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

[dave_k63]

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. :)

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong - I. saw something about the "micro" credit cards with only a $600 limit not being accepted. That may have changed or I may have misread it.

[dave_k63]

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))

Good idea!

[bplazo]

O.K. Are you suspicious? What are the odds?

 

Good, my husband had someone who used his debit card number. The bank did refund the money but he had to wait a few weeks.

[TEXAZJEWL]

Here is what we do:

 

We use a regular CC to set up our onboard account. The last night of the cruise, I go to the purser's desk and either pay off the account with cash or ask them to use my debit card instead. They can switch the card immediately and that way there is only the one large charge authorized.

 

Sometimes if we spend more than we expected, we'll put most of it on the debit card and have them charge the rest to the credit card.

 

This seems to be the easiest solution, as long as you control your onboard spending and make sure you have the funds to use your debit card at the end of the cruise.

[SexyK]

I used the Visa pre-paid on my last cruise. I even went over my limit n they paid it. Then when I got home had to pay them the amount I went over. This trip Im doing the Funship dollars.

[lola61]

Using my debit card, think I'll just put extra $$$ in my checking in there so there will be no worries.

[MississippiMom]

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 did not read all of the responses, but you should never put your debit card down for the onboard account. First of all, if someone steals your account number, they will have access to the entire balance that you have in your checking account, and then what are you going to do. Additionally, many credit unions have a very low limit on the daily amount that they will allow on their debit card.

 

I would ask your credit union if you can quickly apply and receive one of their credit cards, so that you can use it on the cruise. If there isn't time, see if they sell the pre-paid VISAs and put the amount that you think you will need on there and use that instead.

[bbohbbneedacruise]

Using my debit card, think I'll just put extra $$$ in my checking in there so there will be no worries.

 

This is a thread post from the CCL FB fan page.

 

In brief it goes like this .. young couple take cruise without reading or asking questions.

They get to the airport and find they have no available funds to pay extra baggage fees to get home.:eek:

 

They of course insist that CCL *stole* their money.

[Cactuscruise]

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.

 

Unless things have changed in the last two years pre-paid debit and credit cards are not accepted by many cruise lines to set-up onboard accounts.

[SWSSMH]

I call Carnival a few weeks before my cruise and have money applied to my S&S card. This way as soon as I get on the Lido I can get my first DOD and no messing with a machine or stopping at the desk to put on money. If you need cash, there is a way to get it from your card in the casino.

 

Its easy and works great. Just call and put down how much you think you'll need and bring your debit or prepaid card for "just in case" but hopefully you won't need it.

 

 

Can anyone tell me a bit more about how this works? If I'm understanding correctly - I can call Carnival prior to our cruise, and have them deposit money to our S&S account using my CC over the phone? And it's there, ready to use as soon as I check-in & board the ship?

 

If so, that sounds like a great option. I love pre-paying as much as I can.

[bbohbbneedacruise]

Using my debit card, think I'll just put extra $$$ in my checking in there so there will be no worries.

 

Can anyone tell me a bit more about how this works? If I'm understanding correctly - I can call Carnival prior to our cruise, and have them deposit money to our S&S account using my CC over the phone? And it's there, ready to use as soon as I check-in & board the ship?

 

If so, that sounds like a great option. I love pre-paying as much as I can.

 

You can no longer order online so you must call now.

 

Available in $25, $50, $100 and $500 denominations, customized Fun Ship Dollars can be used towards the purchase of a cruise or as an onboard credit.

Our knowledgeable Fun Ship Dollar representatives are available to answer your questions about our products, help you make a selection, and take your credit card order.

You can reach our Special Programs and Promotions department by telephone; toll free, at 1-800-906-7603 during the following hours:

 

Monday - Saturday 8:00am - 8:30pm, Eastern Time

Phone orders are accepted up to one week prior to sailing. Visa, MasterCard, Discover® Network and American Express accepted.

 

Customer Service is closed Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day.

[Lovefuninthesun]

We have always used a debit card and NEVER had any issues with holds, etc. I have also used debit in Europe & Africa, also no problem. I always call the bank to let them know we'll be out of country. On this cruise we are going to try something different and go totally cash deposit. I am trying to load as much OBC ahead of time, as well.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Wildgrits]

We don't use CC's either. On our last cruise we used cash. The only time this was a hassle was the first day on the ship. The line at the Purser's desk was soooooo long.Instead of putting a lump chunk of cash on our S&S card, we added every other day. The reason being was we didn't want to get stuck with no cash in hand and a check from Carnival refunding what we didn't use the last day of the cruise. We do use our debt card from our checking account but didn't want to worry about disputing a charge and having some crazy amount missing from our checking account.Next time we are going to use a Visa/gift card for our first day charges and then use cash after the first day so we don't have to deal with that huge line again.

[Wildgrits]

We checked our balance at the kiosks that they have around the ship which makes us fully conscious of our spending.

 

What Kiosks are you talking about? Can you add set amounts to your S&S from them?

[tef43]

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.

This is 100% correct. They do not cancel the daily authorizations once the final charges are withdrawn from your bank account, but rather allow them to expire after a week.

