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Car Rental Payment and Deposits in France: what actually matters to know

Short answer
Renting a car in France requires a physical credit or debit card in the primary driver's name, as virtual and third-party cards are generally rejected. To bypass high security deposits, opt for full insurance coverage or filter for 'debit card' options on aggregators like DiscoverCars.

From real experience

Renting a car in Paris for travel to Barcelona without a bank card, especially for same-day departure and one-way drop-off, is highly challenging and likely impossible through standard rental agencies like SIXT.
Most companies require a credit card for a security deposit, and specific policies govern one-way rentals which often incur significant fees. Alternative travel options, such as booking flights (e.g., Vueling) or train tickets, should be prioritized. If car rental is essential, exploring options that allow cash payment or alternative card types might be necessary, but success is not guaranteed and requires extensive research and potentially direct negotiation with rental companies.
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When renting cars in France, be aware of potential issues with companies like Sixt.
While Sixt is generally considered good, one user reported a significantly increased deposit (from €700 to €1700) at car pickup, with restrictions on payment methods. This occurred despite having full insurance and paying for a second driver. Other recommended companies include Eurocar and Avis, while Alamo was a disappointing experience for one user. Standard rental deposits are typically around €300, but can be higher without insurance. Free car upgrades are common, often providing a significantly better vehicle than booked. Due diligence regarding rental agreements and deposit policies is advised.
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Car rental requirements in France: Russian domestic driver's licenses (which contain English text) are generally accepted by major agencies like Hertz.
International Driving Permits are typically only required if the license is in a language without Latin characters. Crucially, the credit card for booking, payment, and the security deposit must be issued in the name of the primary driver; third-party cards are not accepted.
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Car rental agencies in France generally require physical credit or debit cards for security deposits.
Virtual cards are often rejected. When booking via aggregators like DiscoverCars, filter for 'debit card only' options. Verify the specific bank and card issuer (BIN) to ensure compatibility with European POS terminals, as some CIS-issued cards may be flagged.
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Car rental in France (including CDG airport) with a debit card instead of a credit card is possible.
Providers like Sixt and Goldcar accept debit cards. Opting for full insurance (maximum package) with Goldcar reduces the security deposit to around €120. Users can filter debit card acceptance on aggregators like Discover Cars before booking directly with the rental company.
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If you need to rent a car in France and do not have Visa or Mastercard, your Russian UnionPay card from Rosselkhozbank might be accepted.
Companies like Sixt reportedly accept UnionPay, but card compatibility can vary. It is advisable to confirm directly with the rental company about their specific UnionPay acceptance policy. Explore car rental aggregators as they might offer diverse payment options.
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To rent a car in France without a physical credit card present, choose major rental agencies (e.g., Avis, Budget) and pre-pay online with full insurance (no excess/full coverage).
This often satisfies the deposit requirement, allowing the car to be picked up without presenting the physical card at the counter.
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When renting a car from Sixt in France, confirm if a physical credit card in the renter's name is mandatory, especially if using a card belonging to someone else or a virtual card.
Inquire about specific requirements for additional drivers and payment methods.
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When renting a car in France with companies like SIXT, it is typically required that the name on the credit card used for payment matches the name of the primary driver.
This is a standard security measure to prevent fraud.
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