Florida Car Hire - Info for U (Debit cards)

StuieUK34

A few weeks back, i asked if anyone had hired a car in Florida using there VISA DEBIT Card, as opposed to using a credit card.... As you can imagine, most replied with 'get a credit card' which defeats the object of the thread!!!
Not everyone can get a credit card and not everyone wants one....
Done my own research through UK brokers and the agencies themselves.....

I'm getting a car in Fort Lauderdale airport, heres the lowdown:

National/ALAMO DO allow the use of a VISA Debit Card as the security on the hire car.. They may take a chunk of like $300 to $500, but return it when you return the car.... (based on pre-paying for the car before hand mind!)

Hertz allow the same, and with same for funds, take similar amounts from you...

Dollar (Thrifty) now accept VISA Debit card, and lady told me they would take either an imprint of the card or $100 from it.... guess depends on how much coffee they have that day ?

BUDGET (Avis) = No go, Credit card for Auth or Imprint only......

Sooooo.... whichever UK broker or agent you use, or direct, theres the score
Me personally am going with Dollar as there slightly cheaper based on the car i want, and if theres a queue, i dont have to stand in it! :rotfl: (Dollar Express = free)
Hope this helps someone...

StuieUK34

Anyone hired from Dollar by the way (in terms of Convertables, need to know if they do use the Mustang...)

StuieUK34

Or anyone hired from Orlando Int airport with Dollar ?

Max_1066

I usually end up with a car from Dollar when going to the US. There have been Mustangs available in Vegas and LA so I'd imagine the same is true of Orlando. Be aware that whilst these look good they're usually the bog basic V6 cars so don't have that V8 sound. Apparently you can rent a limited edition version from Hertz although its probably a bit pricey !!

StuieUK34

V6 Mustang will do me nicely I drive a 200sx which has a nice grunt, so somthing a bit quieter will be cool
Then onto a Ford Escape after....

StuieUK34

just to add, using Dollar cars..
Short days i find netflights.com good...
long days, i find usrentacar.co.uk good, but sticking with Dollar... (Mustang converts are there main fleet for conv's, and ford escape's for there mid-range SUV's...

neilbond007

I had a Mustang convertible in Vegas a few years back (3, maybe 4 years). It was without doubt the worse car I've ever, ever driven (and I've had 100+ rentals cars with work). But each to their own...

misa.blue

stuie: many thanks for bringing up this link. So dollar will take our Visa debit and hold $100, that is sensible.

It looks like we will book our California hire car for 8 days with dollar.co.uk, hope the platinum cover has everything we need.
We like the Ford Escape, it will be only 2 of us, but thought we will treat ourselves and have nice comfy big car.