Alamo one-way from TPA...what a deal!

[kristenrice]

When we first decided to try flying into Tampa, it was because we would save $160 on airfare AND arrive at 9am (instead of 5pm if flying into MCO). I looked at a one-way rental for a full-size car and everything was about $100. Then I found that I could rent from UnderCoverTourist for only $63! I had to pre-pay it, but they have a 100% refundable policy as long as you cancel before the reservation commences. I figured that it was a great price and so I jumped on it.

Today, I happened to check the Alamo site and found that I can get the EXACT same car for the SAME times for only $28! I went to the UCT website and did the "chat" and cancelled my reservation. On top of that, I went through the Sunshine Rewards to earn 2% cash back AND I also used the SWA code to earn 600 RR miles.

I do have a question...

I did the check in so I could bypass the counter. It asked me for my credit card information and said that I could not use a debit card. I have a PayPal debit Mastercard with PayPal credit associated with it. I input that card's information for the check in and it was accepted as a credit card. Will this cause an issue? It is primarily a debit card, but also functions as a credit card in the event that I "overdraw" my PayPal account.

 

[nacho113]

I do have a question...

I did the check in so I could bypass the counter. It asked me for my credit card information and said that I could not use a debit card. I have a PayPal debit Mastercard with PayPal credit associated with it. I input that card's information for the check in and it was accepted as a credit card. Will this cause an issue? It is primarily a debit card, but also functions as a credit card in the event that I "overdraw" my PayPal account.

Congrats on the rental deal.
Now to your question: Most if not all Rental Car companies require/prefer an actual credit card be presented at time of pickup in order to rent the vehicle. This gives them some recourse should you have an accident, damage the vehicle or just plain not return (read: steal) the vehicle. You are allowed to pay for the rental on a debit card when returning the vehicle (instead of leaving it on your credit card).
Many will allow the use of a Debit card that has the Visa/Mastercard logo on the card as long as you can show proof of a round trip airline ticket, but they will put a large hold on the funds available on the card in order to do this, which will tie up funds in your checking/savings account until the hold is lifted (sometime after your return) I would contact Alamo to see what their policy and hold amounts are (I have heard of holds of several hundred dollars to several thousands of dollars depending on the vehicle and length of rental)

Info from Alamo.com

Debit/check cards are considered to be any non-credit card bearing the VISA, MasterCard or Discover Card logo. Any other non-credit card without one of these logos is not accepted.

Please review the following guidelines:

• For pick-ups in the United States, without proof of round-trip ticket, debit or check cards are accepted only when returning the vehicle. A credit card in the name of the renter must be presented at the time of pick-up.

 

[kristenrice]

Congrats on the rental deal.
Now to your question: Most if not all Rental Car companies require/prefer an actual credit card be presented at time of pickup in order to rent the vehicle. This gives them some recourse should you have an accident, damage the vehicle or just plain not return (read: steal) the vehicle. You are allowed to pay for the rental on a debit card when returning the vehicle (instead of leaving it on your credit card).
Many will allow the use of a Debit card that has the Visa/Mastercard logo on the card as long as you can show proof of a round trip airline ticket, but they will put a large hold on the funds available on the card in order to do this, which will tie up funds in your checking/savings account until the hold is lifted (sometime after your return) I would contact Alamo to see what their policy and hold amounts are (I have heard of holds of several hundred dollars to several thousands of dollars depending on the vehicle and length of rental)

Info from Alamo.com

Hmmm....I can certainly present them with my AMEX card at the booth, but it is NOT the card that I used to "secure" my reservation. I wonder how that works?? I want to PAY for it with my debit card, but they can certainly use my AMEX to "hold" the funds. Should I "re-check-in" and use my AMEX instead?? I don't want my AMEX charged, though...that's my only concern.

 

[nacho113]

I would see if you can change your check-in and use the Amex card, it will be easier than doing it at the Alamo exit gate with a line of cars waiting behind you. When you return the vehicle, they will ask if you want to leave the rental on the credit card. At this point you can change it to your Debit card.

Question, do you get any kind of points/miles on your Amex card? If so, I would just let the rental go through on the Amex and then pay it off with the money in your Debit account. It shouldn't cost you any interest if you pay it right away and you'll get points on your rental. Just my 2 cents

 

[kristenrice]

I wasn't able to change the card on my reservation yet. There is no way to do it online without cancelling and rebooking. The price has gone up to over $40 so I don't want to do that right now. I also wondered something else...if they were to put a "hold" on my debit card, when would they release it? I only have a 5-hour rental.

 

[canadiankim]

I really wouldn't worry about changing the card at this time. Last time we booked our car rental on a card and then before we picked up the rental the card was compromised and we had to have it changed. This meant that we used a different card when we picked it up as the new car didn't reach us in time. absolutely no problem at all.