Rental Cars - Enterprise (credit cards, reservation, online, purchases)

[dragonfly0428]

Just had a bad experience with Enterprise, which surprised me because I've used them for years.

Made a reservation online a week in advance for pickup at RDU Airport. When I got there, I was refused my rental because I didn't have a "major credit card". Well, sorry - I choose a debit card to pay for my purchases up front. And no - I'm not poor. I make a six-figure income!

Anyway, no apology, no alternative offered to me from Enterprise. Just a "see ya, take your card and money and hit the road". I was never told - from the time I made my reservation - that I had better bring one.

Luckily, being at an airport, I had a few other choices, and went to Avis. Without a reservation and a major credit card, they had me a vehicle in 10 minutes. I didn't have to change my plans, which were time-critical. Avis took good care of me; Enterprise didn't give a damn.

I won't be going back to Enterprise any time soon. Probably never again. I don't need them to "pick me up". They let me down.

[Stratford, Ct. Resident]

Sorry that it caused you trouble, but they are upfront about their policy.
Answer

[AVTechMan]

There's some places that still insist on credit cards, because of the holds they put on them. Hotels are the same way, especially if paying by cash. I don't have a credit card either as I use debit for my purchases. The places that won't accept them I simply go elsewhere.

[rfb]

I don't rent from Enterprise after they were unable to honor my confirmed car reservation. I had reserved a minivan for my family, mother-in-law, and dog for a trip to visit my parents. The day of the rental, I received a call indicating they did not have any minivans available. They did have several mid-sized cars, though - non of which met my needs. Given the short (virtually none) notice, I was fortunate to be able to make a reservation at Hertz for my trip. After my experience, I have no intention of renting from Enterprise again.

[dragonfly0428]

Originally Posted by Stratford, Ct. Resident

Sorry that it caused you trouble, but they are upfront about their policy.
Answer

Unfortunately, I didn't look at the Q&A. When I printed my reservation, maybe it should have been on that!?!

[dragonfly0428]

Originally Posted by rfb

I don't rent from Enterprise after they were unable to honor my confirmed car reservation. I had reserved a minivan for my family, mother-in-law, and dog for a trip to visit my parents. The day of the rental, I received a call indicating they did not have any minivans available. They did have several mid-sized cars, though - non of which met my needs. Given the short (virtually none) notice, I was fortunate to be able to make a reservation at Hertz for my trip. After my experience, I have no intention of renting from Enterprise again.

I'm not really thrilled with the Enterprises in our area. Sorry for what happened to you - very stressful!

[sean98125]

When you reserving from Enterprise online, right next to the "Credit Card Type" field in the Renter's Info screen, there is a link that says, "What about debit cards and other forms of payment?"

You're going to find the exact same policy at the other major car rental companies - you need a credit card to rent the car, but you can pay with your debit card when you turn the car back in.

[groove1]

This is not the right place for consumer complaints and violates the TOS. By the way, Enterprise's web site shows you when you reserve a card that you must have a credit card and debit cards are not accepted. Common sense is one thing a six figure income cannot purchase.

[phoenix_talons]

I don't use debit card much except for ATM transactions. Mine has a $700 cap per purchase/expense. Wherever possible, don't use debit. I had to for a while because of a 5-year bad credit that prevented me from applying for a credit card. Once the period expired, credit card became the primary transaction.

My wife loves Enterprise because of their excellent customer service. I'm not too crazy about them as they (the ones that I have rented from) only offer Chevrolet vehicles.

[groove1]

Also, your credit card covers insurance on rental cars; debit cards do not, so if you use debit you have to pay for it.