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Hertz Rent a Car - Would Rent a Car on Debit Card

Review by matt_sheila on 2013-03-04
Rating: StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty Star
LOVELAND, COLORADO -- tried to rent a Hertz car on 03/01/2013 in Loveland CO so that our car could be repaired. When making the reservation the day before, I directly talked to the Loveland CO branch and they informed me that if using a debit card, I would be subject to credit check, (no other agency does this), and if needed they would add $200 to the rental or they would run the credit card as a charge. When attempting to pick up the car on the 1st around 2PM, (driving 20 MILES out of our way), they ran the credit check and came back unsatisfactory to YOUR standards. The agent said that I could NOT have the car because of the credit check. I was humiliated in front of my kids and other people.

We have rented from this branch before and from other car rentals without any problem with the same debit card. I informed the agent that is account had enough funds to BUY one of his cars and he still refused. I find it offensive that you will rent to criminals with a credit card but not to me. With all the social engines available you better believe this incident will be be loudly broadcasted.
Comments:
Posted by trmn8r on 2013-03-04:
I would not spend time "broadcasting" your complaint much further, because what you describe does not surprise me and I believe it is fairly standard. Running a credit check, and requiring the deposit. Here is one site that mentions these:
http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/tips-rent-car-debit-credit-card-1268.php

Renting a car with a debit card is different than renting with a credit card, and will most always be more difficult. The bottom line is this is their car they are placing in a stranger's possession. They have to have assurance that they will have recourse if there is a loss.
Posted by Jeff on 2013-03-04:
Actually alsmost all rental companies will run your credit if you are using a debit card. This is standard if youre not using a major CC.
Posted by JR in Orlando on 2013-03-04:
If the OP has a bank account with enough money to buy a car, why doesn't he have a credit card? If nothing else, I would suggest he get a secured credit card where you deposit the money with a bank in the amount you want the credit card limit to be. This would eliminate a lot of problems.
Posted by JAKFK on 2013-03-04:
Hertz is not the "only" company that does this. AVIS and others run credit checks as well. The only debit card friendly company that immediately comes to mind is Enterprise. Our local branch does not run a credit check, and they accept the debit card with a minimum of a $250 balance, unless the projected rental seemingly exceeds that total. They are slightly higher in price than the competition.

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