFAX, XJAL, XJAN, XJAX, XLAR, XNAX, XSAJ, XSAM, XSAN, XSAR, XSAX, XTAM, XTAP, XTAR, XTAW, XTAX, and XZAN | $2500, or Rental amount + $200, whichever is higher* | Credit card required. |
*Please be aware that deposit amounts may vary for rentals picked up at non-airport locations in Texas, Colorado, and Illinois. In these locations, debit card acceptance may also be limited to vehicle categories up to Midsize SUV. Additionally, some locations, particularly for higher-end vehicles, might perform a credit check or have further qualification requirements based on local policy.
For rentals originating from non-airport locations in Texas, Colorado, and Illinois, you may be asked to provide a second form of identification. Acceptable forms include military ID, passport, permanent resident card, voter registration card, or student photo ID. Specific locations in Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Springfield, and West Haven may also have additional requirements.
Policies for Long-Term Rentals
For rentals extending beyond 28 days, SIXT will initially capture the total amount for the first 28 days at the start of your rental. It is necessary to provide a payment method that remains valid for the entire long-term rental duration. For each rental agreement within the long-term series, SIXT will process a payment equal to the gross total. Long-term rentals are exempt from security deposits. If you add extra services after the initial check-out, the system will authorize the additional amount, which will be charged at the end of the current rental period.
SIXT will issue separate invoices for each rental agreement. If a payment fails at any point, you will receive an email with a link to update your payment method. If a valid payment method isn’t provided within three days of SIXT’s attempts to contact you via email and phone, or if you are unreachable, the vehicle must be returned to a SIXT location within 24 hours of notification to avoid overdue processes.
Three days before each rental period renewal, you will receive an email with a link to accept the new rental agreement. Reminders will follow 1 and 2 days before the next period starts if you haven’t completed the acceptance. Failure to accept the new terms will result in automatic acceptance.
To change your payment method during an ongoing rental or at vehicle return, please visit the nearest SIXT location. Refunds to the original payment method can take up to 15 business days to process.
Prepaid Reservation Policies – “Pay Now / Best Price”
Choosing a prepaid rate (“Pay Now / Best Price”) means your payment will be charged at the time of booking for the estimated total rental cost, including taxes and any agreed-upon charges. The charge will be in USD (or converted using the exchange rate at the time of debit, if applicable). The driver and the payment method are confirmed at reservation and cannot be changed afterward. The payment method provided must be valid, available for presentation at pick-up, and comply with all general payment conditions. Any extra costs incurred during the rental will be charged to this original payment method. Please note that prepaid reservations are non-refundable for non-collection, late pick-up, or early returns.
Modifying Prepaid Bookings
Prepaid bookings can be modified up to one hour before the scheduled rental start, subject to availability. While modifications are possible, any payments already made are non-refundable, and rate differences resulting in a lower rental cost will not be refunded. Changing a prepaid rate to a non-prepaid rate is not permitted. Any changes to your prepaid reservation may affect the overall rental rate.
Cancellation Policy for Prepaid Reservations
Prepaid bookings can be canceled before the rental start. However, cancellations are subject to a fee. This fee will never exceed the total prepaid amount.
- Cancellations made more than 24 hours before the scheduled pick-up time will incur a $100 cancellation fee (excluding tax). The remaining prepaid amount (if over $100 excl. tax) will be refunded.
- Cancellations within 24 hours of the scheduled pick-up time will result in a $200 cancellation fee (excluding tax). The remaining prepaid amount (if over $200 excl. tax) will be refunded.
- No refunds are issued for cancellations made after the scheduled pick-up time.
To make changes or cancellations to your booking, you can visit www.sixt.com/service, email [email protected], or call the SIXT Service Center directly.
No-shows
In the event of a no-show (failure to pick up your vehicle), no refund will be issued.
Late Pick-up and Early Returns
Once a vehicle is rented, no refunds or credits will be provided for unused rental days due to late pick-up or early return.
We hope this guide clarifies SIXT’s payment policies, making your car rental experience straightforward and enjoyable. For any further assistance, remember that the SIXT customer service number is your direct line to support. Safe travels!
