Holding money from debit card?

[pixxi]

When staying on site, does Disney hold a certain amount of money on your debit card? We don't use credit cards. We get paid next week but have a smaller balance right now. I just didn't want to have any surprises. We also have gift cards that we are using for extras. We have free dining so won't be charging much to the room.

 

[MinnieLovesMickey12]

No. You do not have to present a debit or credit card when you check in. They do not require it and they do not place a hold on your money.

 

[Brian_WDW74]

I've moved this thread to the Disney Resorts board.

 

[Luvchefmic]

When staying on site, does Disney hold a certain amount of money on your debit card? We don't use credit cards. We get paid next week but have a smaller balance right now. I just didn't want to have any surprises. We also have gift cards that we are using for extras. We have free dining so won't be charging much to the room.

someone already answered but I can tell you a little more since just last week I stayed on property with a debit card I had already paid off the balance prior to arrival so no need for debit or credit card I did choose to have charging privileges added to KTTW/Magic Band ( I was in POP and testing) so presented my debit card To my surprise with a debit card they allow you up to $500 charging allowance... since I would never do that I can't remember if that was daily or for length of stay either way it was not happening in my life BUT no nothing was held against the account

 

[chocovrdmicears]

We have not had a credit card for our past 5 or 6 trips - only debit and we always have it put on file for KTTW charging. Never once have they put a hold on any funds. The only time our card gets activity is when you hit your spending limit (depending on what level of resort you are staying at) and then they bill your charges in one lump sum.
*Depending on your bank and your spending habits, you may want to let them know that there will be an increase in activity on your card.

 

[terri33inne]

*Depending on your bank and your spending habits, you may want to let them know that there will be an increase in activity on your card.

Agree with this 1000%!! I haven't had a CC in years either... I pay cash (debit card) for everything. Last year I tried to buy a toy at a gift shop in AK, and didn't use my KTTW card but my regular debit card... which was declined (despite having more than enough funds to cover the transaction). It was a Sunday so of course my bank was closed... the CM was SUPER helpful, and called my bank & the CC for me, etc. Turns out they declined it b/c there is a high amount if identity theft in the Orlando area. I ended up using my KTTW card, but then spent the rest of my trip worrying I wouldn't be able to check out b/c my bank wouldn't approve my final hotel bill.

So this year I will be calling my bank before we go to let them know I will be traveling & they will be seeing charges in Orlando. Even though I've already paid for everything I will still have tips, gifts, etc.

 

[smj2610]

I agree with the previous poster call your bank before you leave, I ran into the issue of my card being declined and had to call my bank it was because identify theft has increased so unless you tell a bank in advance you are traveling there is a good possibility they will decline your card until they verify with you that you are in the area. Great safety measure to know now not so great when you don't know in advance and get embarrassed when your card is declined

 

[dissupermom]

omg! yes!! call your bank whenever you travel! I learned this the hard way, though the solution was very easy. we were on a road trip and using my debit card. transactions were being made everywhere and the bank picked up on it and froze my account! I certainly appreciated the safety precautions, but I had to buy gas! I just called them to verify who I was and all, then everything was good! they suggested that any time I travel like this, I should call and give them an itinerary so they know what's happening.
as far as WDW putting a hold on the account, I have only known them to charge only what the purchases are. however, I believe it may not tally up until check out and then they debit the account the total amount. I'd just rather pay as I go.. no worries this way!

 

[cheermouse]

This happened to me in June in Orlando, I got declined on my debit card, but my daughters card from the same bank went through with no issues. It is very frustrating when this happens.

 

[KonaKaiTom]

It is a good idea to notify your bank (for credit or debit) that you are going on vacation so they can be aware of what they might consider unusual charges.

In my case, it wasn't me buying stuff. I was notified by the front desk at POR to contact my bank -- POR was very polite indicating that they received a call from my bank asking if I had checked in and showed photo ID, which I had done. So, imagine my surprise when I called my bank and the fraud investigation unit was on the line. They were very nice and told me that they knew I was in Disney World, and wanted to confirm that I had not bought a pack of gum for .50 cents online at Walgreens, nor a 8,500 watt generator at Home Depot, nor a 60" plasma tv at BestBuy. Someone had my card number, and they were having fun. Turns out that gum purchase is a method of testing to see if the card is still active.

Anyhow, Disney had no problem with getting a new number from my bank for a new card, which they had overnighted to me, so I coudl go about enjoying my vacation.

Tom

 

[msjprincess]

someone already answered but I can tell you a little more since just last week I stayed on property with a debit card I had already paid off the balance prior to arrival so no need for debit or credit card I did choose to have charging privileges added to KTTW/Magic Band ( I was in POP and testing) so presented my debit card To my surprise with a debit card they allow you up to $500 charging allowance... since I would never do that I can't remember if that was daily or for length of stay either way it was not happening in my life BUT no nothing was held against the account

It depends on the resort level. For values they allow you to charge up to $500 before they charge your card. It's $1000 for mods and $1500 for deluxe. It's the same policy whether yo use a debit or credit card.

You can go to the front desk periodically and pay off the balance if you think you're getting close to the limit.

When I did online check in they charged my card $1 to check if the card was valid. The charge dropped poff in a few days. But that's it as far as a "hold".

 

[MKFan-PR]

When I did online check in they charged my card $1 to check if the card was valid. The charge dropped off in a few days. But that's it as far as a "hold".

That's correct. They don't put a hold on the card; they just verify if it's valid. Once it's verified, you get a credit limit that varies by resort (like PP said). You can then charge to the room with your KTTW. If a purchase makes you go over your limit they decline the KTTW transaction, but a quick call to your resort and they'll charge your accrued balance to the card, clearing your account and you'll be able to charge to the room again. To avoid this I just check my balance every couple of days and charge to the card as needed.