 

This results in a reduced amount of "available funds" in your bank account which could result in an overdrawn situation for you.

[maggie cruises]

All this nonsense about.."Old School"...hating credit cards....if you can't pay for it don't buy it...is pure bunk...

 

credit cards are a safe and viable and useful product because:

 

1. They protect you in case of emergency....read the literature that comes with the application to see what I mean

 

 

2. They do not drain your account due to fraud..but rather charge your account...allow you 30 days to pay it back....and give you the 1000% right to dispute any errors...and at the same time...

 

3. Did not drain you checking account which you use to live on..pay your bills with...and get pocket cash....again to live on...

 

 

When you travel you use a credit card....this just makes sense....

 

 

You pay it off immeadiately upon returning from the trip....once you are sure all of the charges are correct....and if not...you didpute them...but..

 

again...your checking account which you use to live on has not been comprimised...as you have used a credit card...

 

 

yes, some people open a defferent checking account for travel...as I do...and fund it with some cash for ATM withgrawals....but still....that account is limited to what you have funded...which may be what?$2000...and will never ever be enough to help you in a true emergency....

 

however, a credit card...with a $15,000 plus credit limit will save you in a crisis hopefully...allow you to spend up to what ever you have budgeted for yourself.....and not cause you to lose any sleep...should you debit card be:

 

A. cloned at an ATM

 

B. have a large hold put on it making the cash unavailable to you

 

C. using up your own cash...when you could easily be charging on a credit card and paying off asap after your vacation

 

As an added benefit...you will earn cash refund points from most credit cards...which I use to fund the next trip...

 

Every dime I spend goes on a credit card...is paid off monthly...and I have Peace of Mind...cash rewards....and the ability to dispute anything that is incorrect...and not one penny of my cash is at risk.

 

 

There is noting wrong with credit cards and everything right about them...

 

 

of course IMHO some of those who do not use CC may have problems qualifing for them...but that is not my point here....nor do I believe it was the OP's point.

[maggie cruises]

Here is what we do:

 

We use a regular CC to set up our onboard account. The last night of the cruise, I go to the purser's desk and either pay off the account with cash or ask them to use my debit card instead. They can switch the card immediately and that way there is only the one large charge authorized.

 

Sometimes if we spend more than we expected, we'll put most of it on the debit card and have them charge the rest to the credit card.

 

This seems to be the easiest solution, as long as you control your onboard spending and make sure you have the funds to use your debit card at the end of the cruise.

 

Why bother with all this? Just let them charge the credit card and right a check to pay it off the day you get home...or better yet go to your banks online bill pay and save the cost of a stamp.

[bbohbbneedacruise]

What Kiosks are you talking about? Can you add set amounts to your S&S from them?

 

The Sail & Sign (S&S) Kiosk is a self service terminal enabling guests on board to conveniently manage and access their onboard Sail & Sign accounts. The terminal is accessed by using the touch screen monitor which allows application navigation. Throughout the screens, various navigational options are available. The functions within the kiosks are:

 

ü Check Sail & Sign balance

ü View statement / Print statement

ü Review or restrict Account Users

Ø Set charge limit

Ø Set-up guest as ‘Not Authorized’ to charge

ü Open new accounts

ü Apply payments (cash and credit card)

ü Withdraw cash ($5 or more); any balance left on the guest’s S&S account less than $5, the guest will receive the regular Bank of America check at the end of the cruise

ü Change bills into smaller bills (Kiosk will dispense $20 / $10 / $5)

Ø U.S bills only

Ø Bills will be converted into the next smaller denominations available; Example: $50 bill = $20 + $20 + $10

[maggie cruises]

O.K. Are you suspicious? What are the odds?

 

The last cruise I was on...this summer....10 people I spoke with had their debit cards cloned at ATM in Venice prior to embarcation....they only knew about this issue because they were at hotels that had free wifi and had laptops with them...and as we all claim to do ..and smartly so....always check their accounts online...

 

good thing they were all able to do this while still on land and make calls to their banks because it would have cost a fortune to do this from the ship..

 

 

I kid you not...we spoke with 10 pax minimum that this happened to on our cruise...and it happened on the day of or before embarcation and all agreed that they were just plain fortunate to have had internet access and the ability to find out about the fraud and the ability to freeze their debit accounts...

 

of course for the rest of their trips...which had not even started yet...they had no access to their remaining...whatever was left of it...cash.....!!!!

 

That is why you should travel with not one but 2 debit cards linked to different checking accounts AND 2 different credit cards.....

 

not to mention CASH...in US as well as local currency (obtained from home)

[sharonax3]

EVERYONE should have a credit card. It is much safer to use a cc than a debit card. IF someone steals your debit card#, all your money is gone. If some one steals your cc#, it is not your money and you can dispute. Why worry about all this stuff, get a credit card, use their money for 30 days, and make sure to pay it off when you get the bill .Getting a credit card is the first step in establishing your credit. Yes, you must use it wisely.. Saying you don't like/use credit cards is crazy, you just need to have control and be able to pay off the balance at the end of the month. I put everything on a credit card and have received approximately $400 so far this year. Just one of many perks...