Debit Card vs. Credit Card

[princessknb]

What's the difference in using a debit vs. a credit card to pay for airline tickets. I know the money comes out of the account immediatley on a debit card but what else is there that I should know?

 

[cbrfan]

Generally, you have more protection using a credit card. If you have a dispute over the charge the credit card company will intervene to settle it.

 

[NotUrsula]

Essentially, NEVER pay for major travel expenses with a debit card if you have a CC you can use. Meals and things like cab fares are OK, but not room charges, rental cars or air/cruise tickets. You need the dispute resolution service and the warranty that a CC provides. Out-of-town shopping should also be done on a CC if there is any possibility that the item might break or get damaged in transit.

Also, when using a debit for rental cars, some agencies will sometimes put a "reserve" against your account for more than the price of the rental; if you don't keep a lot of money in the account, you could discover that your entire account balance is locked-down.

If I want to pay for an entire trip up-front, I just move the money to my CC account the day before I leave for my trip. That way, the money to cover the expenses is already in the account, and I will not have to deal with paying the bill when I get home.

 

[safetymom]

Check with the bank that offers the debit card. Mine has the same protections as a credit card. Several car rental agencies will let you use a debit card if it is listed in the profile for their frequent renter program.

Just be aware of what the daily limit is for withdrawals and you should notify the bank and they can sometimes lift the daily limit.

 

[jgmklmhem]

I have always used a CC because even with said protections of a debit card until it is resolved the money is out of your bank account whereas in a CC dispute (at least the ones I have had) I was not charged the amount until the dispute had ended and money was never taken out of my account.

 

[CarolA]

If you are purchasing a ticket on an airline with "questionable financials" (which would pretty much be 90% of them) or on a charter airline I would NEVER use a debit card.

If you have read on these boards the "hoops" to get the cash back after an airline shuts down are more complicated then those involved in calling you CC and requesting and disputing the charge.

Personally I don't want people having access to my cash! I have read WAY to many horror stories of "double" charges or errors tying up all someone's cash. It can take several days for things to get fixed and I don't want to be without my cash that long.