Debit Cards for Car Rental

I had asked this question prior to our trip and had read the disclaimers from the car companies.

We rented from Dollar the middle of January. When we got to the desk, the fella there acted a little condescending about us using the debit card and stated he would check our credit. They would also put a hold on $350 for damages.

We told him to do what he had to do, and it was about 15 seconds later he said everything was fine and there would be no problems...REALLY...I don't think he ever checked the credit, and just made that statement to get a reaction.

The rental went off without a hitch and the payment was fine. I did check the bank account and there was a hold by them on our acct which was fine.

Don't let the car rental companies scare you into using a credit card if you don't want to...Your debit card says, credit/debit with a logo on it. I don't see what the big problem is with them using debit cards, they know your money is there.

Using a credit card gives you extra advantages that a debit card will not cover. I don't like when a company puts a hold on my actual cash. Also, using a credit card will cover the deductible if there is any damage. Finally, when I travel I am not big on people having access to my bank account. If there is something charged wrong you have more leverage with credit.

I've had 2 stolen credit card numbers and they were both via rental companies. Had to pay nothing to the credit card company for either one...but if it had been a debit card - good luck!

The only thing I use my one debit card for is getting cash in Vegas (and thats on a limited balance account that never exceeds 5k). Everything else goes on one my credit cards that give me some type of rewards (especially the SWA Visa card).

Rather safe than sorry.