Trying to Avoid Using Credit Cards

[TexMomma]

We have been working hard to eliminate credit card debt, including getting rid of cards with high limits. We would prefer not to run a tab/charge to our room using a credit card, as it's just too tempting to overspend. Our room is already paid for, but can we make a cash deposit when we check in (staying at BWV) or will they insist on a credit card? I'd really rather just give them cash to cover the amount I've budgeted for charges/meals/etc. than rely on my willpower

Thanks, Janet

 

[TheRatPack]

You can use a Debit card as far as I know. We've never said "this is a debit card" when we've handed it to the front desk for their records, but we've never had a problem. We don't use the phone in the room, don't rent movies and so we never have anything other than our room at the end of the stay to charge on their, but it's always been enough for them. Most hotels let you put down a cash deposit too, and then when you get close to using it all up they'll usually leave you a message in your room to leave more at the front desk for incidentals.

 

[kfeuer]

I'm almost positive you can tell them you don't want charging privileges on your room key--would that remove the temptation?

 

[bryantmdoyle]

We stayed at POR in Oct 2002 and I declined the charging priviledges and it wasn't an issue.

 

[TexMomma]

Thanks for the info. I've just been kind of worrying about this, since we've spent so much already on the trip. But it's good to know that almost everything is paid for already, and we won't come home to monster credit card bills!

One week from tomorrow -- YIPPEE!!!
Janet

 

[mbb]

...and your trip will be that much more carefree...because its all paid for!!

Enjoy!!

 

[MHopkins2]

Personally, I like paying for things like hotel bills with my credit card, so that if anything goes wrong, I have easy recourse. (Could be just my issuer, but they're AWESOME about legit disputes - zero effort required.) The way to get around your problem but still have that protection is to send the amount of cash you would have given at the front desk to the credit card company a week or two before you go. Trip is still paid for, no big bill to come home to, and you have a fallback "just in case."

Of course, I've never had any "shady" charges on my room charge at WDW, but I like to play better safe than sorry.

 

[Cora]

Also keep in mind that you have to have enough of a cushion on your debit card. Generally WDW will put a $500 - $1500 hold on that card. So if you don't have enough to cover the bills at home you may wind up bouncing.

Personally I don't like debit cards for vacations or for that matter anything because you have do not have federal law backing you with consumer issues you may have.
Cora

 

[TIGGERSMOM]

You most definitely can do a cash deposit on your room.

I learned this by acident when we overpaid a reservation. Due to our lack of communication we both paid the reservation so a big credit. When I inquired if they should just refund the CM informed me that could also just use it as cash against room charges.