Secured Credit Card for Villa

[set1208]

I am renting a villa in October through VRBO and paid my deposit using my debit card. When I got the terms from the management company about making the final payment, the contract said that when we arrive, we need to provide a major cc for damages or theft after we leave. I've rented homes in NC every summer and usually just pay a one time fee of $89 for full coverage and never have to worry about having a cc. I was in a panic since DH and I do not carry credit cards.

I did a little research and applied for the Capitol One secured credit card. I was fully prepared for a rejection but I was approved! I gave a $49 deposit and I have a $200 limit. My credit is miserable and I want this card first, to be able to keep our villa, and second to repair my credit.

Do any of you have any experience using secured cards for rentals of either houses or cars? When we rent cars, we use Thrifty because they take debit cards. They just run a very forgiving credit check before hand. When we get hotels, we use Priceline and pay upfront, so I've never really needed a real credit card.

Thanks!

 

[treeface]

I have a secured card through my bank and it works just like a regular credit card. I have a small limit and it is primarily used for renting cars or checking into hotels that are prepaid. I have not had any problems using it anywhere. HTH.

 

[set1208]

Oh good! Thanks. I know that the cards aren't any different than unsecured cards but do they ever get declined when you need to provide them for deposits if the deposit amount is over your credit limit?

 

[lauti]

Oh good! Thanks. I know that the cards aren't any different than unsecured cards but do they ever get declined when you need to provide them for deposits if the deposit amount is over your credit limit?

It would get declined most likely if they try to run it for an amount over the credit limit.

ETA: unless you are staying somewhere crazy expensive or do some major damage, I'm guessing $200 will be enough to cover the hold.

 

[treeface]

The first time I used mine, I had an annual fee already charged to the account and explained that the charge would only go through for x amount, the rental car company just lowered the amouny of the pre auth by that amount to keep it under the limit. I would imagine if a deposit is over the limit it would decline it.

Fwiw, I only have $300 on my card.

 

[trip]

I would ask how large the hold will be on your card.

 

[set1208]

I would ask how large the hold will be on your card.

Great idea...I called and they won't charge or put a hold on it unless something gets damaged. I feel a lot better! Thanks for the great tip!