Paying with Debit Question
I know it's not advisable to pay for a hotel room with a debit card, but I have no choice at the moment. I'm staying at the Westin. I expected to have a credit card before heading out to Pittsburgh, but due to some fumbles on the bank's part, there is little to no chance I will receive it in time. I definitely have enough cash to cover the room, but how much does the hold typically come to including additional fees, incidentals, etc? I want to make sure I put enough money in my checking to cover it as well as take care of other expenses.
Thanks for the help.
Be advised, too, that even if the hotel removes the hold, the bank itself is sometimes very slow to do so. It can take days and sometimes even weeks for a hold to get released by the bank.
Could always do what I do. I take out cash to cover the cost of the stay and pay up front in cash, I dont use the amenities (roomservice, minifridge, movies) So I wave those (and therefore the deposit) and they only keep my CC information on file in case they need to charge me at the end of the stay for damages (which never happen).
Tora-
Maybe taking some of the cash outta the bank account, I mean just enough to cover the hotel. I understand this completely, for it's my only way as well.. ^^;
The hold can go from any were between around 45-85 dollars, ((Darn incidentals)) With the Westin, I have no idea.. never stayed there..
Gah, I fail at help, but at least I tried.. Right?
~Ally
Taking off my beret and putting on my Hotel Guy Hat.. if you pay with a debit card, they will put a hold on the funds in your account equal to the amount of your entire stay. Once your bill is settled, they will have either removed the amount from your account or if you pay in a different manner, free up the funds.
In either case, you have to make sure which ever account your have your debit card tied to has enough funds to cover your stay plus whatever funds you wish to spend from that account during your trip.
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David M Stein, DI
"Not Unlike the Toaster, I Control the Darkness"
-- Abby Normal, "You Suck"
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David M Stein, DI
"Not Unlike the Toaster, I Control the Darkness"
-- Abby Normal, "You Suck"