Visa debit cards

[Lady fisher]

You can book hotels online with these cards. But

When you get to the hotel the front desk looks at you funny

That's not a Visa card.........you have to use your Visa card for an incidental deposit of $150


Ok just swipe visa debit card..........won't work as a visa............how about cash?

Reluctantly she says ok

Anybody else have experiences like this?

 

[Freedom1970]

Always the case. Scary thing is that the credit reporting agencies customers are the big companies including companies owning Hotels, Cell phone companies, Utility companies. They bullie people into paying erroneous charges with the threat of a poor credit rating. Will be a frightful day when no one can book a plane or hotel without a real credit card. Big Corporations will have complete control of the people & revolt will be needed. These Credit reporting Agencies are an instrumental part of the Racket.

 

[Aardvark154]

Further a not insignificant fee to activate the card, particularly when given as a gift of under $60.

 

[Butler1000]

Hotels always get a deposit. It is usually in the form of a hold on a CC. They will take a cash or debit deposit up front.

The reason is simple. People have and will try to overcharge on room service and other things and then walk. Wine and champagne can cost more than a room night. So the hold is to cover that.

It's also a form of damage deposit. You would be surprised what some people get up to in a room. Both damage and theft. With a proper CC they can recover costs and also track down the CC owner. You can't do that with the gift cards.

 

[Brotherman]

Apparently over here, Visa debit cards are only good for online purchases. Any type of person-to-person interaction, Visa debit doesn't apply (Interac or cash does). The rest of the world uses Visa debit...so go figure.

 

[SkyRider]

Further a not insignificant fee to activate the card, particularly when given as a gift of under $60.

About 3-4 years ago, the Royal Bank opened a new branch in my general area and they were offering free $100 VISA prepaid cards for visitors to the branch. When I got my card I noticed my name was embrossed on the card. I guess this is a safety feature and it also probably means you can't give it to your favourite SP as a "gift".

 

[Mr. Piggy]

Banks are always trying to get you to take another cc or line of credit.