Pre-paid Mastercard abroad/car hire

DrSanchez

Hello all, newbie here and apologies if this has already been covered but I couldnt seem to find a complete answer for my question...which is...

Im going on a much needed holiday to crete at the end of the month
and looking to rent a car, after reading the small print for my booking it states you need a credit card to hire a vehicle.

I have a history of mostly good credit but just one line of bad credit and which is not completely settled. I did apply for a Aqua card thinking they give them out in cereal boxes but even got declined for that...reason presuming is this unsettled default which is in dispute.

Now I have heard of these pre-paid Mastercards which can be used overseas, so if loaded with enough funds to cover the car rental deposit will this card be approved for use to hire the vehicle?

Thanks guys

Sanch :beer:

dzug1

You need to look up the T&C for the particular card you have in mind


Some do not allow use for car rental


Others allow it if you arrange it (with the card company) in advance.


Remember the deposit may be several thousand euros - and that the hire company may be iffy about the card too. It isn't a credit card.

DrSanchez

Thanks for the reply! i think the deposit was around a thousand euros...you would think the cashier just see the mastercard logo and if it goes through the system with the right amount of money everything would be fine!!! I cant believe not having a credit card can prevent you from hiring a car on holiday even if you have the money for the deposit...

dzug1

The cashier might well see the MasterCard logo and attempt to process it - but his terminal (if it's been programmed correctly) will be able to tell (from the first 4 or so numbers in the card number) what sort of card it is and refuse the transaction


Much the same as if you try to use Amex at an outfit that doesn't take it.

DrSanchez

Thanks again dzug1 ! I have just got off the phone to a company called cashplus which offers a pre-paid travel card and they have confirmed that this can be used for car hire...but Im still not convinced as the rental ive booked with my holiday package is with Avis. and dont want to get to the pickup desk and have them turn round and say were not accepting this card and I loose the majority of my rental fee !!!

eskbanker

Clause 9.4 of http://www.avis.co.uk/about-avis/booking-conditions (if these are the Ts & Cs that govern your own booking) would appear to suggest that Avis don't accept prepaid cards for deposits, but worth checking with them.

NiftyDigits

DrSanchez wrote: »

Thanks again dzug1 ! I have just got off the phone to a company called cashplus which offers a pre-paid travel card and they have confirmed that this can be used for car hire...but Im still not convinced as the rental ive booked with my holiday package is with Avis. and dont want to get to the pickup desk and have them turn round and say were not accepting this card and I loose the majority of my rental fee !!!

If you've already booked the car then you need to call the station manager at your intended location and come to an agreement with them.
You may need extra proof of identity, it may need to be a VISA card, debit or Prepaid(with your name imprinted on the card). They may even accept cash...but you might not wish to give them cash and then be stuck with Euros. But you can offer Pounds in excess of the deposit.

DrSanchez

NiftyDigits wrote: »

If you've already booked the car then you need to call the station manager at your intended location and come to an agreement with them.
You may need extra proof of identity, it may need to be a VISA card, debit or Prepaid(with your name imprinted on the card). They may even accept cash...but you might not wish to give them cash and then be stuck with Euros. But you can offer Pounds in excess of the deposit.

Thanks I actually rang the Avis desk where im picking up direct. and they advised me I have two options if not using a credit card...

1) An extra 10 euro per day Avis insurance and deposit of 150 euro cash or debit

2) a deposit of 1200 euro cash

Thanks everyone for your advice and help :T

Sanch

eskbanker

Forgive my cynicism but although that sounds promising, are they going to confirm it to you in writing? Just picturing the scene where you turn up on the day and the staff on duty deny all knowledge of said arrangements, you're in a much better position if you have something on paper....

NiftyDigits

eskbanker wrote: »

Forgive my cynicism but although that sounds promising, are they going to confirm it to you in writing? Just picturing the scene where you turn up on the day and the staff on duty deny all knowledge of said arrangements, you're in a much better position if you have something on paper....

It is not an unusual arrangement.

eskbanker

NiftyDigits wrote: »

It is not an unusual arrangement.

Agreed, not seeking to suggest they're going out on a limb but just that if it varies from published Ts & Cs then personally I'd want a bit of protection - for OP I suppose it depends on their attitude to risk and the importance of the car hire to enjoying a holiday!