Why credit card and not debit
You probably have noticed that almost all of the leading car rental companies in Europe have a prerequisites for a credit card. Moreover, the higher the level of service, the more likely it is that they will ask you for a credit card, not a debit option. What is this: a whim, a cunning plan or a simple necessity? It's time to finally figure it out.
What is a credit card for?
Rental companies use credit cards to obtain deposits. This is for insurance. After all, if you pick up fines or scratches - then the entire financial burden falls on the company. This money is inviolable, it is simply “frozen”, held. And this is not your personal money, but the bank’s funds, which are under its wing and vigilant control. Thus, everyone is happy, you can relax - and so can the company.
Reliability and safety
It should be understood that a credit card is also a kind of insurance against fraud. Even if you have honest eyes, like a local padre from a village church, the company still needs a guarantee. Large amounts are at stake, especially if you rent an expensive luxury car. A credit card is an officially approved issued product with the highest degree of protection. Still better yet when you have a registered or embossed (with convex inscriptions) bank card.
What are the benefits of a credit card?
First of all, it’s saving the budget, and you spend all the cash at your leisure. Credit money is not written off, you do not accrue any interest. Also, there are a lot of discounts, loyalty programs and miles accrual for flights. Secondly, you can use bank money completely free of charge during the grace period. It is usually 55 days. During this time, you can manage to travel several countries by booking hotels and your favorite cars.
How to check your card
No matter how “gold” or “platinum” your card is, it must be clearly indicated as Credit.
Unfortunately, today many cards, especially ones issued within the CIS countries may be issued as a credit, but in fact, are listed as a debit. This is a common cause of troubles and failures when booking a hotel or renting a car. We advise you to check the BIN of your card at the service https://estiacard.com/en before the trip and find out if you have a “Credit” card or if it is truly listed as “Debit”.