Card on File - To Debit or Not to Debit, that is the ?

[smplyblessed619]

Hello all!! I have read a few times not to use a debit VISA card when setting up your onboard accounts...but no one really listed why. I don't have a CC and would be using this one for my 1st cruise...what are the downsides to using a debit card, if any? My mother (cruise-buddy) was going to opt to use her debit for her account as well.....I was advised to let my credit union know I'll be on a cruise and planned on using cash while in ports...

Thanks for any help...

[docs wife]

Every day, the ship will get an authorization from your bank for the amount spent each day. On the last day, they will charge one lump sum for the complete cruise and some banks do not release the "holds" until 5-7 days later, resulting in you needing twice as much money in your account to cover your expenses.

[mkleblanc]

Hi- We are in the same boat (haha). We don't have a CC ad were thinking of using a debit card. From everything I have read about it, there can be hold put on the debit card that can last for days sometimes weeks. This can get tricky if you only have a certain amount in your checking, have automatic bill pay, or need to access funds off the ship. With holds, you can't get cash, can't have bills go through, etc, etc. We are thinking of opening a separate account that has a debit card simply for our cruise. That way we won't be holding a ton of cash on us during travel and can use a card that wont really matter if it has a hold on it. We've also had suggestions to just put cash down for the S&S and decline putting a card, or use traveler's checks, etc.... Do what you think will work for you!

[smplyblessed619]

Hi- We are in the same boat (haha). We don't have a CC ad were thinking of using a debit card. From everything I have read about it, there can be hold put on the debit card that can last for days sometimes weeks. This can get tricky if you only have a certain amount in your checking, have automatic bill pay, or need to access funds off the ship. With holds, you can't get cash, can't have bills go through, etc, etc. We are thinking of opening a separate account that has a debit card simply for our cruise. That way we won't be holding a ton of cash on us during travel and can use a card that wont really matter if it has a hold on it. We've also had suggestions to just put cash down for the S&S and decline putting a card, or use traveler's checks, etc.... Do what you think will work for you!

 

Well...I've grown up with a rather old school parent...he's 68 and never had a CC. He's always taught me, if you need something pay for it in cash...lol and I'm grateful for that. Unlike most folks my age who got a CC as soon as they turned 18 and are in debt, me not so much...anyway, I digress. LOL.

 

I was thinking about those pre-paid VISA things??? A coworker suggested her mother has one and uses it like a savings plan up to her cruise and then uses it for her drinks/gambling. Sounded like a great idea to me, but I'm not sure if that's acceptable for your onboard account?

 

I could see how the hold situation could get a bit iffy - hotels tend to hold for "2-3 days" which causes me to call my credit union on the 3rd day and say, "LIFT THE HOLD ALREADY, GEESH!". But they always do...but being on a ship, maybe not be as easy as calling from my cell I suppose.

[Almost Packed]

i know this is a bit off your topic, but i hate credit cards. however, i have one just for travel purposes ONLY for cruises, reservations etc. it can also be used in an emergency-for example i missed the ship and had to fly myself to the next port or home.

 

perhaps this could be an option?

 

i hate thinking that someone can put a hold on all of my money like that and take their sweet time releasing it back to me.

 

maybe someone can touch on this as well...what about a prepaid visa card or something like that. i wonder if the cruise lines except those? that way you could put funds in there and not have to worry about it tying up your regular checking account ???

[smplyblessed619]

i know this is a bit off your topic, but i hate credit cards. however, i have one just for travel purposes ONLY for cruises, reservations etc. it can also be used in an emergency-for example i missed the ship and had to fly myself to the next port or home.

 

perhaps this could be an option?

 

i hate thinking that someone can put a hold on all of my money like that and take their sweet time releasing it back to me.

 

maybe someone can touch on this as well...what about a prepaid visa card or something like that. i wonder if the cruise lines except those? that way you could put funds in there and not have to worry about it tying up your regular checking account ???

 

LOL We must've posted at the same time (or 2 minutes apart I see). The pre-paid VISA was suggested and I'm awaiting some suggestions from others...I may just ask my Carnival rep if I don't get any answers. I may consider getting a CC for this trip however, that's a long-shot...I am not a fan either as I stated above ^^ :D

[SadieN]

Well...I've grown up with a rather old school parent...he's 68 and never had a CC. He's always taught me, if you need something pay for it in cash...lol and I'm grateful for that. Unlike most folks my age who got a CC as soon as they turned 18 and are in debt, me not so much...anyway, I digress. LOL.

 

I was thinking about those pre-paid VISA things??? A coworker suggested her mother has one and uses it like a savings plan up to her cruise and then uses it for her drinks/gambling. Sounded like a great idea to me, but I'm not sure if that's acceptable for your onboard account?

 

I could see how the hold situation could get a bit iffy - hotels tend to hold for "2-3 days" which causes me to call my credit union on the 3rd day and say, "LIFT THE HOLD ALREADY, GEESH!". But they always do...but being on a ship, maybe not be as easy as calling from my cell I suppose.

