Rental car companies at Sanford airport that let you use debit cards?

[aimcat]

My husband and I no longer deal with credit cards and only use our Visa debit card. Do you guys know which car companies at Sanford will allow you to use your debit card - it does have Visa logo and can be used as credit or debit....?

 

[Lewisc]

You need to check each rental agency. You might want to call the local phone number.

You no longer "deal with credit cards". Do you have a real credit card? Not a debit card with a Visa logo? Some agencies will let you use a debit card to pay for your rental when you return the car. They'll reserve credit on your real credit card when you pick up the car.

Otherwise the rental agency will probably run a credit check. Require some kind of deposit. Don't be surprised if several hundred dollars is removed from your account as a deposit. Might even ask you to bring some extra stuff. Utility bill?

It would be easier if you got a credit card, even if you plan on using your debit card to pay for the rental.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Even though your debit cards can be used as credit in the retail world, when it comes to renting a car they will treat it as a debit card.

Another reason for renting with a credit card is that most cards have rental car auto protection insurance if you are in an accident you will be protected by the credit card. Otherwise you will have to submit a claim against your own auto insurance company and pay whatever dedecutible your policy has and possibly have your auto rates increased. You may be asked to show proof of insurance coverage when using a debit card.

They will run a credit check and if your credit is not stellar they may refuse to rent to you. If which case you will be left with no transportation options.

As the PP said they will place a hold on your bank acct for several hundred dollars which may not be released for several weeks after you return your rental. So plan to have extra cash in your acct for this.

 

[Lewisc]

The rental agency is giving you a car worth 20K +. Return it a few days late and with an empty tank of gas and you'll owe a few hundred dollars. Car is damaged and you might at least owe the deductible from your auto policy. 250? 500?

What's a reasonable deposit? 250? 500? 1000? You need to find out what kind of deposit (hold) the rental agency will be putting on your bank account.

 

[chartle]

I found this

http://www.best-car-rental-tips.com/debit-card-rental-policies.html

 

[mmmgood]

Even though your debit cards can be used as credit in the retail world, when it comes to renting a car they will treat it as a debit card.

Another reason for renting with a credit card is that most cards have rental car auto protection insurance if you are in an accident you will be protected by the credit card. Otherwise you will have to submit a claim against your own auto insurance company and pay whatever dedecutible your policy has and possibly have your auto rates increased. You may be asked to show proof of insurance coverage when using a debit card.

Most credit cards act as secondary coverage for car rentals. This means your auto insurance is the primary. This means the primary claim will be against your personal auto policy. The credit card coverage will only cover items not covered by your auto policy that are not specifically excluded. You are required to make a claim to your credit card company.

All major rental agencies will accept debit cards. Not all rental agencies require credit checks or put big holds on your debit card. Alamo/National have the friendliest policy if you have return travel documents - i.e. you are flying in and out. No credit checks required, no excess holds on your card.

Enterprise tend to have friendly policies but it can vary by location so I would recommend calling the location directly to verify their policy.

Before booking with an agency I would check their specific policy as they do vary.

The major downside with using debit cards is if you do have an accident the rental agency have access to your bank account funds. One thing you can try to mitigate this risk is to have your insurance deductible amount noted on the rental contract. Not guaranteed to work but may help if they pull out more money than expected.

I personally use a credit card to rent cars and would recommend doing the same if you can. There is more risk using a debit card in case of an accident.

 

[keishashadow]

Most credit cards act as secondary coverage for car rentals. This means your auto insurance is the primary. This means the primary claim will be against your personal auto policy. The credit card coverage will only cover items not covered by your auto policy that are not specifically excluded. You are required to make a claim to your credit card company.

All major rental agencies will accept debit cards. Not all rental agencies require credit checks or put big holds on your debit card. Alamo/National have the friendliest policy if you have return travel documents - i.e. you are flying in and out. No credit checks required, no excess holds on your card.

Enterprise tend to have friendly policies but it can vary by location so I would recommend calling the location directly to verify their policy.

Before booking with an agency I would check their specific policy as they do vary.

The major downside with using debit cards is if you do have an accident the rental agency have access to your bank account funds. One thing you can try to mitigate this risk is to have your insurance deductible amount noted on the rental contract. Not guaranteed to work but may help if they pull out more money than expected.

I personally use a credit card to rent cars and would recommend doing the same if you can. There is more risk using a debit card in case of an accident.

the above info was not valid for MCO as of March of this year, check out the following thread for lots of info

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2700013&highlight=rental+car+with+debit+card

OP - anybody who uses cash (and this would include a debit card) is subject to a credit check & a security-type down payment.

