Car rental in Medellín without a credit card
How do I rent a car in Medellín without a credit card?
At Exotic Rent a Car Medellín we accept a deposit in cash or by bank transfer as a safe alternative to a credit card. It is designed for international and local travellers who don't have a credit card or would rather not block their credit limit. The amount is the same whichever method you choose: no surcharge and no higher “special” deposit.
Key requirements for renting without a card
- Deposit in cash or by transfer: 2,000,000 COP for mid-range or 2,500,000 COP for high-end vehicles.
- Refund: returned 8 business days after the rental ends, once we have verified there is no damage, no camera tickets and no speeding reports.
- Documents: a valid Colombian ID or passport, and a valid driver's license.
Advantages of renting with a cash deposit
- You don't need an international credit card.
- A transparent process: the amount, the refund window and the refund method are agreed from the start.
- It applies to the whole fleet, including premium vehicles from Toyota, Mercedes-Benz and BMW.
Ready to book? Message us on WhatsApp to secure your vehicle today.
Why almost every agency asks for a card
The multinationals run an automated system: they place a pre-authorization on your credit card — blocking the deposit amount without charging it — and release it when you return the vehicle. It is convenient for them because no human has to be involved.
The problem is who that leaves out: travellers who only carry a debit card, foreigners whose card fails local validation, and anyone who would rather not have two and a half million pesos frozen on their credit limit for a two-week trip — exactly when they are also paying for hotels and restaurants with the same card.
Because we are a local operator, the deposit comes straight to us. That lets us accept cash and bank transfer without changing the terms.
Alternatives to renting with a credit card in Colombia
If you don't have a credit card, or don't want to tie up your credit limit, you have two alternatives for the deposit. And you can pay for the rental itself by debit card, bank transfer or cash.
| Method | How it works | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Cash | Handed over when you receive the vehicle, along with signing the contract. | The same |
| Bank transfer | To a Bancolombia or Davivienda account, before delivery. | The same |
| Credit card | Optional. One more alternative, not a requirement. | The same |
Differences between a cash deposit and a bank transfer
- Cash: you don't need a Colombian bank account, and you hand it over on the day you receive the car. It is the most practical option for tourists who arrive with pesos or withdraw them from an ATM.
- Transfer: made before delivery to a Bancolombia or Davivienda account, so you don't have to carry the cash around, and the payment is recorded by your bank.
In both cases the amount, the 8-business-day window and the refund methods are exactly the same. Pick whichever suits you.
How much the deposit is
| Vehicle category | Deposit |
|---|---|
| Mid-range | 2,000,000 COP |
| High-end | 2,500,000 COP |
The amount does not change with the length of the rental: it is the same for two days as for a month. And it does not depend on your nationality or on how you pay for the rental itself.
Two things worth keeping separate: the rental price is money you spend, and the deposit is money held that comes back to you. You can see the full price breakdown in our guide to how much it costs to rent a car in Medellín.
What documents you need
- A valid driver's license, original and physical.
- A valid ID or passport.
- Your chosen deposit method: cash, transfer or credit card.
That is all. We do not ask for proof of address, personal references or a third-party guarantor.
If you are a foreigner, your license is valid in Colombia as long as you have been in the country for less than 6 months and can prove it — the latest entry stamp in your passport is enough. If your license is not in the Latin alphabet, an International Driving Permit is mandatory; otherwise it is optional. The full detail is in the requirements for renting a car as a foreigner.
How and when you get your money back
The deposit is refunded in full 8 business days after the rental ends, once we have verified there are no camera tickets or speeding reports linked to the plate.
That window exists for a concrete reason: in Colombia, camera-detected infractions take several days to register against the vehicle's plate, and they arrive in the owner's name. Waiting those days protects both sides. If nothing comes up, the full amount is returned.
Available refund methods:
- Transfer to a Bancolombia or Davivienda account.
- Transfer to a United States account, subject to prior validation.
- Cash.
- Western Union.
- Littio or Dollar app.
We do not issue refunds to cards. If you are leaving the country before the window closes, agree on the method and destination account on the same day you return the vehicle. It is the detail people forget most often and the easiest one to settle.
Is it safe to leave cash as a deposit?
Yes, as long as the process is documented. The cash deposit is handed over when you sign the contract, which sets out the amount, the refund window and the conditions. Before handing over the money, check that the contract is in your name and that the deposit amount matches what was agreed.
