Goldcar

Goldcar Car Rental Mallorca: Honest Review, Tips and Better Alternatives

Thinking about renting a car from Goldcar at Palma de Mallorca Airport? Goldcar is one of the most searched car rental brands for Mallorca thanks to its low base prices. But there are a few things you should know before you book and some smarter alternatives that could save you money and stress.

What Is Goldcar?

Goldcar is a budget car rental company with over 30 years of experience, mainly operating across Southern Europe and now part of the Europcar Mobility Group. At Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI), Goldcar has a strong presence and offers on-airport pick-up, a relatively new fleet, and 24/7 roadside assistance in several languages. They also run a self-service pick-up system called Key’n Go, which lets you skip the counter queue in some cases.

How Much Is the Goldcar Deposit in Mallorca?

One of the most searched questions about Goldcar is the deposit amount. The standard excess deposit for a medium-sized car is around €1,100-€1,500 depending on the vehicle category. This amount is blocked on your credit card at pick-up and released after the car is returned without issues. Important: Goldcar typically does not accept debit cards or American Express for the deposit. Make sure you bring a valid Visa or Mastercard credit card with enough available credit.

Do I Need Goldcar’s Insurance?

Goldcar’s basic rate includes only the legal minimum coverage with a high excess. At the counter, staff will offer additional insurance packages such as “Super Relax” (full coverage with zero excess). This is where many travelers report issues: some feel pressured into buying extra insurance on the spot, even when they already have third-party excess coverage.

What you should know:

• The basic booking usually includes CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) and TP (Theft Protection), but with a high excess of €800-€1,500.
• Goldcar’s own full coverage at the counter can cost €15-€30 per day extra.
• Third-party excess insurance from your booking platform or credit card is usually accepted, but experiences at the counter vary.
• Always carry a printed copy of your insurance policy and be prepared to firmly decline add-ons if you are already covered.

Goldcar Mallorca: Common Issues Travelers Report

Goldcar has a Trustpilot rating of around 1.4–1.7 out of 5, with over 52,000 reviews. The most frequent complaints at PMI include:

• Long queues at peak times (waits of 1–2 hours reported during summer).
• Pressure at the counter to purchase additional insurance.
• Unexpected charges added to the contract (fuel deposit, office fees, insurance upgrades).
• Difficulty getting the fuel deposit refunded after return.
• Damage claims after returning the car in good condition.

The European Consumer Centre (EVZ) has also noted that Goldcar has been fined several times for unfair business practices in Spain.

Not every experience is negative - many travelers who come prepared and decline extras at the counter report getting a good car at a fair price. But the pattern of complaints is consistent enough to be worth knowing about.

How to Protect Yourself If You Book Goldcar

If you still want to go with Goldcar, these tips help you avoid the most common problems:

• Film a full walk-around video of the car (inside and outside) before you drive off, with a timestamp visible.
• Screenshot or print your booking confirmation and insurance documents.
• Bring a Visa or Mastercard credit card with at least €1,500 available credit.
• Decline extras firmly but politely at the counter if you already have coverage.
• Check the contract carefully before signing - make sure no insurance or extras have been added without your consent.
• Keep all receipts and emails until at least 30 days after your return.

Goldcar Alternatives in Mallorca: Why Local Agencies Often Win

Many travelers searching for Goldcar are really looking for one thing: a cheap rental car in Mallorca. The good news is that several local and international agencies at PMI offer competitive prices with far more transparency and fewer surprises at the counter.

What makes a good Goldcar alternative:

• Transparent, all-inclusive pricing with no hidden fees.
• Full insurance with zero excess included or available at a fair price.
• No pressure tactics at the counter.
• Unlimited mileage as standard.
• Shorter wait times at pick-up.

On mallorcard.es you can compare rental car offers from trusted agencies operating in Mallorca and use exclusive promo codes for 10–50% off at selected local providers. Unlike experiences reported at some airport counters, the prices you see on mallorcard.es are the prices you actually pay - with clear information about what is and isn’t included.

Is Goldcar Worth It in Mallorca?

Goldcar can work if you come well-prepared, know exactly what you are signing, and don’t mind potentially longer wait times. The base price is often among the cheapest at PMI. However, once you factor in the deposit block, possible add-on charges and the time spent at the counter, the total cost and experience may not be as budget-friendly as it initially looks.

For many Mallorca visitors, choosing a transparent rental option through mallorcard.es — where you can see real prices upfront and use promo codes for additional savings — turns out to be both cheaper and far less stressful than dealing with surprises at the Goldcar counter.