 

If you do decide to go the PrePaid Visa route make sure it has your name imprinted on it. Carnival won't accept it without a name. Watch out for any fees attached to these, some are quite hefty.

 

Another idea is to bring cash and use the debit card as a backup. Cash is spent first then any charges/holds would be against your debit card.

[firefly333]

I used a debit VISA card for years with never a problem. Unless you back up source is thin on cash, no problems.

 

I think the slamming of debit cards is overrated.

[lorijeannj]

Hello all!! I have read a few times not to use a debit VISA card when setting up your onboard accounts...but no one really listed why. I don't have a CC and would be using this one for my 1st cruise...what are the downsides to using a debit card, if any? My mother (cruise-buddy) was going to opt to use her debit for her account as well.....I was advised to let my credit union know I'll be on a cruise and planned on using cash while in ports...

Thanks for any help...

 

I would call your credit union to let them know you will be out of town travelling. They are good at suspicious transactions and not that a cruise is suspicious, but you never know.

 

As far as using your debit VISA, no problem. But like others have stated they put a hold of funds on your card day to day. As long as you got the funds, don't worry about it.

[smplyblessed619]

Thanks for those suggestions...I'll definitely let my CU know in advance...last time I put $12 at a Pilot gas station they held $150 and I was on the road over the weekend. My CU and I are on a 1st name basis and I'm sure I'll be telling them ALLLLL about my cruise well in advance lol.

[truchattycathy]

Just my two cents worth.....Why not use cash and debit as a backup as someone suggested. Are you prepared if Carnival makes a mistake on your billing and it causes you to over draw? It happens. Just a suggestion.

[smplyblessed619]

Just my two cents worth.....Why not use cash and debit as a backup as someone suggested. Are you prepared if Carnival makes a mistake on your billing and it causes you to over draw? It happens. Just a suggestion.

 

 

I was planning on keeping cash for the ports but hadn't thought of carrying a large amount on me to be honest. I hardly carry cash day-to-day but I wouldn't be against it, I suppose.

[BoooBooKitEFk]

I've used a debit card connected to a bank account 4 times now... not once did they place a hold daily. I saw a hold placed on day 2 of my cruise for the amount of tips only and nothing more. Once I went over that amount, they put a hold of $100 until I used that amount. I did use that $100, but they weren't putting a hold with every single amount that I charged, unlike some people will tell you. Some will tell you that they will pre-hold the $XX.xx, and then hold the $8.95, $6.95, $7.95 etc. as they are charged on top of the original hold. That hasn't been my experience.

 

For what it's worth, I've decided now to pre-pay some OBC in order to keep the S&S bill down. It's a good idea for me... even though I know I'm paying the same in the long run, having most if not all of it prepaid makes it easier to swallow.....

 

Have a wonderful trip!

[geckog]

You could also buy funship dollars ahead of time so you don't have to "carry" the cash.

 

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[smplyblessed619]

I've used a debit card connected to a bank account 4 times now... not once did they place a hold daily. I saw a hold placed on day 2 of my cruise for the amount of tips only and nothing more. Once I went over that amount, they put a hold of $100 until I used that amount. I did use that $100, but they weren't putting a hold with every single amount that I charged, unlike some people will tell you. Some will tell you that they will pre-hold the $XX.xx, and then hold the $8.95, $6.95, $7.95 etc. as they are charged on top of the original hold. That hasn't been my experience.

 

For what it's worth, I've decided now to pre-pay some OBC in order to keep the S&S bill down. It's a good idea for me... even though I know I'm paying the same in the long run, having most if not all of it prepaid makes it easier to swallow.....

 

Have a wonderful trip!

 

 

Thanks! I've actually opted to pre-pay as well. I just want to pay everything I can long before it's due...so that I can start counting my pennies for November :D.

[Blueboss]

We don't use credit cards either. We use the debit card to book our cruise and I always keep an eye on the bank account with online banking. We use cash for our sail and sign card. We carry some cash for shopping in port, but we don't buy big ticket items either, just the usual trinkets for the kids. We do carry a debit card with us in case we have to fly home in an emergency, but have not needed to.

[GranysT]

I also don't believe in a lot of CC, as they are too easy to use, and can lead to big trouble. I used to have several, but got out from under them. Now I use only 1, and keep that one paid down. But, I think everyone should have 1 good CC. They're a good second ID. You can't rent a car without 1, and you never know when a plan B might come in handy. Suppose you were stranded somewhere, and needed to purchase an airline ticket on the spot. Could your debit card cover an expense like that? Of course if you've never had credit, it's very hard to get credit. No one wants to be first, so it's catch 22.

[Saz45c]

My first cruise I used my debit card, I spent almost $900, I know, crazy, and my bank did each pre-approved hold and the total amount at the end, nearly $2,000!!! It took 5 days to finally get the money back in my account, my second cruise I went to the bank, explained the previous situation and they said there would be no problem and just final bill would be charged, didn't happen!! After numerous calls to the bank and Carnival the holds were released in about 3 days, ever since then I use cash, whatever I don't spend they give back in a check and they will cash it at the pursers desk if you want.

