'Typically' how much will a car hire firm reserve on a credit card ?

Murphy_The_Cat

Next month I'm going on my Jolly Hollies to America, and whilst in the States, everything (car hire, hotel, food, entertainment etc) will be going on my Santander Zero credit card.

So far, I've got a really good idea on the costings for everything, but the only thing that I haven't got a rough figure for is the amount that Alamo are likely to 'reserve' on my card - does anyone have a rough idea that they could help me with ?

I usually prepay the car hire in the UK, but on this occassion, it was going to work out better for me to pay upon arrival

My interest/concern is about how much of my available credit limit is going to be taken up by the Alamos 'reserve' -- would I be able to pay with my SZ card and then have some reserved on another ?

wantonnoodle

I too would be interested in this one. I have a prepaid hire car booked with Hertz (through Canadian Affair) with one way trip fees waived and zero excess package (free upgrade with Canadian Affair) so was wondering how much they would hold on my credit card when I get there, as I was hoping to also use it for some of the costs while we are over there.

mcfisco

Seem to recall it was $250 on mine but that was 3 or 4 years ago

mcfisco

From the Alamo site

· A deposit in the amount of the calculated rental charges plus an additional $300 is required.

https://alamo.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1650/

jackieblack

According to Alamo's website ( )

At the point of rental, you will be asked to secure a credit card authorization in the estimated amount of the rental, secure a debit card authorization deposit or secure cash deposit in the estimated amount of the rental. The amount is based on the location of pickup, dates of rental, and size of the vehicle you want to rent.





Have a great trip Murphy :beer:

jackieblack

mcfisco wrote: »

From the Alamo site

· A deposit in the amount of the calculated rental charges plus an additional $300 is required.

https://alamo.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1650/

Isn't that for payment by cash ?

Cash: Not all locations accept cash. Please review the following key points regarding cash rentals:
· Renter must meet locations rental requirements.
· A deposit in the amount of the calculated rental charges plus an additional $300 is required.
· Renters may use cash as form of final payment upon return of the vehicle.

Murphy_The_Cat

jackieblack wrote: »

According to Alamo's website ( )

At the point of rental, you will be asked to secure a credit card authorization in the estimated amount of the rental, secure a debit card authorization deposit or secure cash deposit in the estimated amount of the rental. The amount is based on the location of pickup, dates of rental, and size of the vehicle you want to rent.

Have a great trip Murphy :beer:

ouch , I hope not == another $1100 reserved on the credit card wouldn't be a happy moment. It looks like a phonecall/email to the States for confirmation is going to be needed

& yes, I am getting very excited about my upcoming trip :j:j:j

jackieblack

We have 3 'fee free' cards we use for trips to the US because of this kind of reserve/deposit made by car rental and hotels. It just gets so complicated if you're moving around alot and may have deposits/reserves for half a dozen hotels eating up the credit limit at any given time.
We use 1 card just for car hire, another for hotels and the 3rd for everything else. It also means we've got back ups in case of any problem (although the only one we've ever had a problem with is the Santander card - twice! )

Murphy_The_Cat

jackieblack wrote: »

We have 3 'fee free' cards we use for trips to the US because of this kind of reserve/deposit made by car rental and hotels. It just gets so complicated if you're moving around alot and may have deposits/reserves for half a dozen hotels eating up the credit limit at any given time.
We use 1 card just for car hire, another for hotels and the 3rd for everything else. It also means we've got back ups in case of any problem (although the only one we've ever had a problem with is the Santander card - twice! )

I only have 1 'fee free' card, as previously I've prepaid my accommodation and car hire before I've left Blighty -- however, this time there was adavantages to paying on arrival rather than pre-paying. Everything was good until I saw the Credit Limit on my Zero Card and then started doing the sums on my expected spending.

2 and 2 was added together and then Plan B was rapidly swung into operation

jackieblack

Worth ringing Santander and see if they'll increase the limit for your trip?
I've also used online banking to make a payment if I've thought I'm getting a bit close to a card's limit (not always easy to keep track when the exchange rate keeps changing )

Murphy_The_Cat

jackieblack wrote: »

Worth ringing Santander and see if they'll increase the limit for your trip?
I've also used online banking to make a payment if I've thought I'm getting a bit close to a card's limit (not always easy to keep track when the exchange rate keeps changing )

Would you believe in 2013 that id you want a Credit Limit on your Santander Zero credit card that you have to it in writing (email not accpted) - with a promise of a reply within 7-10 days !

I do have other pieces of plastic that I could use, but they are not as 'easy on the wallet' as the SZ card.:mad: