Application for credit cards to drive in USA

janiefet

Which company did you go with USA2012? Just as two companies I have asked for her are insisting on credit cards.

Usa2012

janiefet wrote: »

Which company did you go with USA2012? Just as two companies I have asked for her are insisting on credit cards.

In florida it was alamo, and in vegas I can't remeber the name (but it definately wasn't avis). I think maybe as the debit card says visa on it, they just took it off us both times. There was another couple at the alamo desk who said they didn't have a credit card so they took the debit for them too.

reclusive46

Usa2012 wrote: »

In florida it was alamo, and in vegas I can't remeber the name (but it definately wasn't avis). I think maybe as the debit card says visa on it, they just took it off us both times. There was another couple at the alamo desk who said they didn't have a credit card so they took the debit for them too.

As I said earlier, in tourist areas you generally can pay by debit card.

A lot of Debit cards issued in the USA only work at ATMs and the odd merchant who has a PIN pad for debit cards (Debit cards use swipe and PIN if they don't carry Visa and MasterCard logo). The UK debit cards with a Visa/MC/Amex sign normally work. When they said they don't accept Debit cards, that is what they are referring too.

janiefet

You meant they are referring to the USA type of debit card? As opposed to the UK one? It was a UK car hire company who insisted on a credit card - that's what worried her - she has a normal debit card - plus she can be added to a family members credit card in case of emergency - although it isn't a huge amount of credit on the card - so I reckon she will take her debit card and if all else fails then she has the support of the back up card. Who would think it would be so complicated? Better to be safe than sorry though - really appreciate everyone's comments. THANKYOU!!!

Dirk_Gently_2

I've done this with Alamo before now.

Done a booking through the UK website, prepaid and had a voucher for that booking to use as proof of payment. I seem to remember that although my debit card was swiped, nothing was "reserved" on it.

bargainbetty

I've used my debit card to rent cars via Hertz, Avis, Alamo, Thrifty and Budget. You just tell them 'credit' when they swipe it at the rental place. Book online, use Quidco to get cashback, and remove the human element of the argument.

System

Alamo and Dollar/Thrifty both refused to take either a Debit card.

The last time the rental agent appeared to look specifically at the Visa logo and when she saw debit asked for a credit card. This was where all charges were prepaid in the UK.

I therefore would suggest a credit card even with a modest credit limit.

bargainbetty wrote: »

I've used my debit card to rent cars via Hertz, Avis, Alamo, Thrifty and Budget. You just tell them 'credit' when they swipe it at the rental place. Book online, use Quidco to get cashback, and remove the human element of the argument.