Paying by Bank Transfer for Holiday - instead of credit card

jules99

Apologies if this is not the right board but am about to book a holiday with Prime Properties in Majorca for a property found on ownersdirect.co.uk. I emailed to say I wanted to book the apartment (after speaking to the agent at Prime Properties) and asked if it was ok to pay by credit card. He responded with the bank transfer details - 20% to go to the agent and 80% to the owners direct (both bank transfer).

I am a bit concerned because I prefer to pay by credit card as we would be covered if something was to go wrong and we didn't get the property (am I right in thinking along these lines?). Also if I pay by credit card then I can spread the cost out as it's 0% interest for a while.

My husband doesn't want to go ahead with the booking if they insist on bank transfer but I want to ask is it usual to be asked for payment in this way?

Appreciate any responses.

Julie

asharon

I also would not want to do this as you have no come back should anything go wrong. Seems a bit poor too that you have to split the funds up. Respond by ignoring the bank transfer info and saying you want to pay by card. Or phone them up and say you have your card ready to pay and if he says how about bank trasnfer simpky say no thanks.

mikemoate

Some travel agencies and letting agents in Spain/Mallorca don't accept credit cards full stop, or in some cases when the person is not actually in their office. I have used bank transfer in the past, although some time ago, in this type of situation. However there are costs involved with this and you need to factor in these when assessing if you are getting a good deal. As you say you don't then have the protection, or the 0% interest, available when purchasing via the credit card, however in terms of the former you need to think about how your travel insurance may offer some protection. Obviously you also need to ensure that you are dealing with a reputable agent. If they don't accept credit cards I guess you may have to think about finding another property.

Astaroth

I have heard of similiar things done before - the website is simply providing a portal for people to privately advertise their properties and normally provide a tools such as a online availability checker.

My mother booked a similiar type of thing last year and just had to send 2 cheques, one to the website and one to the owner and whilst I was uncomfortable with her doing it there were no problems.

The likelihood is that neither the owner nor the website have a merchant account and therefore simply cannot accept a credit card.

ruthyjo

Generally when you are booking a holiday directly with an owner you'll have to pay by bank transfer or cheque as private individuals don't have a means of processing card payments. Properties booked in this way are much cheaper. There are loads of villa sites where you can pay by card. However you'll pay an awful lot more for a similar property. I've paid loads of owners uk and abroad by cheque/bank transfer without a problem.

You'll just have to weigh up your attitude to risk and if you don't dare risk it accept that you'll have to pay a premium to secure a similar holiday.