Invalid Code for Dollar

[DJT]

Someone told me to use the code "FVG" for a ressie with Dollar. I did that and got a base rate of $63.36 (a total of $85.79) for four days. That's the best rate I've found anywhere. However, on the confirmation print out in the column next to the amounts, are the words "Thank you for shopping Dollar. Invalid Promotion Code." Those last three words have me quite concerned! I called Dollar and told the agent I spoke with that those three words were on the print out. He said that was a great rate and that my reservation is in their system.

I'm still worried. I don't want to arrive and find out that because of the "invalid promotion code" I will have to pay a much higher rate to rent a car. Has anyone else ever experienced this? I need to decide what to do, as the reservation is for March 3. Thanks for any help.
Donna

 

[lsyorke]

That would concern me too!! I would try and make another reservation (don't cancel the one you have) and see if it comes up again. If it doesn't show on the second try, cancel the first one! I've only had invalid code come up once, but it didn't even take the reservation. It said there were no cars available under that code. KISS3 is another code that comes up with some good rates.

 

[RobinLyn]

Try promo code DESFL

 

[Ted and Holly]

Did you also try GMF40?????


HOlly

 

[kda]

FVG (Florida Vacation Guide) is a code that's been around for quite a while and is/was available to everyone. It may have actually been advertised in the Florida Vacation Guide.

The 'invalid code' may mean that FVG isn't a working code any more, BUT you were given a reservation at the rate quoted --- which does sound like a good rate. I'd be much more concerned if you'd used a code that was only valid under certain circumstances (ie, American Express card, Teacher's Association, etc) and you had to provide an ID or membership card from that group. You have been quoted a rate and have a print-out of that rate. There's always the possibility that any of us can be charged a different rate when we get there (it can happen occasionally), but if we can show the rate we booked, it's honored.

Try some of the other codes suggested above and see if you can get the rate even lower.

 

[holidaybarb]

I got the same message on my print-out when I reserved a minivan with Dollar today. Try checking the price without putting in any discount codes. What I found is that the low price was actually what I'd get with no discount at all. Strange but true.

Later I discovered their discount for seniors and saved an extra 5%. I'm happy!

 

[sammi]

I ended up getting a much lower rate when I DIDN'T use a code! lol

 

[SuzyQue]

The "Invalid Code" is on my confirmation also and it's a great rate too. So I did the same thing, I called and asked about it and was told the same thing, my reservation is in the system at that rate and I should have no problem (she even asked if I thought it should be lower ). The Dollar site was down Sunday night for awhile, maybe they are in the process of updating some of the codes floating around out there. I'm taking a printout of my confirmation, and the website address as to where I got the code just in case. ~~

 

[SuzyQue]

I went back to the site and as holidaybarb and sammi said, I put in no code and ended up with the same low rate I was getting with the "Invalid Code". So DJT try going back and using no code and see what you get. I cancelled my "Invalid Code" reservation and made a new one. And Ted and Holly I know you switched to National for a better rate, try plugging your dates into Dollar now, we're going next week and my rate dropped 70.00!! (120.00 base rate for intermediate for 8 days) ~~

 

[Ted and Holly]

Thanks SuzyQue. They dropped the rates again. We're going to stick with National, just because we leave in 2 days and I don't want to mess anything up this close to arrival.... AND we don't like how Dollar keeps an extra $200 for the duration of your rental......

I got MUCH lower rates when I used No code! Cool!

Holly

 

[cindala]

Originally posted by Ted and Holly
, .... AND we don't like how Dollar keeps an extra $200 for the duration of your rental......
Holly

What do they do, leave an extra hold of $200 on your credit card?

 

[SuzyQue]

We've never had anything put on our credit card with them until we return the car (have used VISA & DISCOVER). But I have read posts about it, don't know if it has to do with the type card you use or your credit limit etc. Perhaps someone else can help? ~~

 

[mom_rules]

Apparently, they "reserve" $200.00 on the
credit limit on your card. In other words, they don't charge it
immediately but they put a hold for that amount on your card
so you actually have $200 less room on your card for other
things. This is not a problem unless you have a low credit limit on your card to start out with. They do not actually "bill"you (or charge your credit card) until you return the vehicle.

 

[lacool]

Holly,
I used the GMF rate and got $40 lower than the lowest rate I had found so far. What is it related to? What I mean is, will I need to show some form of ID that I am a member of some organization that I may or may not be affiliated with?

 

[mom_rules]

Here's info from mousesavers:
GMF40 for rates as low as: compact $140/wk; intermediate $159/wk; full size $179/wk; minivan or convertible $239/wk. Rate is blacked out for rentals beginning on the following dates: 4/17/03-4/19/03; 5/22/03-5/24/03; 7/4/03-7/5/03; 8/28/03-8/30/03; 11/6/03-11/8/03; 11/20/03-11/29/03 & 12/14/03-1/1/04. Source: greatorlandodiscounts.com.) Thanks to Anita for info.

 

[SuzyQue]

Don't forget to try using no rate code, it might be cheaper. ~~

 

[lacool]

Very weird... out of Tampa GMF gives me the cheapest rate, out of Orlando, I get the best rate with no code. Boy I wish I understood how these things work!

 

[Ted and Holly]

lacool, I think momrules answered your question. The GMF code doesn't require a coupon or anything. This car rental stuff is so strange..... and the rates have literally been changing daily.

I think the reason why the $200 bothers me is not that the money on CC is not available That's the only part of vacation we're using the CC for. We just have a real problem with them thinking they need to reserve an extra $200 in case we keep the car late. They have the CC, and an extra day is not $200. $200 is more than the cost of renting the car itself for 9 days. Anyway, its just a personal hangup.... weird of us I guess.

Have a great trip and good luck with the car rental. I'll let you know how National went when we get back!

Holly

 

[mickey4ver]

If you subscribe to the Dollar email newsletter, they just sent one out this evening with some great deals! $149. for intermediate size cars for a week. Different codes lead to different pricing, not sure of the rhyme or reason, so I try them all, or no code at all until something fits!

 

[mom_rules]

I also try no code first, then every code applicable
until I find a good one.

Does anyone know if you can use an upgrade coupon
if you use a code also?