Can I use a credit card with available credit less than the amount of the rental?

Lou asked:


So I need to rent a car which will total about $300. I have a credit card but currently the available credit on the card is about $125. The limit on the card is $400 I think. Can I reserve the car using this credit card and then when I return the car pay with cash or a debit card? I am probably using enterprise if that makes a difference

Laurie

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3 Responses to “Can I use a credit card with available credit less than the amount of the rental?”

1. ibu guru Says:
   July 30th, 2009 at 4:34 pm

   Ray

   Forget it. Car rental companies typically put a $500 hold on your card until you return the car. It will be more than $500 if you are renting for a week or more, or renting a more expensive model of car. Takes at least a week, usually more, to release any overage after you return the car, and cards have been known to be tied up for SIX weeks before any overage is credited back to your account and the hold is released.

   Unless you have $500 or more available credit on your card, do not attempt to reserve or rent a car. If your credit card company let it through, they would charge you a fortune in overlimit fees, etc.

2. R J Says:
   August 3rd, 2009 at 2:58 am

   Joseph

   Check with the rental company to determine when they place their hold and for how much. I believe most companies do not place the hold until you actually are at the rental counter to pickup the car; the amount of the hold is usually around the same amount as the expected rental period (based on your rez).

   Under my scenario you could reserve the car with your credit card and arrange to pre-fund your card (establish an appropriate credit balance) before rental time or possibly leave a cash deposit at the counter if you’re returning to the same location.

   I repeat check with the company. For me personally I’ve never been asked for a credit card number to make a reservation unless it was some special package deal that wasn’t able to be canceled. RJ

3. StephenWeinstein Says:
   August 6th, 2009 at 3:49 am

   Ann

   No. You cannot even use a credit card with available credit equal to the amount of the rental. You need a credit card with available credit considerably more than the amount of the rental. They put a temporary hold on the credit card that is more than the amount of the rental, to cover miscellaneous possible charges (such as for returning the car late or dirty or not refilling the gas tank). The hold is released approximately two weeks after you return the car and pay the actual charges.