Using a credit card for deposit on car hire...

Tunstallstoven

Hi all

We've just made a last minute booking on flights and car hire in Spain and fly out on Wednesday. So it's a bit of a last minute panic to get the show on the road!

I know we need to use a credit card for the deposit on the car, so I've just checked to make sure I can remember my credit card PIN - and I can't! Gonna get n touch with the hire company, but I wondered if someone here could confirm whether I definitely need my PIN number to place the deposit?

Cheers

Max

greyteam1959

When you collect the car you will need to pay for a full tank of fuel.
i.e scam number 1 in the car hire rule book.
You will also have the deposit of circa 300 euro 'booked' against ( & in some cases actually taken ) from you card.
You will definitely need your PIN number !!!!!!

bazster

mervyn11 wrote: »

When you collect the car you will need to pay for a full tank of fuel.

Since when? I've never encountered that, in my experience they simply ask you to bring it back with the fuel at the same level as when you started. No doubt they do OK out of that as most of us will err a little on the cautious side, but when I rented a car in Italy (the home of scams and rip-offs!) last year it was full when I picked it up, and they just said to bring it back full.

I've certainly been offered the option of buying the fuel (to save the hassle of filling up on the way back) but I've always declined it and just made sure I knew where the nearest filling station was to the hire depot.

Gloomendoom

bazster wrote: »

Since when? I've never encountered that, in my experience they simply ask you to bring it back with the fuel at the same level as when you started.

I have. Some ask for payment for a full tank and some ask for payment for half. Some do as you say and just ask you to bring it back at the same level.

There are no end of permutations and most seem to leave the hirer out of pocket.

Tunstallstoven

Hi all

Thanks for the responses. After a few panics I've managed to sort it out and now know what my PIN number is. Phew!

There is another thing I'm uncertain about though....

I understand that the "deposit" is held on the card until you return. Let's say that the deposit is £200. My card limit is £1000. And let's say I use the card for spending whilst abroad and spend £700 on it. I would then have a remaining £100 credit before reaching the limit....

As I understand it, if europcar decide to charge me an additional amount for anything (damage etc) they can automatically take t from my credit card. Is that correct?

If so, what I'd like to know is what happens if them taking the extra money takes me above my credit limit and I incur charges from the bank as a result?

Many thanks

Max

greyteam1959

As I understand it, if europcar decide to charge me an additional amount for anything (damage etc) they can automatically take t from my credit card. Is that correct?

Yes it is correct.
Make sure you double check the vehicle before you leave it.
Europcar are rather strict about damage cos they seem to provide rather more up market newer vehicles.

If so, what I'd like to know is what happens if them taking the extra money takes me above my credit limit and I incur charges from the bank as a result?

If they try to take more money from your credit card than you card limit I don't think the transaction will be authorised.
I might be wrong here tho.

Another couple of tips......
1)
When you pay at the desk for the fuel etc make sure ( & double check before you leave the desk ) thay you have been charged in euro's NOT GBP.
2)
If they offer you a 'free' upgrade refuse cos they will also upgrade the price they will charge you for the fuel !!

meer53

If they charge you money after the car has been returned, the transaction will be authorised whether the money is available or not, as authorisation is obtained when you pick the car up.

Check your agreement with regards to whether to return the car full or empty, if you're not sure, ask before you leave with the car.