How the vehicle is inspected at the start and end of the rental
At handover, walk around the car with the agent and take photos or video of the bodywork, wheels, tyres and interior, and note the fuel level and mileage. The same inspection is repeated at return. If the condition matches the initial record, the deposit is only pending the camera-ticket check. That record from both moments is what protects your money.
How to check the refund in your bank account within 8 days
The 8 days are business days: Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays don't count. For example, if you return the car on a Monday and there are no holidays that week or the next, the refund arrives around Thursday of the following week. To avoid having to keep track:
- On the day you return the car, agree on the refund method and the destination account details.
- Note the date on which the 8 business days are up.
- Check your account activity, or the status of your transfer if you chose Western Union, Littio or Dollar app.
- If anything was deducted for a traffic ticket, you'll receive the supporting documentation along with the remaining balance.
If the window has passed and you don't see the money, message us on WhatsApp with your name and the vehicle's plate.
Other conditions worth knowing up front
- Minimum rental: 48 hours. We do not rent by the hour or for a single day.
- Minimum age: 18, with a valid driver's license. It applies to the whole fleet.
- Free delivery and return anywhere in the Aburrá Valley — hotel, home or office — and at Olaya Herrera Airport.
- José María Córdova Airport (JMC): 130,000 COP per trip during daytime hours, 160,000 COP at night, 250,000 COP round trip.
The formal terms are on our rental requirements and deposit page, and the full process is in steps to rent a vehicle.
How to book without a card, step by step
- Choose your vehicle from the catalogue of available cars and confirm your dates (48 hours minimum).
- Message us on WhatsApp saying you will leave the deposit in cash or by transfer.
- Send your license and ID in that first message. That is enough for us to confirm availability.
- Arrange delivery: address and time window anywhere in the Aburrá Valley.
- On delivery day you inspect the vehicle, sign the contract, leave the deposit and drive off. It takes about 15 minutes.
If your plan runs for several days or a full month, mention it when you write: there are weekly, fortnightly and monthly rates, with discounts for long or early bookings.
Frequently asked questions about paying without a card
Can you rent a car in Medellín without a credit card?
Yes. The credit card is optional. You can leave the deposit in cash or by bank transfer, at the same amounts: 2,000,000 COP for mid-range and 2,500,000 COP for high-end vehicles.
Can I rent a 4x4 SUV without a credit card?
Yes. The cash or transfer deposit applies to the whole fleet, including 4x4 SUVs and SUVs. The amount depends on the vehicle's category: 2,000,000 or 2,500,000 COP.
What happens if the car gets a small dent?
At return, the vehicle's condition is compared with the handover record. If there is damage that wasn't recorded, its cost is deducted from the deposit with supporting documentation and the remaining balance is returned. That's why it's worth taking photos and video when you receive the car: a scratch that was already there won't be charged to you.
Is the deposit higher if I don't use a card?
No. The amount is the same regardless of how you leave the deposit. There is no surcharge for paying in cash or by transfer.
Can I rent with only a debit card?
Yes. A debit card works for paying the rental, and you leave the deposit in cash or by bank transfer.
How long does the deposit refund take?
8 business days after the rental ends, once we verify there are no camera tickets or speeding reports. If nothing comes up, the full amount is refunded.
Why isn't the deposit returned the same day?
Because camera-detected fines take several days to register against the vehicle's plate and arrive in the owner's name. The 8 business days are the margin that allows us to verify it.
Can the deposit be refunded to my card?
We do not issue refunds to cards. Available methods are transfer to Bancolombia or Davivienda, transfer to a United States account subject to prior validation, cash, Western Union and Littio or Dollar app.
I'm a foreigner without a Colombian bank account — can I still rent?
Yes. You can leave the deposit in cash, and the refund is arranged via Western Union, Littio, Dollar app or a transfer to a United States account subject to prior validation.
What happens if I get a traffic ticket during the rental?
It is deducted from the deposit, with supporting documentation, and the remaining balance is returned within the same 8-business-day window.
Start your booking
Choose your vehicle, message us, and we confirm availability the same day. If this is your first time renting in Colombia, our full guide to renting a car in Medellín covers everything before you write. You can also compare the whole range of car rental in Medellín, Colombia on the main page.