Do You Have to Have a Credit Card

[Meggysmum]

My daughter is heading to BLT next week. She has a debit card but not a credit card as she was only 18 two weeks ago and she is waiting for it to be processed.

Is a CC essential for check-in? Can she have a charge made against a debit card instead incase of incidentals but she is not planning to charge anything anyway?

 

[dvcterry]

yes, we have done this. you may use a debit card with visa/mc logo. a hold will go against the account so be sure there is available funds for any checks or items in her checking account beyond what the resort will hold or charge.

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

She just needs to be aware that they'll put a hold on the card at check-in. I'm not sure what amount the hold is, but I know the amount that's typically authorized for room charging is $1500 at DVC resorts. The hold could be as high as that.

Not part of your original question, but if she'll be renting a car, she'll also want to check into that carefully. Some rental car companies will not accept a debit card any more.

 

[CarolAnnC]

She just needs to be aware that they'll put a hold on the card at check-in. I'm not sure what amount the hold is, but I know the amount that's typically authorized for room charging is $1500 at DVC resorts. The hold could be as high as that.

Not part of your original question, but if she'll be renting a car, she'll also want to check into that carefully. Some rental car companies will not accept a debit card any more.

Right about the credit card only, and the minimum age for rental at most companies is 25. A few will rent to younger, but require a surcharge. Hopefully she is using ME!

 

[dvcterry]

as the pp stated, they may put a hold of $1500 on the card, but on our last trip where the kids had charging privileges , I asked the CM to only authorize $500. When we checked out I was able to use disney gift cards and the debit card without any problem.

 

[Meggysmum]

Definitely no hire car, she has only been driving in the UK less than a year so not letting her loose in the US yet! Thank goodness for ME.

Thanks for the info about a charge being held. I can put some money in her account to cover that as she has three check-ins within 5 days and I am a bit worried they won't remove the charges quickly so will top her up and then withdraw it when she gets home. She is a sensible girl and doesn't spend money she hasn't got.

 

[disneynutz]

A card on file for the room isn't required. Have her use the debit card for expenses and not worry about an account hold.

Bill

 

[dianeschlicht]

I would definitely NOT use the debit card on account at the resort. It's not required, so just have her use it for each of her expenses instead of putting it on file at the resort.

 

[Irishmom23]

I agree. We never have charging privileges on our KTTW card. We use our debit/credit card or cash for all our expenses. That way we can monitor our money spent with no surprises at checkout!

 

[Harlemgirl720]

I agree with the others. You don't have to put a credit or debit card on the room.

However, when I used my debit card a couple of weeks ago, they did not automatically hold $1500 a day. It was like I was using the debit card but using the KTTW card. They just deducted the purchases I made and held that amount.

The only good thing about that was I didn't have to carry my debit card. Really didn't make a difference.

 

[Sammie]

Personally I would never use my debit card for any traveling. If you have a problem, her money will be held up until it is settled. Does she have enough in her account to do that.

Before leaving home I would just purchase a gift card or travelers checks.

 

[Meggysmum]

Thanks for all the help.

Panic over today as her Credit card has arrived so I feel much happier knowing that she has access to funds whilst on her trip.

 

[iluvthsgam]

I agree. We never have charging privileges on our KTTW card. We use our debit/credit card or cash for all our expenses. That way we can monitor our money spent with no surprises at checkout!

What is the difference between using the KTTW card and a debit/credit card in order to monitor money spent? If you are using debit/credit card you still have to log into your banks website vs. KTTW asking the front desk for a report. Am I missing something?

 

[vicki_c]

What is the difference between using the KTTW card and a debit/credit card in order to monitor money spent? If you are using debit/credit card you still have to log into your banks website vs. KTTW asking the front desk for a report. Am I missing something?

Well many people can easily do that though an app on their phone, so I think that's a lot easier. But I still use the KTTW card myself.

 

[Sammie]

Thanks for all the help.

Panic over today as her Credit card has arrived so I feel much happier knowing that she has access to funds whilst on her trip.

That is great news. I checked into the Beach Club once, had a $200 balance and when the CM punched it in, she punched in $2000, it went through on my Credit Card. It took 2 weeks to get it off my card.

I would have been livid had it tied up $2000 of my checking/debit account.

 

[iluvthsgam]

Well many people can easily do that though an app on their phone, so I think that's a lot easier. But I still use the KTTW card myself.

Yes, I guess it would be easy enough to just check on your phone. How often does one need to check to keep track of spending though? More than once a day? I actually prefer the KTTW report because it is more detailed then how the charges show up on your credit card statement.

 

[dianeschlicht]

That is great news. I checked into the Beach Club once, had a $200 balance and when the CM punched it in, she punched in $2000, it went through on my Credit Card. It took 2 weeks to get it off my card.

I would have been livid had it tied up $2000 of my checking/debit account.

That is exactly why we don't do it.

 

[Dean]

That is great news. I checked into the Beach Club once, had a $200 balance and when the CM punched it in, she punched in $2000, it went through on my Credit Card. It took 2 weeks to get it off my card.

I would have been livid had it tied up $2000 of my checking/debit account.

We had OKW double charge a stay and it put us over the limit. The card was then rejected at Olivia's.

 

[Mich Mouse]

My DD is spending spring break with her college roommates at WDW on our points. She doesn't need a credit card on file at the resort? I never use the KTTW charging, but thought the CM always had a card on file?

Just want to clarify that a credit card is not needed to check into DVC rooms? Do they ask for one in non DVC rooms? Maybe that's why I am confused?

 

[vicki_c]

A credit card is not required to check into any Disney resort, DVC or not. It is optional.