Which car rental companies take extra money out on your credit card?

[Belle5]

I remember one company we rented from took $200 extra out on our Priceline rental and didn't recredit our card for 10 days. Trying to avoid that this time. I know that not all companies do that? Any idea who does and who doesn't charge? Thanks!

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by Belle5
I remember one company we rented from took $200 extra out on our Priceline rental and didn't recredit our card for 10 days. Trying to avoid that this time. I know that not all companies do that? Any idea who does and who doesn't charge? Thanks!

Avis, Alamo, and National off the top of my head. Dollar does.

 

[siobhan1997]

Budget says they will take rental cost plus 25% deposit.

 

[mom_rules]

If I'm not mistaken, Budget and Dollar will do a % or $200 whichever is less? But neither has charged my credit card and then credited it back.

 

[Iheoma]

Hi,

I just called Dollar to find out how much money they would authorize and the agent said that the company takes the cost of the rental PLUS 15% of the total rental cost OR $200.00 - whichever is greater. So for example - if your cost is $225.00 then they authorize that amount plus 15% of that cost, which would be about $34.00 additional dollars. Now if your rental car costs less than $200.00, (for example those of you who got the cool $129.00 a week deal ) they would authorize $200.00 - even though 15% of $129.00 would not make your cost $200.00
Does that make sense? I only asked about credit cards so I don't know if this is the same policy for debit cards or for pre-paid situations like Priceline or Hotwire. I would assume that the companies are authorizing the money the same way as if you rented from them - in Dollar's case $200.00 or an additional 15%.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by Iheoma
Hi,

I just called Dollar to find out how much money they would authorize and the agent said that the company takes the cost of the rental PLUS 15% of the total rental cost OR $200.00 - whichever is greater. So for example - if your cost is $225.00 then they authorize that amount plus 15% of that cost, which would be about $34.00 additional dollars. Now if your rental car costs less than $200.00, (for example those of you who got the cool $129.00 a week deal ) they would authorize $200.00 - even though 15% of $129.00 would not make your cost $200.00
Does that make sense? I only asked about credit cards so I don't know if this is the same policy for debit cards or for pre-paid situations like Priceline or Hotwire. I would assume that the companies are authorizing the money the same way as if you rented from them - in Dollar's case $200.00 or an additional 15%.

sure it made sense. But, they do refund the difference between the hold and the acutal cost. The 129.00 rental will still cost you the same in the end.

If you happen to "win" dollar, you rate is prepaid, but, when you hand over your credit card when you pick up the car, they put a hold on it for the amount to add up to the 200. or 15%.
If you try to use a debit card with Dollar, they run a credit report, if it does not pass their guidelines, they will refuse to rent you a car, even if you offer a "real" credit card. This inquiry also shows up on your credit report and looks for all the world like you were trying to buy a car. Not a good thing. But, I don't think that Dollar is on the Priceline list of cars. I believe the cars that rent to priceline's members are: Avis, Budget, Alamo, National and Hertz.

 

[SnackyStacky]

Gail, that's fascinating. I was completely unaware. Do all car companies do that, or is it only Dollar? And furthermore, is it ONLY if you book through priceline, or does it work that way regardless of how you book?

Glad to know that!!!!!

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by SnackyStacky
Gail, that's fascinating. I was completely unaware. Do all car companies do that, or is it only Dollar? And furthermore, is it ONLY if you book through priceline, or does it work that way regardless of how you book?

Glad to know that!!!!!

Dan, Only one that I know of that does a credit check when using a debit card is Dollar.
Alamo will allow the use of a debit card IF you have round trip tickets.
National, in some locations, will allow the use of a debit card at the end of a rental only.
Priceline does not use Dollar, so, that is not an issue. Priceline also tells you upfront that if you use a debit card your chances of finding a rental are decreased. They only use: Natinal, Alamo, Hertz, Avis and Budget.