Hmm. Car rental problem

Alright... I called a car rental place, and they said they need either a major credit card or 4-6 weeks to be approved as a cash payer - which you need a phone # that is verified via information. I use Vonage, so that%26#39;s out.

I don%26#39;t have any major credit cards... only my debt card. :(

Anyone have any suggestions on what to do??

Thanks!!

STEve

Hmm. Car rental problem

who are you dealing with?

Hmm. Car rental problem

I just pre-paid with my air/hotel/car package, but if you book %26amp; pay online, then enter your debit card #, they don%26#39;t know if you paid with a major credit card or a debit/check card. They just know they got their money

When you pick up, they may ask you to provide them with a card as security, but I have gotten car rentals more then once using only my debit card instead of a major credit card, and I didn%26#39;t have a problem (once with Hertz, once with Enterprise). Read on their website that Dollar runs a credit check on you if you rent using a debit card instead of a credit card.

If I were you, I%26#39;d check with a different company %26amp; book/pay online... just my humble opinion! Good luck!

RacerX,

There are a couple of issues that could make it difficult to get a car rental:

1) Being under the age of 25.

2) Nothaving a credit Card.

Personally, I would go to your bank/credit union that issues your check card and get a credit card from them. I believe they could make your check card into a combo check card/credit card. That is, really they are one and the same. If you use your PIN, it is a checkcard. If you don%26#39;t enter your PIN, it is a credit card. I would inquire.

Nothing wrong with establishing credit. It will be helpfull if and when you decide to purchase a home.

I agree with V-man. Renting a car is almost impossible w/o a credit card. Get one. Hope you%26#39;re credit is good enough to get approved...if not...you may have a problem that can%26#39;t be fixed.

Does anybody know why car rental companies are reluctant to rent to people who don%26#39;t have major credit card?

Well, I am over 25, so that isn%26#39;t a problem. So far I only checked the Avis, and they were the ones who said either a major CC or phone # that is listed in a directory and cash.

As for getting a credit card - I have one, but the limit is small, and not enough for the rental. I called the CC company about getting an increase, and he suggested getting a secured card with the amount that I%26#39;ll need... so that%26#39;s probably what I%26#39;ll have to end up doing if I can%26#39;t find someone who will take a visa check card.

STEve

we had that problem. i don%26#39;t drive. i had a credit card. my hubby has the drivers%26#39; license, but no credit card. only dollar rent a car on maui wanted to deal with us, we had to put a cash deposit of 50.- down. since that time my hubby got a credit card for that reason.

Does anybody know why car rental companies are reluctant to rent to people who don%26#39;t have major credit card?%26gt;%26gt;%26gt;

i think the reason is that they are really not geared to handling cash ---making change etc etc----------and having a credit card shows some fiscal responsibility ( in most cases)

It is a little known secret of the car rental business that the reason they want a credit card is because at the time of rental they get authorization for a large sum (usually about $2,000) on your credit card. If there is any problem such as damage when you return they can just put through the charge which has already been approved by the credit card company.

If you find that your credit card has been maxed out even though you have not used your full approved credit limit this may be the reason.

bud----------i guess you really knew the answer to the question you posted