hire car trouble

kooppp

I booked a hire car in prague, paid deposit using my debit card, only to discover now that I need a credit card to collect it... and i haven't got one (excuse my naivety!) Does anyone know of a way to get a credit card by Tuesday... or have any other suggestions? (Holiday happiness threatened)
Thanks, Kooppp

bengalknights

Have you tried contacting the hire company and stating that you dont have one and have no requirement for one, and what the reason is that they require one?

Otherwise the only option would be to borrow someones credit card.

stephenbalmer

Hi Kooppp, I am told they need a credit card because when you pick up the car they will place a hold on a very large excess for the time you have it. If you are unfortunate enough to have an accident, then they take the money from your credit card immediately and discuss any questions later. Not sure if they can operate the same way with a debit card?

chanz4

yes they can if its a visa debit (full) , they will hold the funds

malivinroy

I think it's the same for debit card too.

moonrakerz

NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, EVER give your debit card details when you hire a car !!!!

They can completely empty YOUR account - and will..............

At least if they do it to a credit card you can argue it out with the card company.................

topcat9

Hi sorry to hear about your car hire trouble. I'm afraid I can confirm that many car hire firms do not accept debit cards for the reason outlined by stephenpalmer. I know because we had the same problem hiring a car in Portugal and I did a lot of research on the subject at the time! More hire firms are now starting to accept debit cards but it varies from firm to firm and sometimes the same firm has different policies in different countries. There's no easy solution but some options:

1) Check out what chanz4 has said about full debit cards and see if you can persuade the car hire firm to accept it!
2) Cancel with them and find another car hire firm in Prague that accepts debit cards
3) Is someone else travelling with you who has a credit card? (although this can be tricky as some firms insist it's the main driver's card)
4) Very much the last resort: I do know of people who presented their debit card at the counter despite being told beforehand the firm didn't accept them and the rep just assumed it was a credit card and accepted it (I think this is more likely to work when it's a remote outpost/small company and they just take an imprint of the card!)

Sorry I can't be of more help!

bethyblue612

https://www.metrobankonline.co.uk/

Bit of a long shot, but if you live near London, I believe Metro Bank can give you a card instantly?

Not sure how good they are though, just remember hearing about them when they launched.

bengalknights

bethyblue612 wrote: »

https://www.metrobankonline.co.uk/

Bit of a long shot, but if you live near London, I believe Metro Bank can give you a card instantly?

Not sure how good they are though, just remember hearing about them when they launched.

Wouldnt it still be a debit card?

oohnoo

Hi Kooppp

did you get any joy??

I'm in the same boat as you and will have to cancel our family holiday if there's no solution......

lawrie28

Find another car hire co, or one through an agent in this country where you pay in advance - I'm sure I did this on holiday in Lanzarote.

The bigger companies like Hertz/Avis etc should be fine. May cost a little more though.