Rent a Car with debit card ??

[Tigger2ntinkerbell]

I would like to rent a car while at WDW. I do not own a CC . But I do have a debit card attached to my checking account.
I would like to rent, but not sure who to use.
I call the Enterprise Car Rental at MCO and was told I had to have a return Flight Ticket , price of the rental + add 20%. And when I return the car I would get back the 20%. I am trying to stay out of debt. And I don't want to have to apply for a CC. Any information would help. TIA

Tigger2ntinkerbell

 

[ancestry]

I rented a car once with a debit card years ago and will never do it again. They put a HUGE hold on a lot of money (can't remember if it was 20% like you indicated or not) and it took quite a few days for the hold to be released. If you have enough extra money to do this then it probably isn't a problem but back then I didn't have the extra cash for them to keep a hold on it and it was a nightmare for me.

 

[xkwisit]

We've always rented a car using a debit card & never had a problem. We've used Hertz, Alamo & Dollar in the past. I'm not usre exactly how much of a hold they put on our account but never questioned us when we handed them the debit card.... of course we never brought it to their attention either.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

I would not recommend putting a car rental on a debit card, although the process varies between agency (some put a large hold, others do not), if there is any damage to the car they could first charge it to your debit card, which could generate overdrafts if you do not keep your funds level very high, etc.

I'd get a credit card for car rentals (preferably one with rental car coverage, maybe even an AMEX and choose their car rental protection option). You state you want to stay out of debt, having a credit card doesn't mean your in debt, and actually using one responsibly is proof to creditors of all types that you are responsible in managing credit.

 

[kaytieeldr]

National & Alamo will rent to you with a debit card AND proof of return flight/train trip/cruise.

Can you not afford the extra 20% detailed by Enterprise, temporarily, without going into debt? Most car rental companies that accept debit cards for the reservation require some type of security hold.

 

[byrd328]

I have rented cars for years with my debit card. Most recently in MCO at National, all they did was hold the amount of the rental. I have rented locally with Enterprise and they charge a security deposit of $250 and then either gave me the difference if it was less or charged me the additional amount if it was more. I have used Alamo as well. I've never had any problems, and I usually stay away from Avis and Budget.

I would call them for clarification if your worried, but it should be fine.

 

[uva185]

How is this any different than using a debit card for a hotel room which I assume you will be doing ay Disney. Hotels, rental cars, etc will always place a hold on your acct to keep as a deposit. It varies by each location so its best just to call the hotel / rental car facility directly if you are worried about overdrafting your account.

 

[hinodis]

I am leaving in a month and I am using cash and a travel visa that will be prepaid. However, for my auto rental I am using cash. I called the Alamo desk directly at MCO to inquire. If I pay cash for my rental I have to put down a cash deposit equal to my rental price. I will then get the deposit back when I return the vehicle. Has anyone here ever paid cash for a rental car?