Originally Posted by
holtju2
Why on earth are you using a debit card for travel related purchases? It basically gives you ZERO protection compared to credit cards.
Originally Posted by
titanzrule32
If he used his debit card to make the purchase on hotwire, that is more than reasonable, as the full amount of the hotel stay is deducted at the time of purchase. Some individuals don't have the luxury of a high credit limit (especially with the crap banks are pulling by lowering credit limits and raising interest rates), which can easily be rectified by paying in advance with a debit card.
All I'm saying is that paying for the hotwire purchase using a debit card is understandable. Authorizing the hotel room using a debit card should be avoided in the future.
High credit limit? You don't need a high credit limit to use a credit card for travel purchases like a hotwire hotel. I can't imagine he paid more than $75/night for the hotel.
I would never consider using a debit card for any transaction where something might go wrong. Maybe for groceries, yes. But anything bought online? Never.
You can set up credit cards to pay automatically from your account on a certain date every month.
I even heard of one person who gave a debit card for the deposit of incidentals, had some amount actually debited from their account and was told the hotel would mail her a check to reimburse her. Sorry, I would strongly advise against a debit card in such instances.
If the issue is availability of credit due to credit history, secured credit cards are easily available. Put $500 into a savings account and the bank will give you a credit card with a $500 credit limit.
John