If you’re looking to rent a car through Turo, you may wonder whether the platform conducts a credit check. While credit checks are a common practice in the car rental industry, Turo operates differently than traditional rental car companies. In this blog post, we’ll explore whether Turo does a credit check, how it affects your ability to rent a car on the platform, and what other factors Turo considers when approving rental requests.
Does Turo do a credit check?
Unlike traditional car rental companies, Turo does not conduct a formal credit check on renters. Instead, the platform relies on various factors to determine whether to approve rental requests, including your driving history, social media profiles, and overall Turo rating.
However, Turo does require renters to have a valid credit or debit card on file. This card is used to verify your identity and to hold a deposit in case of any damages or additional charges. In some cases, Turo may also pre-authorize the card for the total rental amount, although this is not always necessary.
What factors does Turo consider when approving rental requests?
In addition to the credit or debit card requirement, Turo uses a variety of other factors to determine whether to approve rental requests. These factors include:
- Driving history: Turo requires renters to have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record. If you have a history of accidents, traffic violations, or other driving-related issues, Turo may not approve your rental request.
- Social media profiles: Turo encourages renters to link their social media profiles to their Turo accounts. This allows other users to understand better who you are and how you interact with others. Turo considers factors such as the number of friends you have on social media, the quality of your posts, and how often you interact with others online.
- Turo rating: Turo uses a five-star rating system to evaluate renters and car owners. Renters with a high rating are more likely to be approved for rentals, while those with a low rating may have difficulty finding available cars.
- Age and location: Turo sets minimum age requirements for renters, which vary depending on the location. In some places, renters must be at least 21 years old; in others, the minimum age is 25. Additionally, Turo may restrict rentals to some geographic regions or require additional documentation if you rent a car in a different country.
Why doesn’t Turo conduct a credit check?
Turo’s decision not to conduct a formal credit check on renters is based on the company’s belief that credit scores are not the best predictor of a person’s ability to rent a car responsibly. According to Turo, traditional car rental companies rely too heavily on credit scores, which can be influenced by factors such as medical debt or student loans. Turo believes that using a variety of other factors to evaluate renters, it can create a more accurate picture of a person’s reliability and trustworthiness.
In addition to believing that credit scores are not the best predictor of rental responsibility, Turo also recognizes that many people using its platform may not have a strong credit history. This may include younger renters, immigrants, or individuals who have recently experienced financial hardship. By not conducting a credit check, Turo can make car rentals more accessible to a wider range of people.