Useing a debt card at Alamo

[seadd67]

so I am thinking of renting a car for a few days and have no CC,i have to use a debt card. So whats the experince like?,Is it worth the possiple hassels?.

Deposit how much?, do they do a credit check?,yes I have bad credit so I would like to know up front.
Just your over all experice with alamo,is there a better co out there?

 

[LuvsEpcot]

I too am interested in this question. We have opted to not use cc's anymore, have cut them up, etc. So car renting is really our only concern for those times when it could be necessary.

In wait of a response too!

 

[Traveliz]

You just have to show them proof of a return flight - not sure if there are options if you don't fly in.

No credit check and no deposit.

Liz

 

[seadd67]

I would have no problem showing them my plane tickets we have RT tickets. Also I thought of one more question, when reserving the car will they charge your Debt card then or when you goto actually rent the car?

 

[disneymarie]

I thought I recalled a deposit of $200 being placed on mine. BUTthat was in 2006, it was Enterprise a debit card as Alamo would not take it.
Now the Alamo in 2007, I am not sure if my son used his credit card in for the rental, or they took a deposit on it also.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

You just have to show them proof of a return flight - not sure if there are options if you don't fly in.

No credit check and no deposit. Liz

Not true, you may have a credit check done when you use a debit card for a car rental and you may also have a deposit taken. You need to check with your rental agency to see if they will run a check.

For example, here is the Thrifty Car debit policy:

http://www.thrifty.com/Car_Rental_Information/content/Car_Rental_with_Credit_Card.aspx

Expect a credit check. Some companies will perform a debit card check and credit inquiry to ensure that you have the proper funds. (Keep in mind, credit inquiries show up on your credit report, and too many inquiries can actually lower your credit score.)
Be patient. The process of paying with a debit card will likely be a longer one. It takes time to check your credit and insurance, verify your ID, etc.
Prepare to pay a deposit. Often times, rental car companies place a hold on the account linked to your card. It’s basically a deposit that they’ll hold until you return the vehicle. These deposits can be $200 or more.
Limited choice. No credit card often means you lose the option of renting luxury cars, SUVs or other specialty vehicles.

Dollar Car policy:

http://www.dollar.com/Car_Rental_Information/Main/Renting_a_Car_without_a_Credit_Card.aspx

When you reserve your car using a debit card, the car rental company (Dollar, in this case) will perform a debit card check and credit inquiry screening through Equifax (one of the companies that issue credit reports and the all-important credit score).

If your credit score/report doesn’t meet certain criteria, you won’t be allowed to rent a car unless you have a credit card in your name that you can use to reserve your car. At the end of the rental agreement you may, however, use your debit card to pay for your rental without being subject to a credit check.

Note: If you’re reserving a car with a debit card, keep in mind that when the company performs a credit check, it WILL show up on your credit report and may have an effect on your credit evaluation.

More info:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2014583520_trask.html

http://www.squidoo.com/debit-card-car-rental

You get the idea. Renting a car using a debit rather than credit card is not a good idea.

 

[momto2inKC]

Alamo does not charge a deposit as long as you provide a copy of your air itinerary. We've done it many times (before breaking down and getting a credit card). This was at both the Car Care Center and MCO. OP a quick call to them will confirm.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

I would NEVER recommend using a debit card for a car rental, especially one tied to your primary bank account.

Perfect example was my sister-in-law who used her debit card, and due to some issues, they charged the deposit multiple times, basically locking out the available funds on her card, it took 5 days for the incorrect deposits to fall off. Luckily they had no outstanding payments that needed access to the funds locked by the deposits.

Additionally, if you are in an accident, the rental company can, especially for smaller claims, just automatically charge the card on file (your debit card), to recover the damages (ie. damaged tire, windshield, etc.), until the issue is resolved via insurance as applicable. Credit cards also offer additional secondary coverage in most cases above and beyond your personal insurance.

 

[TamaraQT]

so I am thinking of renting a car for a few days and have no CC,i have to use a debt card. So whats the experince like?,Is it worth the possiple hassels?.

Deposit how much?, do they do a credit check?,yes I have bad credit so I would like to know up front.
Just your over all experice with alamo,is there a better co out there?

I have used my Debit card for Alamo for my past 5 trips to Orlando. I cannot speak of any other Alamo except the one in Orlando airport. Make your reservation online and relax. Shop around for discounts and coupon codes to get the best rates. You will be fine. As others have said, you will be required to give your airline/ticket information. It's no big deal. Other than that, you will be FINE to rent with a DEBIT card without hassle or credit check. Alamo is the only company which allows this. Thrifty and others will run a credit check if you do not have a Credit card. However, Alamo does not. I am not sure if they place a hold on the funds for the exact rental amount or for an amount over the price. Based on my experience, my guess will be the hold is placed on the card for the amount, possibly rounded to the next whole dollar. ($227 rental.....$230 hold ) You wil have to call and ask. So YES you can rent without it being a hassel. You will love Alamo as we do once you have had the experience. No problems whatsoever. Have fun !!!

I too am interested in this question. We have opted to not use cc's anymore, have cut them up, etc. So car renting is really our only concern for those times when it could be necessary.

In wait of a response too!

One more thing, as far as I know, the debit card has to be tied to a checking account. It cannot be one of those prepaid debit cards. However, I could be wrong and maybe someone else can verify that.

