BA/Avis car hire - bit worried!

[Guest]

Can anyone help with our dilemma?

We have booked a fly-drive with BA/Avis for our daughter and family. We have only just realised that you need a credit card at the airport when picking up the car. She hasn't got one but does have a debit card. We have heard they will accept the dc but do a credit check which she might not pass.
What happens if she gets there and they won't accept her dc?! Can someone else who's travelling with her pay or will they accept cash?We're starting to think they might have to cancel the car! They travel next month.
Thanks for any help or information. Avis and BA have been less than helpful x

[*cath*]

Tells you here in the T&Cs
avis/car-rental/conte...C-US_en-020931

[Demonwar]

It's only a hold of probably $200 or so, not a credit check as such. It's in case of her not returning the car full or tolls etc.

If it's a month away she could probably apply for a credit card in time if she's really worried, look for one that has zero currency fees

[Guest]

Thank you for your replied. I was so worried that she would be stranded at the airport. X

[Guest]

I got a reply from Avis and I am more than a little concerned. Can anyone help?

'Thank you for contacting Avis Customer Service.

For the United States, Avis Corporate Policy states debit cards are
accepted provided the following conditions are met:

· NOT accepted on any Cool Cars (all Group X Signature Series or
specialty vehicles)
· Minimum age 25 or older
· Debit Card hold at time of rental will equal the estimated
charges. Exception: If the rental is prepaid through Avis.com or our
reservation center, the hold will be $100.00 at time of rental.
· If you use a debit card at this location, we will perform a
credit check at the time of rental to determine creditworthiness. If we
are unable to complete the credit check or if the credit check fails,
customers should be prepared to present a major credit card in their own
name. The customer's credit score will not be affected by this "soft"
credit check.
· The debit card must be in the name of the person picking up
the car rental.
· NOTE: Credit checks cannot be done in advance. Credit check
is done at time of rental only. Please do not advise customer to call
the rental location directly.
· This policy applies to both U.S. residents and foreign
visitors.
· Debit cards must be accepted as secondary/alternate credit for
vouchers issued outside the U.S. This applies even if the location does
not normally accept debit cards at time of rental. Additional
identification is NEVER required.
· If your car is not returned on or before your due date, we
will make up to three additional holds (depending on how long you keep
the car) on your card to cover expected rental charges.
· When you return the car, we will subtract the final amount of
your rental, crediting back any unused portion, from the hold on your
card.
· Your bank may take up to two weeks to post a credit to your
card.
· If you are using a debit card, we are not responsible for any
returned checks due to debit card holds.
· All locations must accept debit cards for payment at car
return.

All corporate owned locations in the US will follow this policy but most
independently operated locations will have their own policies.
Because this information can vary by location, please verify on our
website.
To locate the information for your pickup location please access
avis. Click on Locations at the top, then fill in at least the
city and state and click FIND. Once that page populates, scroll down to
Debit Card Policies.
At Avis, it is our goal to deliver a safe, dependable, hassle-free
rental.
We know there are many companies out there, so thank you for choosing
us. '

My main worries are what credit check do they perform? What happens if she is refused?

Please help Dibbers! X

[fynnon]

As it states, it is a soft credit check,I would suggest along the lines of a mobile phone contract check ? but look at it this way, Avis want you to take their car on hire, they are not going to make any money from you if don't drive out of the garage with one, I really would not be too concerned at all. I had the same or similar at MCO a few years ago with Budget, they just swiped the debit card, I signed the contract and drove off, despite what I had been told by others regarding using a debit card there was no problem what so ever.

EDIT: " Cool cars" !

[BigSkip]

There is a massive difference between a debit card in the USA and one over here. If her card has visa on it, it will be ok, if it is an electron card, then it may be more problematical.

The Americans see Visa as a credit card.

[oeamon]

Originally Posted by BigSkip

There is a massive difference between a debit card in the USA and one over here. If her card has visa on it, it will be ok, if it is an electron card, then it may be more problematical.

The Americans see Visa as a credit card.

See more...

This ..

[Guest]

Thanks guys 😀

[DIBBadmin]

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