Anyone Used Dollar with Gold recently?

[Cat1]

Hi,

Im off to Florida on the 15th April this year and I booked our hire car in November last year, we booked through US Car Hire with Dollar on the Gold option, we did this as my partner (who is the driver) does not own a credit card, since then Dollar have told U.S Car Hire that they will need a credit card for the new Customer Service Charge of $12.50. Although my partner is waiting to see if he can now get credit card, but its possible that with the current fiancial climate that he wont get one, I have one but apparently it needs to be in the drivers name. [msnmad]
Although when looking at the terms and conditions on US Car Hire's site it says a credit card is needed to swipe for $500, but originally when booked this was not on there and it said no Credit Card Surcharges.
Roger said in an email to me that they have been taking the $12.50 in cash for some of his customers but one was asked for a card which they had so didn't question it.
This still doesn't clear up if they need it for the deposit, has anyone been recently that can tell me exactly what we are suppose to be doing? Because im confused and worried.
Thanks!!

[blott]

If you've been in contact with Roger, he's the real guru regarding US Car Hire so I personally would go with whatever he said.

There are no credit card surcharges with US Car Hire - you're never charged extra for paying by credit card for your car rental.

[roger]

If at all possible as I suggested, I recommend he at least gets a Visa Debit card as most banks issue these (it's not like a credit card where these can be hard to get now). Visa Debit is always accepted by the rental companies.

Until recently Dollar have never required a card when collecting from Orlando on the Gold option as Dollar had previously told us. Although Dollar still don't seem to be asking for a card, we were asked recently to remove the item in our FAQ where we mentioned it so we think they may be changing their policy at some point.

We think it has to do with the fact they now have to take $12.50 CFC charge, and they are having problems with clients arriving with no cash to pay it, as well as no credit / Visa Debit card, so it's easier for them to simply say a card is required.

[Cat1]

Thank you Roger, his bank does not offer the visa debit card although my bank does, would it be ok for him to just open an account at my bank put £20 in and use this with just the money to pay the $12.50 and no other funds? As its too short notice to completely change his bank account details with his employer. Do they not swipe it for $500?

[lafifille]

Unless you don't have a driver license, why don't you put yourself as the main driver, and then use your own credit/debit card? Gold option means you're entitled to several drivers, right? And being named the main driver doesn't mean "sole" driver and certainly doesn't force you to drive at all, it's just paperwork...

[Cat1]

No I dont drive so my partner is the named driver.

Ive gone onto Dollars site and used the pre-paid customer relations email to ask this question and this is the response:

Ms. Yarnold,
With a UK pre paid voucher, you have the option to pay with cash or with a credit card for items not covered with the voucher. You will not be required to have a credit card.

Regards,

Brandon Jackson
International Tour Consultant
brandon.jackson@dtag.com
phone: 918-280-7139
fax: 918-669-2799

So ive now asked him if I just pay the $12.50 in cash will that be all i'd need to do.
Ive asked to confirm this so I can print it off and take with me as im not leaving anything to chance.
Will let you know what he says as it may help some of you folks here. x

[Cat1]

Just reading it again what does he mean by items not covered with the voucher?
Its so confusing! im bugging everyone with these questions lately. lol

[roger]

Items not covered by the voucher means the CFC charge and options such as child seats. Sounds like you will be OK.

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Cat1
Just reading it again what does he mean by items not covered with the voucher?
Its so confusing! im bugging everyone with these questions lately. lol
[/quote]

[rogerdunnaker]

CAT.


RELAX!!!!!!