 

[Traveliz]

Not true, you may have a credit check done when you use a debit card for a car rental and you may also have a deposit taken. You need to check with your rental agency to see if they will run a check.For example, here is the Thrifty Car debit policy:

http://www.thrifty.com/Car_Rental_Information/content/Car_Rental_with_Credit_Card.aspx

Expect a credit check. Some companies will perform a debit card check and credit inquiry to ensure that you have the proper funds. (Keep in mind, credit inquiries show up on your credit report, and too many inquiries can actually lower your credit score.)
Be patient. The process of paying with a debit card will likely be a longer one. It takes time to check your credit and insurance, verify your ID, etc.
Prepare to pay a deposit. Often times, rental car companies place a hold on the account linked to your card. It’s basically a deposit that they’ll hold until you return the vehicle. These deposits can be $200 or more.
Limited choice. No credit card often means you lose the option of renting luxury cars, SUVs or other specialty vehicles.

Dollar Car policy:

http://www.dollar.com/Car_Rental_Information/Main/Renting_a_Car_without_a_Credit_Card.aspx

When you reserve your car using a debit card, the car rental company (Dollar, in this case) will perform a debit card check and credit inquiry screening through Equifax (one of the companies that issue credit reports and the all-important credit score).

If your credit score/report doesn’t meet certain criteria, you won’t be allowed to rent a car unless you have a credit card in your name that you can use to reserve your car. At the end of the rental agreement you may, however, use your debit card to pay for your rental without being subject to a credit check.

Note: If you’re reserving a car with a debit card, keep in mind that when the company performs a credit check, it WILL show up on your credit report and may have an effect on your credit evaluation.

More info:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2014583520_trask.html

http://www.squidoo.com/debit-card-car-rental

You get the idea. Renting a car using a debit rather than credit card is not a good idea.

The OP asked about Alamo in Orlando - I answered that question specifically and did not elaborate on what other companies do.

Liz

 

[seadd67]

Thanks for all the info, I will go ahead and try renting fro alamo. Deposit i can deal with

 

[piglet33]

I have a car booked with Alamo in November and was planning on using a Debit Card. I just called and asked about it and was also told that all I have to have is a round trip travel ticket (airline, cruise ship or train) at the time of rental. They do not impose a deposit. She said the only charge on my Debit Card will be for the rental. In my case, that would be $215 and nothing additional. Makes me happy.

Thanks for this info. I thought they were going to put a large hold on my account until I returned the vehicle, but they don't.

 

[TamaraQT]

I have a car booked with Alamo in November and was planning on using a Debit Card. I just called and asked about it and was also told that all I have to have is a round trip travel ticket (airline, cruise ship or train) at the time of rental. They do not impose a deposit. She said the only charge on my Debit Card will be for the rental. In my case, that would be $215 and nothing additional. Makes me happy.

Thanks for this info. I thought they were going to put a large hold on my account until I returned the vehicle, but they don't.

Great job!!! It's just as I said but you went straight to the source and right to the point. I kinda dragged it all out. I LOVE ALAMO !! It goes to show that NOT ALL rental car companies ARE ALIKE!! Thanks!!

 

[lylone]

I worked for two rental car companies and I would never use my debit card tied to my checking account for a rental. Just like I would never buy anything on the internet using it either.
I would purchase a pre-paid card if I had no other option.

 

[seadd67]

I have a car booked with Alamo in November and was planning on using a Debit Card. I just called and asked about it and was also told that all I have to have is a round trip travel ticket (airline, cruise ship or train) at the time of rental. They do not impose a deposit. She said the only charge on my Debit Card will be for the rental. In my case, that would be $215 and nothing additional. Makes me happy.

Thanks for this info. I thought they were going to put a large hold on my account until I returned the vehicle, but they don't.

so did they charge you at the time of booking or when you pick up the vehicle?. I have used my Debt card on line with mixed resuls,it has not stop me from useing it, i just keep a close eye on my account. I refuse to live in fear.

 

[piglet33]

so did they charge you at the time of booking or when you pick up the vehicle?. I have used my Debt card on line with mixed resuls,it has not stop me from useing it, i just keep a close eye on my account. I refuse to live in fear.

My rental is for November so I didn't pick up the vehicle yet. I have had this ressie since March and haven't been charged anything yet.

I also use my debit card for online purchases and never had a problem. Like you, I monitor my account just to be safe.

 

[momto2inKC]

We've never been charged prior to pick up when renting with Alamo with our debit card. They put the charge on when you pick up.

 

[Traveliz]

We've never been charged prior to pick up when renting with Alamo with our debit card. They put the charge on when you pick up.

And the last time I did it the charge didn't go through for about a week - that was using the debit card too!

Liz

 

[cherylsmike]

I also don't have a credit card and don't want a credit check run. We have used National for the last two trips. They only require a RT ticket and they may put a hold on the funds, but the charge always posted right after I returned the car and got my receipt by email. I used the mousesavers code to get a free Emerald Isle membership and I have always gotten a car upgrade. Have a great trip.

 

[kneemeister]

I have rented from all three Enterprise Brands (Enterprise, National, Alamo) using a debit card for years and have never had a deposit. They just bill the full amount of the rental, then add or subtract any early or late return fees at the end, they just ask that you show the RT ticket for Air, train or bus.

In January I used hotwire and got Hertz, there there was a $200.00 deposit, even with a CC.