Rental Car Questions...

[*Wish*Upon*A*Star*]

Hi everyone -

First, let me apologize in advance as I'm sure this question has been asked a thousand times before... but, the search option is not up yet, so I'll ask.

I have a ressie with National EA for January 8th to 15th booked. I know that they (as most rental car agencies do) require a credit card (not debit card). DH and I would like to pay for the rental with our debit card - we have credit cards, but we really don't like to use them. I understand that the agency needs the credit card so that they can put a hold on it, right? Does this "hold" charge our card? How much is the hold for? What if the hold is over our credit limit on the card?

Okay - I know, probably silly questions - but I'd love some answers. This (obviously) is our first time renting and we're a little nervous.

Thanks!

 

[bopeep9207]

Hi everyone -

First, let me apologize in advance as I'm sure this question has been asked a thousand times before... but, the search option is not up yet, so I'll ask.

I have a ressie with National EA for January 8th to 15th booked. I know that they (as most rental car agencies do) require a credit card (not debit card). DH and I would like to pay for the rental with our debit card - we have credit cards, but we really don't like to use them. I understand that the agency needs the credit card so that they can put a hold on it, right? Does this "hold" charge our card? How much is the hold for? What if the hold is over our credit limit on the card?

Okay - I know, probably silly questions - but I'd love some answers. This (obviously) is our first time renting and we're a little nervous.

Thanks!

Not a silly question at all. They will put a hold on the credit card, but, you will be able to pay with a debit card at the end of the rental, when you return the car. The hold will not be charged to the card and the amount of the hold , with National, is the total amount of the rental.

 

[*Wish*Upon*A*Star*]

bopeep9207 - Thank you so much! You have eased my apprehension!

One more question, though -- if we were to use our credit card during the period we had the car (while there was a hold on it) - would the purchase be denied because there is a hold on it?

Hope that makes sense!

 

[CarolA]

The "hold" locks up credit. So if your card has $1000 in avaialble credit and they put a $500 hold on it. You only have $500 of available credit to use. So if you tried to charge $750 you could be denied. (Different banks process different ways so your experience may vary)

 

[*Wish*Upon*A*Star*]

Thanks!