Use Other People’s Money for Free
Protection for Purchases
Protection for Losses
Travel Advantages
Car Rental Savings
General Tips

Smart Strategy:
Use a card that offers free CDW when you rent a car and save the money on the rental agency’s coverage. Always check with your card issuer before traveling overseas to find out if you’ll be able to take advantage of the CDW.

If you don’t have a major credit card or have a debit card, it can be a hassle to rent a car. Some car rental agencies will not allow you to reserve a car with a debit card.  But if you do have one, you may be able to save a bundle if your card offers free Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) coverage. This allows you to decline the rental agency’s expensive coverage. Many premium cards (like gold or platinum) and some standard cards offer this benefit. Just beware: in some countries you may have to buy coverage anyway. Check with the rental agency when you book your car rental.