Car hire and credit cards

[Lizzybear]

I booked our car hire (most basic car but platinum insurance package) through Virgin Holidays with Dollar and I just wondered if anyone knows if they'll need a credit card imprint left? Similarly if we choose to upgrade at the airport can we pay the extra with a traveller's cheque or does that need to be a credit card aswell?
Just asking because i'm not overly keen on credit cards so was only going to bring one to Orlando for emergencies (medical or similar not retail *lol*) However if the car hire company need one I may take two so I have a 'clear' emergency card without any possible authorisations on it.

 

[Andy B]

My experience last year in another part of the US was that the primary hirer needs a credit card to imprint, if only for possible extra charges and excess amount.

 

[MorningGlory]

My experience last year in another part of the US was that the primary hirer needs a credit card to imprint, if only for possible extra charges and excess amount.

We had originally booked with Budget (through a 3rd party company based in England) but had to change to Dollar as they are the only ones the agent knew that accepted cash deposits ($250 p/w for our convertible car).

I don't have a CC myself - never have in fact.

 

[Boss Hogg]

Every time we have rented they have wanted a CC imprint. However, I see no reason why you could not pay for an upgrade using TChqs.

May well be worth emailing Dollar direct and asking?

 

[wayneg]

If you have taken platinum insurance they should not need credit card imprint, I book mine thru airline network with platinum and they dont ask for mine.

 

[daipp]

I've always booked with Dollar and I've found that sometimes they take an imprint and sometimes they don't - no hard and fast rule on this one

David

 

[Lizzybear]

Thanks for the advice everyone, I think i'll take 2 cards just in case.