Onboard Charge Questions????

[myfairygodmother]

When DCL gets your credit card authorization form from your packet of travel documents--do they put a "hold" for any $$$ amount on the card like hotels and car rental agencies do??? Just trying to decide between a debit card(no bill to pay when I get back) or a regular credit card.

 

[yensidfan99]

I know from my previous cruises that they do not put a hold on your account but they do charge your account every time your charges reach $500.00. I hope this helps

 

[MFan]

Why would you want to spend your own money when you can borrow it from a credit card for free for a short period?

I charge everything I can from groceries to major purchases. I only use reward cards that have no annual fees. I don't care about interest rates because I pay off my balance each month. I earned enough credits on my MBNA cruise reward card over the past two years to cover $1,000 of my next cruise cost.

 

[dgroet]

I'm with you. I'm currently working between two, with one earning airline points, and the other earning hotel points. We used to use the GM card and saved $2600 one one car, and $1500 on another.

I'm not sure what the dollar amount was, but they only hit our credit card after hitting a certain point. Was the same when we stayed at BC before the cruise.

 

[Mjasp]

I wish our mortgage company and car insurance company let you pay by credit card, I'd be flying free everywhere, like so many other people would i'm sure if it was allowed.


Joanna

 

[MFan]

Well, that would be nice. Unfortunately, they have no incentive in adding that loyalty program, especially since it'll cost them a penny or two on top of the regular credit card fee for each dollar you charge, and there is no value to them for offering it. It wouldn't be a consideration when you're selecting a company, and once selected, you're a captive payee.

 

[Kermit]

If you do choose to use your debit card, call the 800 number on it first. Many of them have a 24-hour transaction limit, and you won't be allowed to go over that limit regardless of how much money you have in your account. Some of them have a one-time transaction limit that's even smaller than the 24-hour limit. I've had my card denied twice because I knew about the limit but forgot, and it's always embarrassing when your credit card is denied.

 

[leanne2255]

Just an FYI on the debit card... My debit card has a 24 hour limit but only on PIN transacations. If the amount is being put through on a charge basis without a PIN, then the only limit is the amount that is in your checking account.

 

[mcnuss]

Why would you want to spend your own money when you can borrow it from a credit card for free for a short period?

Some people just prefer a cash & carry lifestyle, that's why.

 

["Ginger"]

I put a big down payment on my new Ford Excursion with my credit card to get the cash rewards. I'll pay it off when the bill comes due. Now I have to see if I can have the monthly payment put on my CC every month. The extra cash will help me pay it off early.

 

[Deb in IA]

Originally posted by MFan
Why would you want to spend your own money when you can borrow it from a credit card for free for a short period?

I charge everything I can from groceries to major purchases. I only use reward cards that have no annual fees. I don't care about interest rates because I pay off my balance each month. I earned enough credits on my MBNA cruise reward card over the past two years to cover $1,000 of my next cruise cost.

We think alike, MFan.

We purchased our DVC on our United VISA CREDIT card!!!! (we have a $30,000 limit). We purchased it when we were at Disney World. When we got home, we went to our bank and arranged for a loan at a much lower interest rate than what DVC was charging. Then we used the loan to pay off the VISA, and got a lot of air miles in the process . . .

 

[outahere]

We just returned from the Wonder and they "hit" our card when we had charged just over $200 on our stateroom account.

 

[taswira]

Although I have Visa and MasterCard for those places that don't accept American Express, I otherwise use my AmEX for EVERYTHING from groceries to cruising. I earn points/miles for every dollar spent, have unlimited credit, but MUST pay the balance in full when it's due. They have other options now, but I prefer to be "required" to pay in full every time so I am not tempted to spend more than I can afford.

 

[saturday97]

I keep hearing that Disney is coming out with a VISA next year. The rewards, as I understand it, are like Disney Dollars. That sounds like something I can definately use!!

 

[DROCKS]

I plan on using my credit card on board, just as have in the past at the WDW Resort. But, what do you mean you got "hit" or a charge for spending over $200 or $500? Could you give me an idea of how much of a charge? This sounds new to me!

Donna

 

[mmouse37]

Our daughter just started college and I was thrilled to hear that the college accepts Visa/MC/Discover to pay tuition. That will add up quickly!!!

I now have to find a Visa/MC that you can earn OnePass miles on. Currently my Amex earns me One pass miles but the college does not accept that as payment.

MJ

 

[mmouse37]

drocks....

I don't think they mean they were hit with an extra charge, but rather when their onboard account reached up to $200 or $500 that is when DCL autmatically charged their authorized charge card.

When we just sailed in the beginning of August on the Magic, our Amex card was charged everytime our onboard account hit $400.

I hope this makes sense.....

MJ

 

[DROCKS]

Thanks for clearing that up for me! I thought I was being charged for using my charge card! Now I'm not nervous anymore....let me on that ship so I can spend my $$$$!

Donna

 

["Ginger"]

We like to pre-pay our onboard credits so we don't have any bills when we get home. We have found that $500. is a safe amount for us on a 7 night cruise. We do pay out the tips in cash.


You can do this by calling Gifts Ahoy 1-800-601-8455. They will need to know your last name and reservation number and stateroom number. On board credits can be purchased in $25.00 denominations.

 

[outahere]

Sorry for the confusion.......

When we had charged slightly over $200, they charged our card for the full balance on our stateroom account, which reduced our stateroom account balance to $0. They then charged the card again on the last morning, to zero out the balance and close the account. There was no extra charge, just the charges we had made up to that point.