UPDATE POST 17 Recent Virgin car hire help please re: credit/debit card deposit hold

[fizz13]

Hi everyone,
I tried searching all across the net for a definitive answer and it seems there isn't one. Here's the situation.
I have a flydrive with virgin, I have taken fully inclusive insurance, not the platinum (didnt see the need as we dont need car seats, extra drivers, not under 25). I dont have a credit card and am using a FairFX card, which I know Alamo take as a card so all good there.
On the official virgin website in the concierge section they state a card is needed in the driver's name and no money will be taken, they just need it in case, a simple swipe. However, I have heard of many cases where they will put a certain amount of money on hold/ freeze it, to cover any costs that may incur, as their own insurance so to speak.
Long story short, was any money taken or held on your card account and how much? I dont want to be $500 down for 2 weeks until they put it back.
Any experiences would be a big help. Thanks x

 

[raymondcky]

I had the same problem when I went two months ago no one would take a debit card or my fairfx card

I was lucky and got a captail one card just before i went if i was u I would apply for one of them it seems anyone can get one

 

[fizz13]

they wouldn't take your Fairfx ??? omg, now I'm worried!! I had found a statement saying they would as long as you had a return ticket, thanks for the heads up!

 

[alisonbestford]

I always take a CC I don't use and use that for the swipe.
Never had any money shown as held or frozen on my statement when we've returned

 

[alisonbestford]

I always use a card I don't use for the swipe but, saying that, have never had any money held or frozen showing on the statement on our return

 

[jtlover]

We made our booking in September with virgin but got the Platinum package. When we picked up the car we had to give over the debit card I had paid for it on and driving license. This is only for incidentals like fines etc.

But as you havent gone for the full package I dont know whether they will take money - I would personally think with the Fairfx card they would hold some money as it isnt a debit or credit card.

I would definitely ask Virgin for your Alamo reference number so that you can book online before you leave the UK - this saves loads of time and you just go and pick up the car - you then drive to the exit where they see your papers

 

[alamocares]

they wouldn't take your Fairfx ??? omg, now I'm worried!! I had found a statement saying they would as long as you had a return ticket, thanks for the heads up!

Hello, I just wanted to weigh in here to make sure you had the correct payment information for Alamo. Your FairFX is a prepaid card, not debit, and we do not accept prepaid cards for payment. Our Orlando location only accepts US-based debit cards provided you have proof of return travel. As I see that you're from the UK, you would need a major credit card in your name in order to rent from us in Orlando.

- Elizabeth with Alamo Rent A Car

 

[j9000]

Hello, I just wanted to weigh in here to make sure you had the correct payment information for Alamo. Your FairFX is a prepaid card, not debit, and we do not accept prepaid cards for payment. Our Orlando location only accepts US-based debit cards provided you have proof of return travel. As I see that you're from the UK, you would need a major credit card in your name in order to rent from us in Orlando.

- Elizabeth with Alamo Rent A Car

has this changed in the las year or two?
or is this only if you dont pre pay?
Sorry to but in, but ive used a visa debit ( uk bank) a number of times with alamo as the guarantee card, and im a little confused now.

 

[jtlover]

has this changed in the las year or two?
or is this only if you dont pre pay?
Sorry to but in, but ive used a visa debit ( uk bank) a number of times with alamo as the guarantee card, and im a little confused now.

This is only if you havent prepaid with Virgin Holidays - we used our debit card and it says inis in the terms and conditions that you can do this. We had no problem. Like Alamo say "if you rent with them" but you havent if you have prepaid

 

[orangetiggs]

i have never given dollar a card as i dont have a credit card but then i always take out the platinum insurance

not sure what alamo will do

it does say in fairfx terms about using the card for a hold in a hotel so i would think its the same with car hire, as its not a proper credit card it holds the money so you cant spend it

 

[fizz13]

Thank you for all your replies. I am sat here pulling my hair out as to what to do now. Honestly, a credit card is not an option for me, not even a capital one version (I wont go into details, but i live my life cash and prepaid only these days)
I have sent an email to alamo and virgin holidays explaining the situation to them both and will see what response i get. If i really cant use FairFX or a cashplus prepaid debit (which is the one i use daily and also has mastercard) then 1 option I guess I have is to get my mum or grandad to apply for an extra credit card on their account in my name, then they are guarantor and i should be able to get one. i dont want to shop with it, just cover my back with this car hire!
no idea if that is a viable idea, just clutching at straws right now.

I have been researching this all day and it seems some did get away with using these cards but the amount of shadow deposit that is frozen on these cards for a week or so can be anything from $100 to $500, if they were lucky enough to use them!

Will let you know what response i get

any experiences of using one, then please let me know, many thanks from a very stressed Claire

 

[2Tiggies]

sorry I can't help. I hope Alamo and VH get back to you soon. The worst is sitting in suspense.

 

[fizz13]

sorry I can't help. I hope Alamo and VH get back to you soon. The worst is sitting in suspense.

thank you have taken another measure and applied for a basic bank account with natwest tonight which provides you with a visa debit card, the no frills type account with no overdraft etc, but it is a VISA debit card. I'd still need to know how much to put in the account though

aaarrrggghhhh

any other bright ideas, bring em on.....

 

[jtlover]

If you dont go down that route I would ask Virgin to upgrade your car to hold Platinum I didnt have a problem with a debit card with that insurance cover as there was nothing else Alamo needed payment for

 

[fizz13]

If you dont go down that route I would ask Virgin to upgrade your car to hold Platinum I didnt have a problem with a debit card with that insurance cover as there was nothing else Alamo needed payment for

I'm starting to think that is a very good idea! thanks.

 

[raymondcky]

i live the same life now lol

we had the same worry all way up till the day before we went just to warn you alamo never got back to us when we emailed them 2 weeks before we went

im sure you will be fine i did get $5 charged to my card but thats becuase i jumped a toll booth lol

 

[fizz13]

an update for you all:

I got on the phone to Virgin Holidays this morning as frankly I don't have the patience for email this was driving me loopy! I have been told that if i upgraded to platinum from fully inclusive then i will not need a credit card at all!! The cost to upgrade was £84 but they gave me a discount to bring the price down to £74. So I have now upgraded to platinum and fingers crossed I will be ok.
She has given me the details to check in online with Alamo so i can print all my paperwork off, will let you know how i get on. I really really hope this is the end of it. It's £74 I didnt want to pay but if it gets me out of this situation then its worth every penny I am now going to try and relax.
Its amazing how something as small as this can upset you soo much!! thanks for all your replies

 

[aaronandterri]

Ok glad its sorted now, wanted to say though our fair fx card was only on hold for $200 for 48 hours (i kept an eye online) and then the money was there Again for use, just thought id let you know incase theres a problem the other end. x
Have a fab time, x

 

[taylor91]

I'm glad everything has got sorted out, hope you have a fantastic trip and everything works out

 

[orangetiggs]

we have never had a problem with the platinum and no credit card and have been for the last 9 years using it so you should be fine