DS was going to use a debit card. I checked alamo, national & budget and soon realized the hassle involved (although informed he could have the check run before arrival if desired).

in addition to the normal stuff (DL, form of payment, etc.) they required:

* current utility bill with home address

* copy of airline ticket

* $500 cash security deposit

additionally, the class of car was restricted - economy, he skipped it & went with ME & taxis

Many sites are franchises, they need to protect their assets, it's nothing personal and easy enough to call the rental site to determine their criteria, good luck OP!

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

I have two credit cards that offer PRIMARY coverage. I use these for rental cars. I would not use one with Secondary.

 

[mmmgood]

OP - I just called Alamo at Stanford to confirm - the policy is as I stated. If you are flying in they take return travel documents.

Here is a pretty good up to date article for anyone interested in credit card coverage.
http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/rental-car-credit-card-protections-vary-1273.php

Per the article:

"Only Diners Club offers no-cost primary coverage, which means you don't need to file a claim with your car insurance and there's no chance of a premium increase. American Express cardholders can get the same benefit by paying $24.95 per rental for the card's premium coverage. Other cards offer secondary coverage, meaning they'll pick up what your auto insurance doesn't."

My point is most people don't realize their cards will only cover what their auto insurance will not. If you have primary coverage on your card all the better. Check your auto policy and credit card before renting - most policies and cards have different quirks.

 

[keishashadow]

jmho, it doesn't really matter what you're told when you call alamo...fyi, i'm only posting the following written policy for information purposes for others who want to rent in cash, i'd print it out & take it with me to make sure there's no issue.

note i did notice that the stated deposit & class of car indicated below were different than info I received when i called for DS (however, he is a few months short of 25, might be the reason his deposit would've been $500 & only economy car)

anyway, the following is taken directly from Alamo's website

https://www.alamo.com/itemDetails.do?HelpItemID=CAS


Customers must meet Alamo's requirements for renting a vehicle without a credit card.
Only Economy through full-size vehicles can be rented with cash.
No Additional Drivers are allowed on Cash Rentals.

Cash rentals, excluding International tour and Domestic tour rentals, will require a $300 deposit per rental in addition to the calculated rental charges.
International tour and Domestic tour rentals paid with a voucher will require a deposit in the amount of $100 per week or $25 per day in addition to charges not covered by the voucher. If a voucher is not being used the required deposit is $200 per week or $50 per day.
When the rental vehicle is returned in accordance with the rental terms and conditions, the cash deposit will be refunded upon return of the vehicle, and in some instances, the refund will be mailed to the customer following the return of the rental vehicle.


Please see below for requirements:

• A valid driver's license
• At least 25 years of age, or for select corporate contracts and international tour accounts, the minimum age is 21(please see Age Requirements) for details.
• Phone Bill or Utility bill in the renter's name that is not a cellular phone bill and can be verified through directory assistance, or a recent monthly statement that does not show past due status.
• The address on bill must match address in renter's profile.
• A return ticket from an airline, cruise or train
• Verifiable phone number in the name of the renter
• Ability to make a cash deposit in addition to the cost of the rental
• A valid Passport
• Advance reservation required for International Residents. Reservation through Alamo-recognized international source of business is required, no direct reservations or walkups permitted.

 

[mmmgood]

Yes, that is the cash policy. Did you look a little further down for the separate debit card policy:

https://www.alamo.com/itemDetails.do?HelpItemID=DEB

Debit Cards

Debit cards are not allowed for Pre-Pay reservations.

When renting in the U.S., debit and check cards may only be used in conjunction with proof of a round trip travel ticket at time of rental.

A debit/check card is considered to be any non-credit card bearing the VISA, MasterCard or Discover Card logo.

Any other non-credit card without the VISA, MasterCard or Discover Card logo is not accepted.

For pick-ups in the United States, without proof of roundtrip ticket, debit or check cards are only accepted when returning the vehicle.

A credit card in the name of the renter must be presented at the time of pick-up.

Exceptions

Canada

In Canada, a credit card in the name of the renter must be presented at the time of pickup. Debit/check cards are only accepted for payment at time of return. A debit/check card is considered to be any non-credit card bearing the VISA, MasterCard or Discover Card logo. Any other non-credit card without the VISA, MasterCard or Discover Card logo is not accepted.



