Car Hire Credit Card ONLY payment.

Mike_Nugent

I recently booked by flights to Marbella with Easy Jet and a Europe Car deal popped up which I took advantage of and booked everything in one go, and paid for, with my debit card. Upon arrival I went to collect my car and rudely had my debit card literally thrown back at me. The rude attendant told me my card was of no use as it wasn't a credit card. I told her I didn't have a credit card and never used them. My wife offered her debit card from Nationwide which was also thrown back at her rudely. I asked what about all the people who didn't use a credit card and the response......"They don't get a card -- next please"....
When I asked for a refund she said it would be Easy Jet. I spoke to Europe Car at Gatwick when I returned and they said they accept Debit Cards but I'd need to get the refund from Easy Jet. Having contacted them this was the response

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Dear Mr Nugent,

Thank you for contacting us.

I would sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused to you.

I am sorry to hear that you were unable to pick up your car and I can appreciate your frustration.

I regret to inform you, that we cannot offer any refund in this case as it is clearly stated in the terms and conditions of Europcar at the time of booking that you are require to provide a valid driver license and a credit card at the time of picking the car.

I would kindly suggest to make a claim through your insurers.

I am sorry that I cannot finish this claim to your satisfaction but I hope you will continue to fly with easyJet.

Thank you for taking the time to contact us Mr Nugent. If you require any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us again via the contact us section of the easyJet web site.

Yours sincerely

Mansi Taneja
Customer Experience Champion

In this day and age when we're being warned off debt by each government, why should I lose out on £200+ and be punished for clearing all mine>>>?? I ended up going to Hertz next door who happily took my debit card for a much higher charge.

CAN ANYONE ADVISE IF I CAN ACTUALLY GET MY MONEY BACK?

Road_Hog

Mike_Nugent wrote: »

CAN ANYONE ADVISE IF I CAN ACTUALLY GET MY MONEY BACK?

Two things, one, the reason that they wouldn't take your debit card is (don't confuse it with companies that do accept them) is that you can't take a pre-authorisation ring fence of money on a debit card in the way that you can with a credit card. With a credit card they can take some of the credit limit as it isn't real money, with a debit card they would actually take funds which they can't do.

Secondly, if your debit card was a Visa debit card then phone up your bank and say you want to do a Visa chargeback for non supply of goods/services.

If it wasn't Visa, you may or may not have a chance, read this thread for advice on what has and hasn't worked for others.

I understand you do not like credit cards, but my advice would be to get a Visa debit card if you don't have one.

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1124711

Wig

Was the booking debit card a visa?
Did you book a larger car then? Did they not offer you a lowest category car for cash or cheque payment?

I don't understand why they don't just offer a damage insurance policy which you pay by any means in advance then they could take debit cards. Seems a crazy way of working.

From the T&C's - just for information

Financial qualification
The payment of the estimated rental charges and of the possible charges resulting from damage to or loss of the rented vehicle must be warranted at time of rental.

• Europcar charge cards and Full Credit vouchers are accepted throughout the network; on their own, they permit the rental of most vehicle categories.
• Credit cards are accepted in the limits authorised by the credit card company; please note that certain cards are not represented in every country. Please Check "Country Rental conditions" section.
• Europcar prepaid vouchers (with a specified value or the mention Group Days Apply) are accepted as means of payment of the rental charges, but they must be accompanied by a credit card for the charges which have not been prepaid (extras, refuelling charge, excess due in case of damage to or loss of the rented vehicle).
• Cash/cheques: only the lowest vehicle categories may be rented against cash or cheque payment; an additional reference is required and a deposit covering the estimated rental charges and the accident/ theft excess has to be paid in advance.

dinododger

Hi
Could someone please..please give a straight clear answer to the question...Is it possible to hire a car in France without a credit card?

Im supposed to be off in a few days, and only have a visa electron debit card or cash. Family and friends are willing to use their credit cards but i believe you need the card in france on pickup of car.

No vague suggestions or possibilities please, i've trawled through too many non starters.

many thanks

Wig

dinododger wrote: »

Hi
Could someone please..please give a straight clear answer to the question...Is it possible to hire a car in France without a credit card?

Im supposed to be off in a few days, and only have a visa electron debit card or cash. Family and friends are willing to use their credit cards but i believe you need the card in france on pickup of car.

No vague suggestions or possibilities please, i've trawled through too many non starters.

many thanks

One bit of useful info would be what is your port of entry to France, and how far from there would you be willing to travel to get to the hire car office? Thus people can find out what companies are available to choose from.