Car Hire - no Credit card pin!

Ffrancon

Hi all

Would be grateful if anyone could answer my query and put my mind to rest. I'm flying to Geneva tomorrow with the family and will be picking up a hire car which I have previously booked using a credit card. The problem I have is that I have the credit card but no pin number (I requested it last week and it didn't arrive this morning!). I'm worried that when I come to pay the balance they will refuse to issue the car - is it all chip and pin on the continent these days or will a signature suffice?

I have a debit card which the BUDGET web site site says will not be acceptable. My partner has a credit card and pin number will she be able to pay the balance or is it only myself as the person who booked?

Thanks in advance for any pointers or advice.

Kind regards

Ffrancon

Bengt

You need the credit card for two things:
1. As a security for the car in case of damage etc. For this in my experience the car companies swipe the card to record the credit number and reserve an amount. You do not authorise anything so there would be no need for a signature or a PIN here.
2. To pay (pre-pay or at the end of the rental). Here the PIN might be asked for. I believe you can skip the PIN and use a normal signature purchase. If not you could always let your partner pay or use the debit card to pay the final debit.

So, you should be OK.
But you definitely need a credit card (but not a PIN) for number 1...

Ffrancon

Thanks for this Bengt - I feel a much happier and can think about enjoying the holiday!

Much obliged

Ffrancon

alanrowell

My CC company allows me to view the PIN online. So why not register and give it a go