Confused - Avis and credit/debit cards

[MickeyMonstersMom]

I just read this on Avis' site and don't get it:

"Avis accepts many major credit cards as credit identification at the time of rental; debit cards are not accepted as credit identification at the time of the rental, however they may be used for payment of charges at the conclusion of the rental."

So, people can use debit cards to pay for their rental, but will need a separate credit card for "credit identification?" And what on earth is that??

 

[BobH]

The balance in your debit card account could change thus leaving the rental car company holding the bag for damages. A lock on your credit card for a certain amount of funds should not disappear on them. Not sure about this but I suspect this is why they dislike taking a debit card for a rental.

 

[MickeyMonstersMom]

BobH, your suspicion is accurate. On impulse, I sent off an e-mail to Avis' customer service - and while I was advised to wait 48 hours for a reply, I've already received one! The hold is placed on the credit card, but a debit card payment will be accepted when the car is returned.

 

[seashoreCM]

You might as well just use the credit card for everything. There are so many horror stories about debit cards where mistakes were made and it took time to get the money put back in your checking account.

Meanwhile you can always send in payment for credit card charges early, and not have to pay finance charges or interest.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

Some stores insist that you enter the PIN when using a debit card. In most cases this denies you any benefits such as airline miles that may be earned when you use that debit card. For purchases and car rental payments, most debit cards also work without the PIN, you push "credit" if you are using an automated tablet or gas pump and sign the slip just as for a credit card. Check with your debit card provider or bank to see exactly what method needs to be used to qualify for benefits.

 

[Chicago526]

As far as I know, the car companies (and it's all of them, not just Avis) want a "real" credit card (not a debit) to hold the car incase of major damage to the vehicle that's not covered by insurance. The company wants to protect their signifigant investment. You can't blame them, really. They DID just give your a $20,000 car after all!

You may also want to use a "real" credit card anyway, as many offer the CDW insurance if you use the card to pay for the rental. This way, you can declined the overpriced stuff the car company offers but still be covered if you run over Mickey Mouse by accident. But double check with your card company to see if it's one of your benifits, not all cards have it.

 

[beattyfamily]

One of the only car companies that will take a debit card is Alamo but you must prove you have a round trip ticket.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by beattyfamily
One of the only car companies that will take a debit card is Alamo but you must prove you have a round trip ticket.

Dollar takes them as well as Hertz if you are a Gold member or #1 member.
Dollar, however, runs a credit check and it shows up on your credit report as an inquiry for purchasing a car. If you don't pass their credit check, you don't get the car, even if you have a credit card.

 

[safetymom]

I agree with Gail. I use my debit cards all the time with Hertz. It has to be listed in your profile to use the debit card. You have to be a member of one of their clubs.

 

[d4est]

After reading Gail's post, I went to hertz.com to sign up for the #1 club...as we don't use credit cards except for emergencies.

Well at the end of the sign-up page there is a place to enter up to three credit card #'s and in small print it says:

"In order of preference, list up to three credit cards you wish to use for Hertz rentals. Please note: Debit, bank and Visa Electron are not acceptable forms of payment."

So, am I missing something? Is this a new policy or what??

THanks

 

[safetymom]

NO it isn't a new policy. If you call and talk with them they will tell you that as long as the debit card is listed in the profile you will be able to use it for your rental.

You can't use a debit card that is not listed in the profile. I do this almost weekly with no problems.

 

[safetymom]

Are you signing up for #1 Club or #1 Gold. My experience is with #1 Gold. There are offers that will waive the $ 50 membership fee. Contact me if you need the link.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by d4est
After reading Gail's post, I went to hertz.com to sign up for the #1 club...as we don't use credit cards except for emergencies.

Well at the end of the sign-up page there is a place to enter up to three credit card #'s and in small print it says:

"In order of preference, list up to three credit cards you wish to use for Hertz rentals. Please note: Debit, bank and Visa Electron are not acceptable forms of payment."

So, am I missing something? Is this a new policy or what??

THanks

I just ran a "mock" reservation and this is what it said at the end

"Please note that at time of rental you will need (1) a current driver's license and (2) a valid credit card or charge card. At most Hertz locations, a debit/check card may also be used to qualify for rental. Credit or charge cards must have available credit, and debit/check cards must have available funds, for the estimated amount of the rental charges plus a reasonable amount to cover any incidental charges in order to secure the rental. "

It is very confusing and I never would have signed up for it at all had it not been for Safety Mom's expertise with Hertz.

Hopefully she (and this blurb from the site) have made you feel better.

 

[safetymom]

I don't have a credit card in my profile and haven't had any problems yet with renting. I travel all over the country renting from Hertz and their franchise locations.

 

[d4est]

thanks...I do feel better. I will sign up with my debit card and see how it goes!! Thanks again