OK, this is called "prohibitory pricing". As in, "we really really don't want your debit card, but if it is an emergency, here's an option. Still, please don't"

OK, this is called "prohibitory pricing". As in, "we really really don't want your debit card, but if it is an emergency, here's an option. Still, please don't". I tried to rent a car with a debit card a few times, and it was simply not accepted everywhere I tried, (Europcar in Barcelona, Hertz in Geneva and Copenhagen, Avis in Geneva).