Debit card at check-in

[Sandy]

Before I call the resort, I wanted to know if anyone has experience using a debit card rather than a credit card at check in for the "security hold."

I have a gift for a relative for a long weekend using my HICV points. They are very excited to celebrate their anniversary. He called last night to ask about the security deposit at check in. Seems that they do not use credit cards but only debit.

I always use a credit card.

He is concerned about how long a "hold" is put on the account. The resort will not accept a cash deposit, only credit card.

Any advice? I do plan to contact the resort but wanted to see if there was any insight before calling. The trip is not until October.

thanks

 

[laura1957]

I always use my Suntrust Visa debit card. The type of debit card may make a difference. I have never noticed the hold on my account

None of the resorts that I have used the debit card ever told me it needed to be a debit card - they ask for my credit card and I give them the debit card.

 

[VegasBella]

I often use debit cards instead of credit cards for that exact purpose. There's often a hold of about $50 and it's usually just a few days. The resort can give you the exact details.

 

[nightnurse613]

I had a similar situation a while back. I gave a good friend a couple of days at a nearby timeshare and they mentioned they no longer use credit cards (the reservation confirmation mentioned the $100 deposit). In my case, I contacted the resort and they sent me a form that I filled out and sent back with MY credit card information. Problem solved. My guess is that the credit card requirement is for "incidentals" which, in some cases could exceed $100 so let's see what other responses you get.

 

[tashamen]

There's often a hold of about $50 and it's usually just a few days. The resort can give you the exact details.

But some resorts have a much larger hold, such as the Royals in Mexico. I agree that OP should contact the resort for the details.

 

[Passepartout]

I have used a debit card as security, and for incidentals on a cruise. There was no problem. I do have overdraft protection on that account, but the hold amount was never large enough to trigger it.

I'd make a small unspecified wager that the clerk won't even ask when these folks check in. They'll see the Visa or M/C logo and simply run the card.

Jim

 

[Saintsfanfl]

It will always depend on the resort. For example if you use a debit card at a Marriott resort there will be a hold, and then additional holds for ongoing purchases during the week. Then they release the holds before the final charge comes through. The amount of the initial hold varies by Marriott resort but it's usually at least $150.

 

[Sandy]

Thank you all for the replies.

I thought about just telling them to present the Visa/MC logo card and have them run it. The problem might be if they do not have sufficient funds to back up whatever is run through. I am not really sure what happens when you "run through" a credit card. Does a temporary charge go through? Or is just held on file in case?

I called the resort (South Beach HICV) and they said that the debit card would hold $115, and then released within 5 business days. I will tell them this info, and if it is not doable, I will just use my cc.

 

[Saintsfanfl]

Thank you all for the replies.

I thought about just telling them to present the Visa/MC logo card and have them run it. The problem might be if they do not have sufficient funds to back up whatever is run through. I am not really sure what happens when you "run through" a credit card. Does a temporary charge go through? Or is just held on file in case?

I called the resort (South Beach HICV) and they said that the debit card would hold $115, and then released within 5 business days. I will tell them this info, and if it is not doable, I will just use my cc.

There is not much difference between the nature of a "hold" or pending transaction on a credit card or a debit card. The hold on a CC lowers the available credit balance. The hold on debit card lowers the available cash balance in the associated bank account.

The big difference can be how long the hold can remain. With a debit card 5 days is the max and the reason you were quoted "within 5 days". With a CC it can be longer if the issuing bank allows it. With a debit card you might want to be aware of whether it is a hold or an actual POS transaction. If it's an actual charge then the credit can take a bit to come back, rather than a simple release of the hold.

 

[Sandy]

Thanks for the further clarification.