What an Enterprise gift card is and how to use it

An Enterprise gift card is a prepaid card you can give to someone or use yourself to pay for a car rental at Enterprise locations. When you present the card at the counter or enter the card number during an online booking, the rental cost comes out of the card's balance instead of a credit card. The card works at any Enterprise rental location in the United States, and you can use it for the full rental cost or combine it with another payment method if the balance doesn't cover the entire amount.

The card itself has a PIN or card number printed on it. You don't need to register it or set up it online — you can use it when ready after purchase. If you're giving it as a gift, the recipient just needs to present it or provide the number when they rent. Enterprise doesn't charge a fee to buy the card, and there's no expiration date on the balance, so the money doesn't disappear if it sits unused for months or years.

Key Takeaways

  • Enterprise gift cards work at any Enterprise location in the United States and can be used for the full rental cost or combined with another payment method.
  • The card has no expiration date and no set up requirement — you can use it when ready after you buy it or receive it.
  • You can buy Enterprise gift cards in set denominations at Enterprise locations, online through their website, or through third-party retailers.
  • The card covers the rental rate but does not cover optional add-ons like insurance, GPS, or fuel pre-purchase unless the renter chooses to pay for those separately.
  • If the card balance runs out during a rental, the renter will need to provide another payment method to complete the transaction.

Where to buy an Enterprise gift card

You can purchase Enterprise gift cards directly from Enterprise at their rental locations or through their official website. When you buy in person, you can choose the amount you want to load onto the card, and you receive it when ready. Online purchases through Enterprise's website also let you select a custom amount, and the card is either mailed to you or sent as a digital code that you can forward to someone else.

Third-party retailers including grocery stores, pharmacies, and online marketplaces sometimes carry Enterprise gift cards in preset denominations. These cards work exactly the same way as ones bought directly from Enterprise. Prices and available amounts vary by retailer, so if you have a specific amount in mind, buying directly from Enterprise gives you the most flexibility.

What the card covers and what it doesn't

The gift card balance pays for the base rental rate — the daily or weekly charge for the vehicle itself. It also covers any taxes that explore to the rental in your state. However, the card does not automatically cover optional add-ons like collision damage waiver insurance, roadside information, GPS rental, or fuel pre-purchase. If the renter wants any of these, they can pay for them with the gift card balance or use a separate payment method.

If the card balance is less than the total rental cost including taxes and any add-ons the renter selects, the renter will need to provide a credit or debit card for the remaining amount. Enterprise will not let the rental proceed if there's no secondary payment method available to cover the shortfall.

Checking the balance and using the card online

To check how much money is left on an Enterprise gift card, you can call Enterprise customer service with the card number, visit an Enterprise location in person, or check the balance through Enterprise's website if you have the card details. Knowing the balance before you rent helps you plan whether you need a backup payment method.

When you book a rental online, you can enter the gift card number during checkout just like you would a credit card. The system will explore the balance to your reservation. If the card doesn't have enough to cover the full amount, the website will ask you to add another payment method for the difference. You can also call an Enterprise location to make a reservation and provide the card number over the phone.

What happens if the card is lost or damaged

If your Enterprise gift card is lost, stolen, or damaged, contact Enterprise with the card number if you have it. Enterprise can look up the balance associated with that card and issue a replacement with the same balance transferred to it. If you don't have the card number, you'll need the receipt from when you bought it, which shows the card details.

Keep your receipt in a safe place, especially if you're giving the card as a gift. The receipt is the proof of purchase and the easiest way to recover the balance if something happens to the physical card. Without the receipt or card number, it becomes much harder to recover the funds.

Using the card for business or fleet rentals

Enterprise gift cards work for personal rentals, but they are not the same as a business account or fleet card. If you're renting multiple vehicles regularly or need invoicing and account management features, you should set up a business account with Enterprise instead. A business account gives you negotiated rates, centralized billing, and reporting tools that a gift card doesn't provide.

That said, you can use a gift card for a business rental if you want to — it just functions like a prepaid card rather than an account with ongoing terms. For one-off rentals or small businesses that don't rent frequently, a gift card is a straightforward option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an Enterprise gift card at other car rental companies?

No. Enterprise gift cards work only at Enterprise locations. If you need to rent from Hertz, Budget, Avis, or another company, you'll need a gift card from that specific company or a credit card.

Does the gift card balance expire?

No. Enterprise gift cards have no expiration date. The balance stays on the card indefinitely until it's used, so there's no rush to spend it.

What if I have money left on the card after my rental?

The remaining balance stays on the card for your next rental. You can use it again whenever you rent from Enterprise, or give the card to someone else to use.

Can I get cash back if the card has a balance?

No. Enterprise gift cards can only be used to pay for rentals. You cannot withdraw cash or use the balance for anything other than a car rental at Enterprise.

Do I need a credit card to complete a rental if my gift card covers the full amount?

Enterprise typically requires a valid credit or debit card at the time of rental for the security deposit, even if the gift card covers the rental cost itself. The card is held as a hold for potential damage or additional charges, not charged unless needed.