Puerto Rico

In Puerto Rico, a credit card in the name of the renter must be presented at the time of pickup. Debit/check cards are only accepted for payment at time of return. A debit/check card is considered to be any non-credit card bearing the VISA, MasterCard or Discover Card logo. Any other non-credit card without the VISA, MasterCard or Discover Card logo is not accepted.

United States

Detroit Metro Airport: The Detroit airport minimum deposit requirement for In State residents with a Michigan driver's license is $495.00 plus the cost of the rental on a major credit card only. A major credit card is a card that is supported by a pre-determined line of credit, and not a bank account or pre-paid balance.

No place in the cash policy mentions debit cards. If these terms applied to debit cards why are they not in the debit card policy and why did the counter rep at SFB not mention them when I called. Counter reps should know these policies as they deal with them day in day out. I understand questioning call center reps but counter reps should know these policies.

Here is Alamo's toll free # 18888266893
Stanford location 407-585-3500

The OP can call and double check if they like.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

OP - I just called Alamo at Stanford to confirm - the policy is as I stated. If you are flying in they take return travel documents.

Here is a pretty good up to date article for anyone interested in credit card coverage.
http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/rental-car-credit-card-protections-vary-1273.php

Per the article:

"Only Diners Club offers no-cost primary coverage, which means you don't need to file a claim with your car insurance and there's no chance of a premium increase. American Express cardholders can get the same benefit by paying $24.95 per rental for the card's premium coverage. Other cards offer secondary coverage, meaning they'll pick up what your auto insurance doesn't."

My point is most people don't realize their cards will only cover what their auto insurance will not. If you have primary coverage on your card all the better. Check your auto policy and credit card before renting - most policies and cards have different quirks.

Be nice if that article was correct. I have Diner's and it does have Primary. I also have Mastercard issued by my bank which as a "perk" from the bank has Primary.

 

[Traveliz]

Quote:
Originally Posted by mmmgood
Most credit cards act as secondary coverage for car rentals. This means your auto insurance is the primary. This means the primary claim will be against your personal auto policy. The credit card coverage will only cover items not covered by your auto policy that are not specifically excluded. You are required to make a claim to your credit card company.

All major rental agencies will accept debit cards. Not all rental agencies require credit checks or put big holds on your debit card. Alamo/National have the friendliest policy if you have return travel documents - i.e. you are flying in and out. No credit checks required, no excess holds on your card.Enterprise tend to have friendly policies but it can vary by location so I would recommend calling the location directly to verify their policy.

Before booking with an agency I would check their specific policy as they do vary.

The major downside with using debit cards is if you do have an accident the rental agency have access to your bank account funds. One thing you can try to mitigate this risk is to have your insurance deductible amount noted on the rental contract. Not guaranteed to work but may help if they pull out more money than expected.

I personally use a credit card to rent cars and would recommend doing the same if you can. There is more risk using a debit card in case of an accident.


keishashadow:
""the above info was not valid for MCO as of March of this year, check out the following thread for lots of info

http://www.disboards.com/showthread....ith+debit+card

OP - anybody who uses cash (and this would include a debit card) is subject to a credit check & a security-type down payment.

DS was going to use a debit card. I checked alamo, national & budget and soon realized the hassle involved (although informed he could have the check run before arrival if desired).

in addition to the normal stuff (DL, form of payment, etc.) they required:

* current utility bill with home address

* copy of airline ticket

* $500 cash security deposit

additionally, the class of car was restricted - economy, he skipped it & went with ME & taxis

Many sites are franchises, they need to protect their assets, it's nothing personal and easy enough to call the rental site to determine their criteria, good luck OP!"

The thread referenced is about Thrifty Rental Car at MCO --not Alamo/National. I have used a Visa Logo debit card several times with no holds, no deposits; just by showing my return travel documents. Generally I use a cc for the points but there are times I prefer to use my Visa Debit and have never had a hold or any type of problem with Alamo at Orlando area locations.

Liz

 

[aimcat]

I actually do have a credit card so I guess if its easier I could use it. I have set my limit to only 500 but im sure it would still be ok considering the rental shouldnt be more than 300.

Next question...my rental will be in may for 9 days....does anyone know the best company with the best deal for this time?

 

[keishashadow]

imo it's clear that debit cards = cash, however, certainly not going to beat it to death, have at it & good luck. For those that have had no issue, congratulations.

fyi, I just posted "my/DS's information" that I received when i called the alamo MCO counter & the info as i interpreted it on alamo's website.