Should I Use My Debit Or Credit Card When Renting A Car?

Using a major credit card is always the best option when renting a car. Major credit cards offer many benefits such as more options while renting, rental coverage, towing and mileage point which we all love. However the number one benefit to me is during the car rental process. The car rental sales associate will take your card and make an authorization charge. An Authorization charge is when, a hold or freeze of a specific amount is placed on the card by the car rental company. This is not a charged but the authorized amount will be unavailable to you until released by the car rental company.


These charges varies by car rental company or even by location, but a common authorization charge would be $250.00 plus the cost of the rental. The difference between using your major credit card versus your debit card, is that on your major credit card it isn't a charge made, just an authorization hold. (money secured but not charged). While your debit card because linked to checking account will immediately withdraw any authorizations made by the car rental company and has a temporary time period before any refunds are posted back to your checking account. This time period normally takes 1-2 business days. In order to use your debit card, a visa or master card logo must be present visibly on the physical card and gift cards are not accepted.


It is possible to use both your credit or debit card or either one when returning the rental vehicle. Many Individuals authorized the rental on their major credit card, so they do not tie up emergency funds with their bank, by using their debit card to initially rent the car and upon returning the rental vehicle, kindly ask to use another card, debit or major credit card. However the card or cards you use to pay for the final charges of the car rental bill has to be in the same name of the primary driver on the car rental contract. Car Rental Company's do this to eliminate fraudulent charge backs to their accounts.


Either way, both major credit cards or debit cards work and posses many benefits, but its ultimately up to the renter to decide what would be best to use pertaining to their specific situation and what works best in their favor. Thanks for reading, if you want to know more about renting a car, or would like to ask us a question before your next car rental experience, visit us at www.RentaCarSecrets.com.


Thanks,

RentaCarSecrets.com