Can anyone shed some light on using a debit card at check-in?

[sammyjo1871]

Only 103 more days!!! This is my DS4's 1st trip coming up in Feb/March 2012. I haven't been for 16 years, and then only a 1 day visit to MK, so this will be a brand new experience. Most days I can barely contain myself just waiting for this!

Hoping for some help from experienced DISers. Can anyone offer some info on how well (or not) using a debit card at check-in works? Our MYW package will be paid in full, but I'm sure they need some type of card on file for incidentals. Also, I was hoping to have charging privileges on the KTTW card. Do they place a hold on the card for the incidentals? If so, anyone know how much? Do they even allow charging privileges when it's a debit card on file, instead of a true credit card?

 

[Pixie Princess]

Yes, you can put a debit card on file so you can charge to the KTTW card. I have done it on several occasions. I have never noticed that they put a hold on funds. The debit card I use goes against an account I use specifically for special purchases, so I really haven't checked either. I don't think I would use a debit card that hit my primary checking account mainly b/c I'd rather not put that money at risk if something happened to my KTTW card.

 

[jclark5735]

I'm pretty sure I read that you can even put a gift card as the cc on file. Most big grocery cards sell Disney cards (or of course the obvious source of the Disney store).

 

[sammyjo1871]

Yes, you can put a debit card on file so you can charge to the KTTW card. I have done it on several occasions. I have never noticed that they put a hold on funds. The debit card I use goes against an account I use specifically for special purchases, so I really haven't checked either. I don't think I would use a debit card that hit my primary checking account mainly b/c I'd rather not put that money at risk if something happened to my KTTW card.

Thanks for the info! I just could never find a definite answer on WDW site concerning the debit card and charging. I will be sure to use the advice of giving them the card that associates with my secondary account. That will only have the money I've set aside for souviners, stuff not covered by DDP, etc. Thanks again!

 

[sammyjo1871]

I'm pretty sure I read that you can even put a gift card as the cc on file. Most big grocery cards sell Disney cards (or of course the obvious source of the Disney store).

I never would have thought of that! I'm getting my son a gift card for his small purchases. I'll check into this and maybe get a second one for the other funds. Thanks!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

1. You cannot link to a Gift Card. If you want to use a Gift Card for your charges, they will empty out the card(s) and apply to your folio. If there is any money remaining when you check out they will refund it on a gift card.

2. They will link to a debit card. The holds that are put on are $500 for a value, $1,000 for a moderate, and $1,500 for deluxe/Villas. Be aware that if you are approaching your link, normally (at least for a credit card) they will run the charge through at night and get another authorization.

 

[PharmerJan]

^^ What he said.

We used our debit card at All Star Movies in March. Not sure if a hold was made because we didnt check our account until we got home (no internet at resort without a fee).

Anyways, once we hit $500 spending our KTTW card would not work again until we went to the front desk and approved charges (by signing) then it started over.

Yes, we spent way too much money. Yes, it was worth it. Yes, we would do it again! Booze is expensive. haha

 

[ZoZo]

Yes, be aware that hotels can (and usually do) put holds for specific amounts on both credit and debit cards. This can cause unexpected problems for people if they have automatic withdrawals from their checking accounts for various reasons. It's easy to unintentionally overdraw your account, depending on the timing of your automated withdrawals.

One of my co-workers even had her (non-Disney) hotel mistakenly place four separate $1,000 holds on her corporate credit card -- $1,000 for each night of her stay! Imagine if that was a debit card! Mistakes like this can create havoc, and tons of NSF fees.

My recommendation is to use a credit card for incidentals, if possible.

 

[ancestry]

Disney DOES NOT place a hold on your debit or credit cards. Once you hit the amounts listed above $500 for values, $1,000 for mods, and $1,500 for deluxes they will charge the card you have a file but no hold is ever put on the card.

 

[SYDCOLEMOM]

We have stayed Value 3 times and moderate twice. I have used my Visa/Debit card every single time and never had a hold put on my card. I would go down to the front desk every 2 or 3 days and settle our account with cash if needed and then allow them to charge the last day or so on the debit card. We have never had any problems doing this.

 

[Lisa71]

Just want to echo that they do not hold your card. You link it, and then they debit at the end if you want, or you can pay another way. One way to do it is link your debit, but have a gift card for most of it, so you are "pre-paid". Go to the front desk when you are close to your gift card limit and place it towards your charges. Then you only have a small bill in the end.