Hotel discourages use of debit cards

[wincrasher]

Apparently, only those who've ruined their lives via debt, bankruptcy, scandal, divorce, drugs or alcoholism are worth taking advice from. Not the ones who've stayed out of trouble.

So being a talk show pundit, radio show host, political commentator or televangelist in not in our future!

[disneysteve]

Apparently, only those who've ruined their lives via debt, bankruptcy, scandal, divorce, drugs or alcoholism are worth taking advice from. Not the ones who've stayed out of trouble.

So being a talk show pundit, radio show host, political commentator or televangelist in not in our future!

I think someone who has ruined his life and then turned things around is a good person to get advice from because they know what they did wrong and they know what it took to fix it.

I also think someone who has never ruined his life is a good person to get advice from because he knows what he has done to stay out of trouble.

The person you don't want advice from is the person who has ruined his life and is still struggling because he has not yet found the way out.

[DebbieL]

[QUOTE=wincrasher;283127
If you can't manage your finances to the point that it freaks you out to put a trip on a CC, then maybe you shouldn't be traveling at all.[/QUOTE]

Well, I think that's a little harsh. I think that if that person (for whatever reasons) doesn't want a credit card, and has the money to pay for their travel up front - what's the problem? Only people who utilize credit cards like you (and me) should have the right to travel?

My dad is 81 years old. He's never had a credit card and has no desire for one. He has lots of money, and no issues with overspending ever. He travels some. Why not?

[wincrasher]

Well, I think that's a little harsh. I think that if that person (for whatever reasons) doesn't want a credit card, and has the money to pay for their travel up front - what's the problem? Only people who utilize credit cards like you (and me) should have the right to travel?

My dad is 81 years old. He's never had a credit card and has no desire for one. He has lots of money, and no issues with overspending ever. He travels some. Why not?

Sensitive much?

If you read the threads, you'd see some are saying they have a cc, but are afraid to charge their travel on it and want to use debit instead, but complain of the holds. So if you have a cc, but are afraid to use it and gain it's benefits and protections, then what is the point of having it?

But if your old man can afford the freedom of traveling around paying cash, then more power to him. But spare us the complaints if he gets in a dispute and is screwed out of his money. Travel can certainly be made more care-free if you play the CC game.

[ActYourWage]

I think someone who has ruined his life and then turned things around is a good person to get advice from because they know what they did wrong and they know what it took to fix it.

I also think someone who has never ruined his life is a good person to get advice from because he knows what he has done to stay out of trouble.

The person you don't want advice from is the person who has ruined his life and is still struggling because he has not yet found the way out.

Yes, good points. Also, in the fitness area, people seem to listen to the advice of someone that was one of "them". Actually, some people seek out that person's advice. It creates an automatic connection.

Some of DR's advice is general advice to a large audience, that is one reason people disagree with him in areas. However, there are a lot of people that have the head knowledge about finances, fitness, etc. but do not practice it. DR practices and preaches it and it works. That is one reason why people listen to him. Also, I have heard many stories where people did not like DR, but then actually listened to his advice and started to like him. One has to realize on his show he is talking mostly with people that are in trouble with money, which is one of the main reasons he is so adamant against CC. He sees the ugly side too often.

[DebbieL]

Sensitive much?

If you read the threads, you'd see some are saying they have a cc, but are afraid to charge their travel on it and want to use debit instead, but complain of the holds. So if you have a cc, but are afraid to use it and gain it's benefits and protections, then what is the point of having it?

But if your old man can afford the freedom of traveling around paying cash, then more power to him. But spare us the complaints if he gets in a dispute and is screwed out of his money. Travel can certainly be made more care-free if you play the CC game.

You really come across as a jerk.

As for the "sensitive much" sarcastic comment - no, I'm not. I personally DO use a credit card, and use it wisely. I just don't appreciate other people coming down on others who for their own reason don't choose to use credit cards.

Don't bother with a response - I'm sure you will find another way to come across as a condescending know-it-all.

And yes, my "old man" as you call him, does just fine and can handle his own affairs.

Why don't you go roll around in your stacks of $100 bills. That seems to make you happy.

[disneysteve]

I have heard many stories where people did not like DR, but then actually listened to his advice and started to like him.

I would be one of those people. If you search back to last year and before, I was usually the one bashing DR. Since I got my iPhone, I started listening to his podcasts and I've found that much of his advice is quite reasonable and largely common sense stuff. There are still a number of things he preaches that I disagree with, but overall, he has a good show.

[disneysteve]

Folks, please refrain from personal comments, attacks and name-calling.

Your friendly moderator,

[cicy33]

My debit card, which is my ATM card, clearly says DEBIT and Platinum Check Card on it. It wouldn't be mistaken by a credit card.

This is true, Disney, and I did pull out my card to check!! but I don't usually hand my card over to many people. there is usually a swipe thing on the desk that I use. so there is no way for them to know. at our restaurant they only run it as if it was credit, debit pin option is not available.

I guess I have been fortunate that no hotel has put such high holds on my card. I wouldn't like it. I mean what if you go into a restaurant and the lady says at the door, I need your card just in case you break something or order a really expensive item. nobody would put up with it but hotels can get away with it. I don't think it is fair. If you do something then they should have the option to charge you but not before the fact. It is just wrong.

[jerrycates]

I ought to send this to Dave Ramsey and see what he says.

I just booked a trip online and when making the reservation, got this message:

"The XXXX XXXXX Inn discourages the use of debit cards, and kindly asks that if another method of payment is not an inconvenience, 
it be used to reserve your guest room."

I'm curious why they say that. I suppose it has something to do with people giving a debit card number on an account that has no money in it, or not enough to cover the bill. Has anyone else ever encountered this?

Maybe you're right. Can't blame these businesses if they have had the lot of mis-identity experience over the net. No matter how much the cost was, the problem is within the use of wrong information or in case that you mentioned, no enough funds to cover the bill. I haven't encountered that yet, hopefully I won't. Because if that would keep happening, we will all have problems on booking for travels. Defeats the purpose of online booking.

[mom-from-missouri]

That makes sense. Again, this goes directly against what DR teaches. I know his response would be to just not do business at places with this policy, but if this becomes the norm, then what will he say - don't stay in hotels?

Actually he has addressed this on the radio, either pay cash, stay at a different hotel, or if you absolutely have to get a cc for this purpose only and pay in full.

[JimInOK]

RE: DR's advocation of no CC's anytime anywhere:

I really think he's advocating a harsh mindset against debt for people (and there are a ton of them out there) who WILL get sucked back in without such a mindset. When the whole culture is telling you it's okay to carry $1,000 on your credit cards, and from that point, hey, $2,000 isn't really hurting anything, and so and so on; many people NEED that harsh mindset to stay out of the CC trap.

Keep in mind, with a lot of the people he deals with, his primary task is to stop the bleeding.

[littleroc02us]

When my wife and I travel we simply reserve our rooms with our Visa Check Card and then pay at the end. Have never had a problem renting a car or room or buying an airplane ticket.