Paying for a car rental in Fes is rarely “one simple rule.” In 2025, the most common pattern is this: you may be able to pay the rental total in cash or by card, but the security deposit (or liability hold) is far more likely to require a card, often specifically a credit card in the main driver’s name. Some local agencies are more flexible (cash deposit, debit card, or “no-deposit” offers), but flexibility usually comes with extra conditions you should confirm in writing before pickup.
This guide explains what is typically accepted, how deposits work, and how to avoid getting stuck at the counter with the wrong payment method.
Table of Contents
Quick Answer
The 2025 Reality in Fes: Payment vs Deposit
Cash Payments: When They Work and When They Don’t
Card Payments: Credit vs Debit vs Prepaid
Security Deposits and “Card Holds” Explained
Typical Scenarios at FEZ Airport vs City Pickup
How to Confirm Acceptance Before You Arrive
Practical Payment Playbook
FAQ
Conclusion
Quick Answer
In 2025, many Fes rentals accept cash or card for the rental total, but deposits/holds commonly require a card, often a credit card in the main driver’s name. Debit cards may be accepted by some companies, but it is not universal. If you want to pay cash, the safest plan is: confirm the deposit method in writing, bring a backup card, and keep enough budget margin in case a hold is required.
The 2025 Reality in Fes: Payment vs Deposit
Most misunderstandings happen because travelers mix up two different payments:
Rental total: the price of the rental itself (daily rate + extras).
Security deposit / excess hold: a temporary hold or deposit to cover damage liability, fines, fuel differences, extra days, etc.
In many cases, cash is accepted for the rental total, but cash is not accepted for the deposit, or the company simply prefers a card hold because it is easier to administer. Industry explanations of Moroccan rental practices frequently describe deposits as “blocked” amounts and highlight that card holds are standard at many agencies.
Cash Payments: When They Work and When They Don’t
When cash usually works well
Cash is most often accepted when:
You are paying the rental total (especially with local agencies).
The agency has a process for receipts and on-the-spot invoicing.
Your booking was arranged directly (not via a strict broker policy).
When cash becomes a problem
Cash becomes risky or blocked when:
The company requires a card hold for the deposit and refuses cash deposits.
The booking is tied to an international policy that restricts payment types (some brokers and airport desks are strict).
The agency’s “cash accepted” refers only to the rental total, not the deposit.
Cash best practice in Fes: pay only when you receive a clear receipt and the rental agreement lists what you paid, what remains, and the deposit method.
Card Payments: Credit vs Debit vs Prepaid
Credit card
This is the most commonly accepted method for deposits/holds, because it supports preauthorization and typically has higher limits.
Expectations you should assume in 2025 (unless the agency confirms otherwise):
Card must be in the main driver’s name.
The company may place a temporary hold for the excess/deposit amount.
Some agencies will not accept certain card types for the deposit.
This “credit card for deposit” requirement is explicitly stated by major operators in Morocco in their location requirements (e.g., credit card in main driver’s name for the security deposit).
Debit card
Debit acceptance varies widely:
Some agencies accept debit for payment but not for the deposit/hold.
Some accept debit only if it supports preauthorization (and sometimes only certain networks).
Some accept it only with additional conditions (higher deposit, limited vehicle categories, or stricter documentation checks).
If you plan to use debit, you must confirm: “Debit card accepted for the deposit hold, yes/no?”
Prepaid cards and virtual cards
These are the most likely to be refused for deposits because they often cannot support the same hold/verification process as standard credit cards. Treat prepaid/virtual as “payment-only,” not “deposit-capable,” unless explicitly confirmed.
Security Deposits and “Card Holds” Explained
A “deposit” in car rental terms is often a preauthorization, a temporary hold placed on your card limit rather than a charge. The money may not leave your account, but it becomes unavailable until the hold is released.
Practical implications:
You must have enough available limit to cover the hold.
Holds can take time to release after return (timing depends on the merchant and the bank).
