Any recent experience using debit card with Alamo at MCO?

[mom2mikel]

When we used it in Boston, they only held the total amount of the rental whcih was charged to our card when we returned the vehicle.

Does anyone know if that is standard policy with Alamo or does it vary by location? Specifically in Orlando (MCO)?

Thanks!

 

[nmrgrl55]

I would love to know this as well. I called Alamo and was told there would be a $150 hold. I called back when my rates dropped cool1 and was told that there would be NO hold So now I have no idea and don't want to call again because I don't even know if I should believe the answer they give me We leave in less then 2 weeks and I just want to know how much it will be!

 

[mom2mikel]

Would love any personal experience, but I did find this on on Alamo which makes me believe they will hold the amount of the total rental cost which they will then charge upon return (I also emailed them to ask for clarification):

At the point of rental, you will be asked to either secure a credit card authorization in the estimated amount of the rental, secure a debit card authorization deposit or secure a cash deposit in the estimated amount of the rental. The amount is based on the location of pickup, dates of rental, and size of the vehicle you want to rent.

If you would like to find out your rental amount simply begin the on-line booking process.

Be sure to include all your information such as: location, dates of rental and size of vehicle.

Confirm that you meet the age requirements and select any optional additional items you may want to rent such as: coverage's offered, GPS, Car Seat, etc., it will include that information in the total.

Additional driver fees cannot be added until you reach the rental counter but the cost is approximately $10.00 per day per additional driver.

Begin the on-line booking process.

If you are satisfied with your total simply confirm the reservation.

At the point of return, the renter will receive the difference after the rental charges are deducted from the original deposit amount.

If a renter secures their rental with a credit card but plans to pay in cash upon return of the vehicle, Alamo will credit the renter's credit card at the time the vehicle is returned.

If a renter secures their deposit with cash, they will receive the refund at the point of return or by mail depending on the location.

If a renter secures their deposit with a debit card, their refund will be processed that same day. The time it takes to post to the renter's account will depend on the banking institution, allow approximately 5 business days., you will be asked to either secure a credit card authorization in the estimated amount of the rental, secure a debit card authorization deposit or secure a cash deposit in the estimated amount of the rental. The amount is based on the location of pickup, dates of rental, and size of the vehicle you want to rent.

If you would like to find out your rental amount simply begin the on-line booking process.

Be sure to include all your information such as: location, dates of rental and size of vehicle.

Confirm that you meet the age requirements and select any optional additional items you may want to rent such as: coverage's offered, GPS, Car Seat, etc., it will include that information in the total.

Additional driver fees cannot be added until you reach the rental counter but the cost is approximately $10.00 per day per additional driver.

Begin the on-line booking process.

If you are satisfied with your total simply confirm the reservation.

At the point of return, the renter will receive the difference after the rental charges are deducted from the original deposit amount.

If a renter secures their rental with a credit card but plans to pay in cash upon return of the vehicle, Alamo will credit the renter's credit card at the time the vehicle is returned.

If a renter secures their deposit with cash, they will receive the refund at the point of return or by mail depending on the location.

If a renter secures their deposit with a debit card, their refund will be processed that same day. The time it takes to post to the renter's account will depend on the banking institution, allow approximately 5 business days.

 

[TheTurners]

I would like to know the answer to this. I want to become a quick sliver member for the discount (it would save me $80) but to register you have to put a credit card on file and it will not accept a debit card. That's all we have, so I guess I can't get the free membership which is BS.

 

[mom2mikel]

Alamo replied saying:

In response to your email, the amount held on your debit card will be the amount of your rental, plus any additional items you may add to your reservation.


HTH!

 

[jlewisinsyr]

I would like to know the answer to this. I want to become a quick sliver member for the discount (it would save me $80) but to register you have to put a credit card on file and it will not accept a debit card. That's all we have, so I guess I can't get the free membership which is BS.

This is typical for all rental agencies and preferred accounts (ie. Hertz Gold, National Emerald, etc.). The problem is the preferred accounts allow you to bypass lines in some cases and go right to a vehicle (or aisle of vehicles) and many locations, if not all, require additional paperwork to process a debit card (and some even require return trip proof).

There are many reasons not to use a debit card for a car rental, including convenience, but others include additional protections many credit cards offer (secondary or primary) and the fact that if a vehicle is damaged the rental agency has the right to deduct the costs to repair the vehicle (ie. your windshield is cracked, they can deduct the cost out the account on file, often before insurance is even involved), this can be a problem if the debit card also is your primary resource for funds (or linked to the account with primary source of funds).