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Step 1
To avoid blocking of your credit or debit card, be aware when you check into a hotel or rent a car, the clerk runs a check on your card for an estimated total. If your room is $125 a night and you're staying 4 nights, they will figure $500 PLUS tax and other incidentals. Note the same process goes on when you rent a car.
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Step 2
You need to know when this happens, a temporary block (or hold) is put on your debit or credit account for that projected amount; your checking account (debit card) or your credit card limit is reduced by this amount. It remains blocked until maybe a day or two after the transaction is completed (when you check out of your hotel or turn in the rental car).
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Step 3
To avoid blocking of your credit or debit card, whenever you check out of the hotel, the clerk will ask if you'd like to leave the charges on the card you checked in with. You have the option of using another card, or paying with cash.
If you switch payment methods, make sure to instruct the clerk to remove the block on your first card. Otherwise, the issuing agency of your card can hold this amount for up to 15 days. They do this because they weren't notified of the final payment and weren't aware that you decided not to use their card. -
Step 4
If you want to avoid blocking of your credit or debit card, check with your credit issuer or your bank and see what their hold policy may be BEFORE you plunk down any card. Otherwise you may be eating beans and burgers till payday.
Comments
Kylara said
on 12/8/2008 Great idea. Mine just got blocked because I forgot and entered our old address when Christmas shopping on line. I guess I should be glad their security is tight. 5*
FurryLoo said
on 11/21/2008 Wow! Good to know!
jenphelps said
on 11/8/2008 I had no idea that they did this! Very helpful info!
Bryan2449 said
on 11/7/2008 whats wrong with beans and burgers?
purrfect1969-2 said
on 11/6/2008 Thanks for the tips.