If you have a low-limit card, the hold can block normal spending during your trip.
If you want a formal reference on Morocco’s payments ecosystem and how payment instruments are regulated/managed at the system level, Bank Al-Maghrib publishes the legal and regulatory framework for payment systems and means of payment here: Bank Al-Maghrib – Legal framework of payment systems and means.
Typical Scenarios at FEZ Airport vs City Pickup
FEZ Airport (more rules, more standardization)
Airport desks and airport-linked bookings tend to be stricter because:
They operate under standardized procedures.
They often manage higher volumes and rely on consistent deposit rules.
They may follow broker payment restrictions closely.
Practical outcome: credit card deposit rules are more common at airports.
City pickup (more flexibility, but confirm everything)
City agencies are more likely to offer:
Cash payment for rental total
Debit acceptance in some cases
Alternative arrangements (varies by company)
Practical outcome: you may get more flexibility, but you should confirm the deposit method and terms before you arrive.
How to Confirm Acceptance Before You Arrive
Use a single message and get an explicit yes/no response. Example questions:
Payment for rental total
“Can I pay the rental total by cash in MAD? By card?”
Deposit method
“Is a deposit required? If yes, how much?”
“Is the deposit a card hold (preauthorization) or a cash deposit?”
Card type
“Do you accept debit for the deposit hold, or only credit?”
Name matching
“Does the card have to be in the main driver’s name?”
Proof
“Please confirm these answers by message so I can show them at pickup.”
For a consumer-focused explanation of common car rental payment pitfalls (including why some offers differ between booking and pickup), the European Consumer Centre guidance is a solid neutral reference: European Consumer Centre – Car rental advice.
Practical Payment Playbook
The safest setup (recommended)
Bring one credit card with enough available limit for a deposit hold.
Carry cash in MAD for flexibility (rental total, small fees, parking, fuel).
Keep your documents consistent (name match across booking, license/passport, and card).
If you insist on cash-only
Do this to reduce risk:
Confirm “cash accepted” applies to deposit (not only rental total).
Ask for the exact deposit amount and conditions (refund timing, deductions logic).
Get the agreement in writing before you arrive.
Be prepared for fewer vehicle choices or stricter rules.
If you only have a debit card
Confirm debit is accepted for the deposit hold (not just payment).
Confirm the required available balance/limit.
Avoid prepaid/virtual cards unless explicitly accepted.
FAQ
Q: Can I pay for a car rental in Fes with cash in 2025?
A: Often yes for the rental total, especially with local agencies. The deposit is the part that may still require a card hold, so you must confirm deposit rules in writing.
Q: Do I need a credit card to rent a car in Fes?
A: Many companies, especially at airports or under strict booking policies—require a credit card for the security deposit/hold. Some local agencies may accept debit or alternative arrangements, but it varies.
Q: What is a “deposit hold,” and will it charge my card?
A: A deposit hold is usually a preauthorization that temporarily blocks part of your credit limit (or debit available funds). It may not be a charge, but it can reduce what you can spend until it is released.
Q: Are debit cards accepted for deposits in Fes?
A: Sometimes, but not universally. Many providers accept debit for payment while restricting deposits to credit cards. Confirm specifically: “Debit accepted for deposit hold: yes/no.”
Q: What currency should I bring if I want to pay cash?
A: Moroccan dirhams (MAD) are the safest for clear receipts and easy settlement. If another currency is accepted, confirm the exchange rate method and whether change is provided.
Q: How do I avoid getting stuck at pickup with the wrong payment method?
A: Get the deposit rules in writing before arrival, carry a backup card if possible, and ensure the card name matches the main driver and the reservation details.
Conclusion
In Fes in 2025, the practical rule is: cash may be accepted for the rental price, but deposits often drive the payment requirement, and that requirement frequently points to a credit card hold. If you confirm deposit terms in writing, bring a card with enough available limit, and keep cash for flexibility, you will avoid the most common counter-time surprises.
Same prices and offers