How does payment security work at SIXT?

Online payment security

The new EU directive ("PSD2") requires that banks, payment providers and online shops must take additional security measures to protect you when shopping online.

What does this mean for me? 

For you, this means that when you pay with a credit card, you will be asked in a separate step to confirm your identity (SMS, push notification or Fingerprint in your banking app). This additional authentication ensures that you - and only you - are using your card. Thanks to these measures, online shopping online is now even safer.

When is this additional authentication required? 

You can expect this additional layer of security when:

• Adding a new payment method
• Booking a vehicle

What should I do to prepare?

• Ensure your bank has your correct contact details
• Ensure you’re enrolled in Strong Customer Authentication within your bank.
• Familiarise yourself with your bank's authentication methods.

Renting a Car Without a Credit Card

No worries! At SIXT in the UK, you can also pay with debit cards such as American Express, Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club, JCB, or Discover. Requirements:

• The card must be valid at pick-up and issued in the main driver’s name.
• The debit card must be issued in your country of residence.
• All vans can be paid for with a UK debit card.

Using Debit Cards

Debit cards are secure and convenient. Please note:

• The card must be presented at pick-up.
• It must be valid throughout the rental period.
• Debit cards are not accepted in all countries – check rental information for details.

Country-Specific Notes

Northern Ireland

• Online prepaid bookings can be paid with a Mastercard or VISA debit card.
• Deposits can only be paid with a debit card if Top Cover LDW is selected.

PayPal

What is PayPal?

PayPal is an online payment service that links a user's virtual account to their email address. This allows payments to be easily sent and received, especially for online shopping and bookings. PayPal deducts the amount from the user's payment method. For private users, the service is typically free of charge.

Where can I use PayPal as payment method?

PayPal can only be used for prepaid reservations and not for payments at the SIXT branch. When picking up the vehicle at the SIXT branch, a credit or debit card in the name of the renter will also be required. The security deposit and any additional fees will be processed on the credit or debit card.

How do I pay with PayPal for my prepaid reservation?

In the final booking step, you have the option to select PayPal as your payment method. Simply log into your PayPal account and confirm the payment. After booking, you will receive a booking confirmation from SIXT and a payment confirmation from PayPal.

What should I consider when paying with PayPal?

Booking:

• The PayPal account holder must be the renter of the vehicle.
• Your PayPal login details are required during the reservation process.
• PayPal will send a notification of the successful payment.

Pickup:

• For pickup, a credit or debit card in the name of the renter is required for the deposit and any additional fees.

I have questions about my PayPal reservation. Who should I contact?

• For questions regarding your reservation, please contact SIXT support.
• If the question concerns your PayPal account, please contact PayPal support. 

What is Apple Pay?

Where can I use Apple Pay as a payment method?

How do I pay with Apple Pay for a prepaid reservation?

What should I be aware of when paying with Apple Pay?

Payment Methods at SIXT – Overview

Which payment methods can I use?

Credit cards: Visa, Mastercard/Maestro, American Express, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, China Union Pay, Japan Credit Bureau, AirPlus
Debit cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club (for other countries: please check country-specific rental information)
PayPal: only for prepaid bookings at selected locations

Not accepted:

• Cash
• Prepaid cards (e.g., prepaid Mastercard, Visa Electron)
• Virtual credit or debit cards
• Checks

Important notes:

• The card must be issued in the renter’s name.
• Please present the physical card at pick-up.
• The card must be valid for the entire rental period.
• Credit/debit cards usually require a chip (except China Union Pay).
• At pick-up, the total amount including rental, extras, and deposit will be authorised or blocked.

Deposit

• Credit and debit cards: Deposit is blocked and held for the duration of the rental. This pending charge is then released after vehicle is returned. It usually takes 3-5 banking days for this to reflect in your account. The initial transaction will disappear and your available funds will increase.
• Maestro card: Deposit is charged and refunded after vehicle return

Booking for others

• The cardholder must be listed as the main driver on the rental agreement.

Corporate customers

• Virtual payment methods like AirPlus or Amex BTA/iBTA are only possible with a corporate account.
• Corporate credit cards only if issued in the renter’s name.