Car rental in Mallorca without deposit and credit card: what to check before booking
You can't get around Mallorca without a car. Buses on the island run infrequently, and taxis eat up a noticeable part of the budget over a week. But when picking up a car, many people get a surprise: the rental company blocks a deposit of 250 to 1500 EUR on the card (according to ADAC). If you don't have a credit card or enough available credit, they simply won't give you the car.
Below we break down how rental without a blocked amount works, how much a car costs on the island, and what you should check in the contract before paying.
Ad: this article contains affiliate links. We earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you.
What rental without a deposit means
💡 In short:
- A deposit is a blocked amount on the card, not a payment for the car.
- A classic rental company requires a credit card and blocks the deposit amount on it.
- Services without a deposit give you the car without blocking funds and accept payment at pickup.
- Deposit amount and card requirements: 10/2026, according to ADAC.
How rental usually works
Under the classic scheme, the rental company blocks the deposit amount on a credit card. For regular passenger cars this is 250-1500 EUR, for premium class and minivans it's more (according to ADAC). The money is not actually charged, it's only frozen.
The hold stays in place until you return the car. If the car is fine, it's released within a few days. If damage is found, the amount may be held longer.
Debit and prepaid cards are a weak point here. Many rental companies don't accept them, and if they do, they charge the amount immediately rather than freezing it. So before booking, check which card the selected rate requires.
Criterion | Regular rental | Rental without a deposit |
|---|---|---|
Deposit | 250-1500 EUR blocked (ADAC data) | Not blocked |
Card | Usually a credit card in the driver's name | A debit card or cash is often enough |
Payment | Often at the time of booking | At car pickup |
Available credit | You need a buffer for the deposit amount | Not needed |
What EasyCars Mallorca offers
One option in this format is offered by the rental service EasyCars Mallorca. According to the service description, the company provides cars without a deposit and without a credit card, payment is made at pickup, and mileage is unlimited. Booking is done online: you use filters to select the car class and dates, then confirm the order by paying up to 20% by card (verified 10/2026). You pay the rest when you pick up the car.
How much car rental costs in Mallorca
The price depends on the car class, season, and pickup location. In the off-season (May-June or late August-September), a compact car costs from 16 to 29 EUR per day, standard class and minivans 25-38 EUR, crossovers and convertibles 35-47 EUR, premium class from 60 EUR (rental terms and prices, verified 10/2026). In July and August, rates are higher because demand on the island peaks during this period.
A weekly rental usually works out cheaper than booking individual days. The pickup location also affects the price: there are more cars at Palma de Mallorca Airport, while in a small town the selection is more limited.
How to choose a rental company and what to check in the contract
Terms vary between companies, so compare several points.
Deposit: whether it states that the amount is not blocked, and which card is accepted.
Insurance: whether basic coverage is included and what deductible remains in case of damage.
Drivers: whether only the main driver is listed in the contract or additional drivers too.
Mileage and fuel: unlimited mileage and the full-to-full return rule.
Age and driving experience: rental companies on the island have age restrictions and a surcharge for young drivers.
The deductible and extra charges are usually in the fine print, so read the rate before paying. If you want to compare terms from different companies, you can do so in the car rental selection on DiscoverCars.
What's important to know about driving in Mallorca
The same rules apply on the island as in the rest of Spain. Traffic drives on the right, overtaking on the left.
The legal alcohol limit is 0.5 per mille, and 0.3 per mille for new drivers (according to ADAC). In built-up areas the limit is 30-50 km/h depending on the street, outside towns 90 km/h, on motorways 120 km/h. You can only talk on the phone while driving with a headset, and seat belts are mandatory for everyone in the car.
The mountain road through the Serra de Tramuntana is beautiful, but the hairpin turns require attention. In high season, parking at popular coves fills up by morning, so leave early.
⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions
Can you rent a car in Mallorca without a deposit and without a credit card?
Yes, some local rental companies operate without a deposit. You pay for the rental when you pick up the car, and no amount is blocked on the card. According to the EasyCars Mallorca service description, you only need to pay a small portion online to book, and the rest at pickup. Before paying, check in the rate which card the rental company accepts.
What is a deposit when renting a car?
A deposit is insurance for the rental company, not a payment for the trip. The amount is not charged, but temporarily frozen on the card. It covers possible damage, an unfilled tank, and fines. After you return the car, the hold is released, usually within a few days. If the car is fine, you lose only time, not money.
Which card is accepted for car rental in Mallorca?
Classic rental companies require a credit card in the main driver's name. Debit and prepaid cards are not accepted everywhere, and sometimes the amount is charged immediately rather than frozen. Services without a deposit usually accept a debit card or cash at pickup. Exact terms depend on the rate, so check them when booking.
How much does car rental cost in Mallorca?
The price depends on the car class, season, and pickup location. According to the EasyCars Mallorca website (10/2026), in the off-season a compact model costs 16-29 EUR per day, standard class and minivans 25-38 EUR, crossovers and convertibles 35-47 EUR. In July and August, rates are higher, and with a weekly rental the daily price is usually lower.
Do you need an international driving permit in Mallorca?
EU citizens only need a national driving license and a passport or ID. Tourists from non-EU countries sometimes additionally need an international driving permit. Rental companies check age and driving experience when handing over the car. Requirements depend on the company, so check them before booking.
Can you pick up a car at Palma de Mallorca Airport?
Yes, most rental companies on the island hand over and accept cars right at Palma de Mallorca Airport. If it's more convenient, you can pick up the car in the city or arrange delivery to your hotel. Returning the car at a different location sometimes incurs an extra fee, so compare terms in advance.
In short: what's worth booking
You need a car almost everywhere in Mallorca: without one, you depend on buses and taxis. If you don't have a credit card or your bank doesn't give you a large limit, choose a no-deposit option. If you only have a debit card, look for a rental company that doesn't block the amount. If your trip falls in July or August, book in advance: in high season there are fewer cars than people who want them. Before paying, check the deposit, insurance, and fuel policy in the contract.
A small editorial team writing guides for independent travel. We travel ourselves, but we haven’t been everywhere, so we check prices, opening hours and how to get there against official sources.