Using gift cards for car rental

[HappyHappy]

Is there a down side to using gift cards to pay for car rentals. I never rented a car before and have just signed up for SWA Rapid Rewards. I believe I can redeem points for gift cards to Alamo for example. I am not so much concerned about a wise use of points but rather will there be issues with using gift cards to pay for rental(most likely multiple gift cards)? I believe I read you must reserve with a cc, then when you turn in the rental, you can pay with gc.
Please help!! Thanks in advance.

 

[ShelsGoingToDisney]

I don't know about requirements for having a CC when you rent but I certainly would ALWAYS use a credit card, not debit, when renting a car for your protection. Most credit cards (all mine do) give you some type of insurance policy for car rentals so you don't have to purchase the expensive add-on and yet you will be covered if something were to happen. If you paid using a GC and had damage or an accident you could be in some serious financial trouble. Just not worth it IMO. Use your SW Visa to pay, you'll get extra points and protection!

 

[gmeh1]

Is there a down side to using gift cards to pay for car rentals. I never rented a car before and have just signed up for SWA Rapid Rewards. I believe I can redeem points for gift cards to Alamo for example. I am not so much concerned about a wise use of points but rather will there be issues with using gift cards to pay for rental(most likely multiple gift cards)? I believe I read you must reserve with a cc, then when you turn in the rental, you can pay with gc.
Please help!! Thanks in advance.

If it falls into the following, then, yes, you can use gift cards.

Gift/Prepaid Cards: Is considered a gift certificate bearing the Visa, MasterCard or American Express logo. Alamo only accepts gift cards for final payment upon return of the rental vehicle. Gift cards are not acceptable as a form of cash deposit. Gift Cards are not accepted in Latin America or the Caribbean.

 

[HappyHappy]

Thank you Sheisgoingtodisney and gmeh. Just what I needed to know