Hi,

I'm trying to reserve a car for a client (pro bono) who has only a debit card, no credit card. He is an infrequent traveler, this trip is to accompany his daughter as she leaves home for college. They will have too much luggage for bus transportation and shuttle is too expensive.

I located a rental agency (Thrifty) and location (BDL) that accept debit cards. I spoke to the rental agency customer service and they told me everything they know (they say), but it's not enough info, and they refuse to give me the phone number for the airport rental counter (actually they say there isn't one, but obviously that's not true).

Here's what I know:
- the debit card must be Visa or MC and connected to a bank checking account
- they will place a hold for the rental amount plus 15% (Visa debit cards) / greater of amount plus 15% or $350 (MC debit cards)
- they will do a credit check at the counter
- he must show r/t air ticket/itinerary

What I need to know:
- how is the credit check done and what are the criteria for declining the rental? The poor guy will be all the way across the US with no transportation and about 80 more miles to get to his destination, if they decline him.

After speaking with Thrifty, I suspect that as long he has bank-connected Visa / MC debit card with the proper funds available and has his air tickets to show, that's all they'll ask him for. But I can't send him across the country without knowing for sure.

I asked this in Travel Buzz because it really pertains to all car rental agencies that accept debit cards, apologies if it should go elsewhere.

Any advice, assistance, or input would be greatly appreciated, especially from someone with inside knowledge of how this works. They are a really nice family without a lot of cash and I would like to help them out. Thanks!