Europcar Portugal 2026: deposit rules — credit cards only

Europcar takes debit cards for the online payment, but the deposit is credit-card-only: Mastercard, Visa, Amex or Diners. No cover changes that.

Key facts

Deposit in detail

€300 deposit on prepaid reservations; the excess reaches €2,300 for economy cars unless you buy extra coverage. Debit, prepaid and virtual cards are not accepted for the deposit. Special, Premium and Luxury categories (SIPP codes starting X, P, U, L, W) require two physical credit cards at pickup in Portugal, and the deposit rises to €1,000 (Special) or €3,000 (Premium/Luxury) — reduced to €500/€1,000 with a damage-excess-to-zero protection, but the two-card requirement stays regardless of cover.

Watch out for

• The desk checks the card's printed name against the main driver — someone else's credit card won't fly.
• The €2,300 excess makes third-party excess insurance tempting — remember it reimburses later; the block still lands on your credit card.
• Booking a Special/Premium/Luxury car? Bring two physical credit cards in the driver's name — one is not enough, whatever protection you buy.
• Debit-card users: book with Goldcar, Centauro or Record go instead.

Cancellation & no-show

Standard Europcar cancellation per rate; refusal at the counter follows the same playbook — written cancellation the same day, then chargeback if needed.

Other companies at Lisbon Airport

• Goldcar
• Centauro
• Record go
• Sixt
• Cael
• Guerin
• OK Mobility