Are Debit Cards becoming unfashionable?
Discussion
I tried to secure weekend hire car (using firms with worldwide presence) here in Vienna, Austria, only to be told that the booking could only be made with a credit card, not a debit card.
Which I found to be odd.
I don't have credit cards, because I don't do 'credit'.
Anybody got a clue why a debit card could not be used to secure the booking. I find it baffling, myself.
Which I found to be odd.
I don't have credit cards, because I don't do 'credit'.
Anybody got a clue why a debit card could not be used to secure the booking. I find it baffling, myself.
I'm probably wrong here but could it be to do with better protection, I.e if they need to claim the money? Then the account linked to the debit card could be empty with no overdraft whereas the credit card company have an obligation to pay?
I use my credit card for my monthly purchases (as it's not my money so if the card gets cloned then in theory it's the card companies problem) and pay off in full each month. (also helps my credit rating).
There again I could be spouting tripe!
I use my credit card for my monthly purchases (as it's not my money so if the card gets cloned then in theory it's the card companies problem) and pay off in full each month. (also helps my credit rating).
There again I could be spouting tripe!
It is pretty much this. With a credit card they can debit you for any damage or if you bring it back late without the worry that it will decline (unless you cancel the card) it gives them a little more security.
On top of this, some Debit cards for people with bad credit ratings can ONLY be used with themselves present (IE, Pin & Chip) so if you damaged the car they can not just automaticly debit the money as per the contract and have to chase you through court. If you use a credit card then a CNP (card not present) transaction is pretty much guarenteed to go through and they will be allowed to do this as you will have signed something to agree to a damage cost or what not, should their be any.
On top of this, some Debit cards for people with bad credit ratings can ONLY be used with themselves present (IE, Pin & Chip) so if you damaged the car they can not just automaticly debit the money as per the contract and have to chase you through court. If you use a credit card then a CNP (card not present) transaction is pretty much guarenteed to go through and they will be allowed to do this as you will have signed something to agree to a damage cost or what not, should their be any.
b2dan said:
I'm probably wrong here but could it be to do with better protection, I.e if they need to claim the money? Then the account linked to the debit card could be empty with no overdraft whereas the credit card company have an obligation to pay?
I use my credit card for my monthly purchases (as it's not my money so if the card gets cloned then in theory it's the card companies problem) and pay off in full each month. (also helps my credit rating).
There again I could be spouting tripe!
Doesn't necessarily help with credit rating - I had done this for more than 20 years with a blemish-free history but was turned down for one of two £15/month sim cards for my children as my credit score wasn't satisfactory. Turns out that as my card & mortgage are with my own bank they don't show with the credit reference agencies so I had no credit history and was deemed unsuitable ..... apparently a common problem for people who have never had car, furniture loans etc.I use my credit card for my monthly purchases (as it's not my money so if the card gets cloned then in theory it's the card companies problem) and pay off in full each month. (also helps my credit rating).
There again I could be spouting tripe!
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