When they run your debit card for easy check out....

[lillygator]

how does that work exactly?
I mean do they *see* how much is in there....I will be using a debit card checking in early in the week and I get a direct deposit later in the week so more $$ will be in there.....'

if you use a debit how does it work?

 

[goofy4tink]

It depends on the resort you'll be at. I believe it's $500 at a value, 1000 at a mod and 1500 at a deluxe. They run the card for that amount to be pre-approved. At least that's what I remember being told. We aren't going to do that this year. We seem to spend more when we are able to charge back to our room!!! So, we will put everything directly on the debit card. Also, remember that some bank debit cards have a maximum amount per day. My bank it's $200. If that's the case, check with the bank and have it changed before you go!!!

 

[lillygator]

I've always used a debit card with no problem....I am just wondering if you don't have the $500, or $1500 in there at the beginning of your stay....

 

[safetymom]

I have used the debit card and didn't have that much in there. It wasn't a problem. I paid for the room when I checked in and then kept track for myself how much I knew I had and what I had spent. Have done it numerous times with no problems.

 

[Lollipop Mom]

I used my Paypal debit card for the trip we just returned from. We were staying at the Poly. They ran a $1 charge at check in just to verify that it was a valid charge card (where they run it but don't finalize the charge so that $1 drops off and is never actually billed). I was told I had a $1500 limit for the room. If we had reached $1500 then they would run that through and start us fresh again. Since we didn't even come close to $1500 they didn't do anything else untill our checkout time. Around 5 am on our checkout day they ran the charge for the total amount we charged to the room.

So no, they don't run it for the limit you have, they only verify it is a valid card. You should be just fine as long as you have the money there before you check out.

 

[TSirgey]

I would check with the hotel before you leave. Most hotels do not charge until you leave, but many run an authorization when you check in, which could hold some of your money in suspense until you check out. It depends on their computer system and policy.

 

[lillygator]

thanks for the replies everyone!!

 

[LibertyBelle]

Hi all, just wanted to clarify what they do at the front desk (have worked Beach Club, Wilderness Lodge and Old Key West ) When you check in they will swipe your card (to apply it to the reservation) ALL they are doing at that time is asking for a temporary authorization for $1 (that way they know the card has not been reported stolen or lost). I think you are confusing the hotel credit limit into the mix... that has nothing to do with your actual credit card. Value resorts have a $500, Moderate (I beleive) is $1000, Deluxe are either $1,500 or $3000 depending on which one... this is just a limit that is set in the computer that will notify the front desk when you reach that amount so that they can call you to make a payment, it has nothing to do with your actual CC or how much money you have on it... the initial authorization is for $1 only.

My only advice with using a debit card is this, if you are not on a package and you will be paying room and tax when you arrive, they WILL take that amount in full at check in so make sure you have enough to cover that. If you don't have pre-purchased tickets and plan to buy them when you arrive make sure you have enough to cover them as they need to be paid upon receipt (room/tax and tickets need to be paid in full up front), everything else can be paid for at the end.