How much credit required to use CC for care hire security

[AndyT77]

Sorry for the long title, but as above really.

I'm paying via debit card, but hear that a card is also required for a security deposit, incase of insurance claims etc. I am also worried about potential card rape if worse comes to worse and any accidents/claims etc occur.

So, is it possible to use a card that has a ridiculously low credit limit, with hardly any remaining credit available on it to secure the hire car?

[Roger645]

Get a cheap pre-pay card.

[AndyT77]

Too late for that, although i've got a Caxton FX card which i'm loading with half my holiday budget. Anyone else got any idea? I've heard different things and just need confirmation so that i can get things organised.

[rxtx]

They should tell you how much the security deposit is at the time of hire. The rental company will more than likely authorise the amount of the security deposit on your card, so a card without funds available will fail the auth and they won't let you have the car.

I always do this on a credit card rather than a prepaid card because it's then not money out of my own pocket up front, and in the event of the rental company trying it on I can more easily contest it with the credit card company.

[LuS1fer]

They generally try and flog you extra insurance to cover everything with no excess - something like an extra 7 Euros a day. If you don't take up this option, they pHave taken a 300 Euro security deposit by swiping your card. In effect, they don't do anything with it if the car is returned in one piece. I've never had an issue with it.