Why is CC needed for Rental Car?

[GoofyDude]

OK....stupid question time: Why is a Credit Card (not a debit or check card) needed to rent a car, even though they will accept a debit or check card for payment?

 

[skwidy]

I think it's because with a debit card/check card, the funds are immediately withdrawn from your account, and they might run into a lot of problems, with cancellations and with those who have insufficient funds available. With a credit card, it doesn't matter if the funds are immediately available. Or at least that's my two cents. Maybe they all have a hangup about tradition?

 

[kdibattista]

Budget takes debit cards

 

[WDW2002]

I think it is because with a CC you can put a "hold" on funds, I am not sure if you can do that we a Debit cards, or if you'd want them to.

Here's another one for ya...
Why do they require (at least Hertz) a CC for each of the drivers on a car??

 

[safetymom]

I use a debit card all the time with Hertz and they can hold the funds. I prefer using my debit card because then it is paid for and I don't have to worry about it.

 

[Trekker]

Some debit cards are also credit card - eve if we do not use them that way.

I also think that having a CC makes it easier for the rental company to collect if there are any problems, such as a gas tank not re-filled, or damage to the car, etc....

 

[Tara8595]

I always thought it was because so many credit cards come with some form of rental car insurance coverage as a perk. So, they figure, if they get you to use a credit card, they'll have less trouble collecting if you're in an accident. That's what I always thought anyway.

 

[safetymom]

I pay a small amount every month to have car rental insurance. That way I don't have to worry if the credit card covers everything. As far as additional charges there are no problems with them adding them to a debit card.