Do you NEED a visa card?

Jim_B_3

Last week I booked a hotel room for the end of this month with a debit card. No problems. As I mentioned, upon arrival I do sometimes have to expressly ask them to ignore their "no credit card, no phone connection" rule; generally the desk monkey has a list of things they must and must not do, and as such the duty manager approves it.

I've never had to hire a car, or indeed buy one. I'll see what happens and let you know.

inmypocketnottheirs

Jim_B wrote:

I find a debit card does the job.

It does, but when you complete the rental contract and they swipe the card, they do an authorisation against your available balance equal to the amount of their required deposit. This then reduces the amount you can withdraw on the card. Although the funds are not taken from the card, unless the car was returned damaged of course, it does mean that you do not have access to that amount of your funds.

However, when paying by credit card this does not apply. I know because I have been caught on this before. Plus on 2 occasions, once at Barcelona and once at Athens, two large rental companies would not take a debit card swipe as a deposit, only a credit card. I had to pay a €500 cash deposit.

Also when purchasing with a credit card, you have more protection than on a debit card. That is why banks charge merchants more for credit card transactions than debit cards. Typically a merchant will pay some where between 1.5 to 3% (may be more) on a credit card transaction against a flat charge on a debit card, as low as 20p regardless of the value. This is because the banks charge a premium to the merchant to cover the banks liability.

Personally, I would advise against purchasing anything on line with a debit card, unless you have a specific bank account that covers you for online transactions. Even more so with travel arrangements because you get more cover and protection under law with a credit card.

Just please bear these points in mind, there are times that a credit card is advisable, as long as it is used sensibly. For me travelling 40,000 miles a year in the UK, booking hotels (UK and abroad), flights, car hire, it is essential. SO yes I do need a credit card. It is not only essential but sensible.

As I am off to Malta tomorrow on business (with my flight, car hire and hotel booked on line on my credit cards) I speak with experience.

CTT_2

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unquote

Go to Trade Car Sales in Slough and they will not accept cash for a car.