My experience renting a car with a debit card last week at MCO.

[Disneyliscious]

I always get a bit nervous when renting a car because I dont use credit cards. After my trip last week, I wanted to share my experience.

I booked online with Alamo at MCO back in June and used the Vegas-Brazil code. After reading their credit/debit card policy I called to confirm I could use ANY debit card that had the visa or mastercard logo and was told "yes".

Noy wanting to use my bank debit card, I went online and got a Walmart Money Card for free. Once it arrived, I loaded it with the $214 for my rental and an additional $150 that they said may be charged for a security deposit.

I checked in online and entered my Walmart Debit Card info the day before my flight. I also entered my flight info on their website while checking in.

Got to MCO, walked straight to my SUV of choice, loaded my bags, then drove to the exit gate. I handed the attendant my Walmart Money Card, drivers license, copy of my reservation. He asked me if I had a credit card and I said no but that I did have my round trip plane ticket which allowed me to use a debit card. He verified the plane info.

"Have a nice day, ma'am". He said.

Easy peasy. They only charged the $214. Never even put a hold on the $150. Alamo is the greatest!

 

[DRdancemom]

That's great to hear! i will be traveling with some friends in a few weeks and they will be using a debit card. happy to know they won't have a problem..

 

[LMN]

I've also had the same experience using a debit card with Enterprise. Not a problem at all!

 

[Ladygoldenhair]

I always have had excellent results with Alamo and debit card. I used mine last week, I don't remember being asked about a ticket, I had all the luggage. The transaction showed up day 2-3 on my debit and no hold. If I recall Thrifty had a hold on my debit until I returned the car of $200ish.
If it is a matter of a few dollars I am going with Alamo always. I watched the rate for months, had five reservations with different agencies at the same time, dropping what was higher as I found a better. I started at a Malibu Thrifty and ended with Alamo matching my Dollar SUV rate instead of the minivan I had reserved with them.

 

[Hisgirl]

That's very interesting. I'm curious what they would have done had you had a wreck without using their own additional insurance. It used to be the car rental company could place a very hefty charge on the credit card to cover some damages until things could be sorted out. This was in the past and I have no idea how it is handled now.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Alamo, National, and possibly Enterprise allow the use of a debit card without a hold, but with a round trip ticket or some other indication that you're not likely to disappear with the vehicle.

Using a credit card doesn't necessarily allow or enable a car rental company to put a hefty charge on it. Most credit cards provide some degree of insurance on the rental. One's own auto insurance may also offer some coverage. Customers without vehicle insurance who rent with a debit card and choose not to purchase the agency's insurance do so at their own risk.