[smplyblessed619]

So am I safe to assume that THESE are the things that are charged to your account:

 

* Beverages (alc/non-alc not included)

* Excursions

* Casino (I/A)

* On Board Purchases

* Gratuities - if not pre-paid?

 

GranysT - That is true. It's a catch 22 and I've thought about checking into secured CCs (just one) to help with my credit score ((looking to purchase a home this year, it was suggested)) but even THAT's hard to get...lol.

[smplyblessed619]

My first cruise I used my debit card, I spent almost $900, I know, crazy, and my bank did each pre-approved hold and the total amount at the end, nearly $2,000!!! It took 5 days to finally get the money back in my account, my second cruise I went to the bank, explained the previous situation and they said there would be no problem and just final bill would be charged, didn't happen!! After numerous calls to the bank and Carnival the holds were released in about 3 days, ever since then I use cash, whatever I don't spend they give back in a check and they will cash it at the pursers desk if you want.

 

 

I could see how that would be a serious nightmare...and something I'm not willing to deal with...especially with being out in the ocean and paradise for 6days only to come home and deal with that.

[lpsteve]

On my cruise last year I brought an envelope with cash. I put what I thought I would need on my sail and sign and saved the rest in the cabin safe. At each port of call I just took what I needed with me. I am glad I didn't use my debit card. I used a debit on my cruise in 2008 and had nothing but stress with the holds they were putting on the card. I will only use cash from now on and bring debit/credit card in case of emergency.

[trevionesmommy]

When my husband and I went on our first cruise last February, I added cash via one of the little stations in the port. When it was getting low, I decided to link a card. I chose to link a prepaid visa debit that I knew had enough money.

 

When we got home I realized my balance was wayyyy lower than I thought it should be. I called and after quite a bit of calculating, we realized that every time I swiped my sign and sail card, it put an authorization in for that amount. Usually this authorization is lifted the next day when the sale goes through. However, Carnival didn't complete the sale, they only authorized it. Then, the last day of the cruise, they put a sale through for one amount, the TOTAL amount of everything I had swiped my card for since I had linked my card to my SS account. My card company didn't have anyway to know that these charges were one and the same since they were obviously different amounts. So I had to wait until the authorizations expired, unless someone from carnival would call or fax or whatever it was they would have needed to do to release those authorizations. I was told this takes 10 business days. So every day, starting 10 business days from my first post-debit link swipe, I would get some money released back to me. It took a few weeks total to get it all back, and it came back in increments.

 

I do not know if regular bank account debit cards work in the same fashion. However, this cruise I will be using strictly cash to link my SS card to, and will have a 0 balance credit card as a back-up plan, just in case.

 

That was just my experience, but it was a pain in the you know what!

[Herfnerd]

Really depends on the policies of your bank but I never use my debit card because of the possibility of holds

 

I usually visit the purser's desk as soon as I board and plop down cash in to my OBC acct

[Almost Packed]

LOL We must've posted at the same time (or 2 minutes apart I see). The pre-paid VISA was suggested and I'm awaiting some suggestions from others...I may just ask my Carnival rep if I don't get any answers. I may consider getting a CC for this trip however, that's a long-shot...I am not a fan either as I stated above ^^ :D

 

 

too funny.

 

however, there are some great benefits to use your credit card. now i'm not saying to go charge charge charge. but like i said, i purchase large ticket items on mine, and pay it off immediately. usually my card offers me double the manufactures warranty on items bought or at least an extra year or two-example-the xbox 360 i bought my son. thankfully the cc company kicked in because a month after the microsoft warranty expired, it froze up (a few years ago)

 

and also, many cards offer insurance for rental cars etc. so if you plan on doing a fair amount of traveling, they are good to have, or at least one that you charge a last minute flight out of somewhere on for an emergency.

 

My brother and his wife have zero cards and refuse to get one. they barely have a computer-by their choice. they pay cash for everything. there home overlooking the lake is paid for (not even in their 40's yet) their cars, harley etc. they will not have a credit card. but when we took them on their first cruise, they were responsible for their own s&s card. no credit card problem. so a good friend/neighbor helped them out. they gave them an amount of cash up front and the neighbor called the cc company and had them added as additional card holders. They were able to charge on the card but that was really about it. So that way they had access to a credit card, that wouldn't put a huge hold on their funds and it was no problem.

 

and even still, no credit card for them. it works for them. to each their own right?

 

hopefully someone will answer for us about the pre paid visa cards.

 

either way, you'll have a wonderful time i'm sure. :)

[smplyblessed619]

trevionesmommy - that is awful. I'm leaning toward putting cash on the card (as others have stated) up front and adding as needed...then keeping my debit in case of emergencies.

 

Thanks again for all of your input folks!! ((Man this board is great :D))