Car Rental

Question

Me and 6 friends from Ireland are planning a road trip around California, starting in San Francisco and ending in LA. We are all under 25, so car rental options we are looking at all charge a fairly significant young driver fee (30-40 € per day). We did some searching and found that AAA members can have this fee waived for Hertz (and maybe some other companies also). Can non US citizens sign up for AAA membership ?

If not, is there any rental company that does not charge/ charges a minor fee for being under 25?

Additionally, most places are asking for a physical credit card when picking up the car for the deposit. None of us own a physical credit card, and won’t have time to ship one out before we go. Do places take virtual credit cards ? Or will they actually take debit cards/cash but just don’t advertise it ?

Any advice/ tips are welcome.

Thanks!

Answer

Renting a car in California as a group of under-25 drivers from abroad comes with several challenges, but there are ways to navigate them with planning and flexibility.

Regarding AAA membership:

AAA primarily serves U.S., Canada, and certain international residents, but generally, you must have a U.S. address to join. Non-U.S. citizens without a U.S. residential address usually cannot obtain full AAA membership that qualifies for Hertz young driver fee waivers.
Even if you could get an international AAA membership, it might not extend the young driver fee waiver at Hertz or other companies unless explicitly stated.

Alternative options to minimize or waive the under-25 fee:

Rental companies with lower fees for young drivers: Some companies, like Fox Rent A Car, Payless, or Advantage, have smaller under-25 fees (around $15–$25 per day) compared to Hertz, Avis, or Enterprise. Policies change often, so check each company’s website.
Long-term rentals: Some companies reduce or waive the fee for rentals longer than 7 days, so splitting the rental into one long booking rather than multiple short ones may help.
Adding an older driver: If anyone in the group is 25+, having them as the primary driver can help avoid fees, though other drivers can often be added for a smaller additional charge.

Regarding payment methods for the deposit:

Most U.S. rental companies require a physical credit card in the primary driver’s name for security deposit purposes. Virtual cards are generally not accepted.
Debit cards are sometimes accepted, but there are restrictions: the renter may need to provide additional identification, proof of return travel, or meet certain age requirements. Some locations place a hold of $200–$500 or more on a debit card.
Cash is almost universally not accepted for deposits, though a few small or independent rental locations might allow it if arranged in advance. Major chains do not advertise this option and usually require a credit card.

Additional tips:

Consider combining a few younger drivers under one rental, making a 25+ friend or family member the primary driver if possible.
Book rentals well in advance in California, as under-25 availability may be limited in August.
Always read the fine print and call the rental location directly to confirm payment method policies and underage fees.
Some companies offer insurance-inclusive deals that may save money compared to purchasing additional coverage at pick-up.

In summary, non-U.S. citizens cannot typically use AAA to waive under-25 fees, and virtual credit cards are generally not accepted. Your best approach is to shop smaller rental companies with lower fees, use a 25+ driver if possible, and plan ahead to meet deposit and ID requirements.

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