There is no difference. The algorithm to create a visa debit card is identicle to the one to create a visa credit card. I use my debit card on car rentals all the time.
It could be because yours, like mine, says "check card" on the top of it. I keep a couple of credit cards, but I don't use them very often. If I want something badly enough, I'll pay cash for it.
Someone brought this up on the Dave Ramsey show last week, then someone replied with a list of those that do: National Avis Enterprise Hertz Not sure if there are more in addition to these.
Mine doesn't say check card. Maybe they just ask me and I honestly answer. It's only been a handful of times that I have rented a car. If I traveled like SF, then I'd likely have a CC just to avoid the hassle. Wait, nevermind, I'd use my AIG corporate card instead.
My next question would be WHY do they care if it's a credit card or a bank card? Either way, they're guaranteed the money, since the card won't clear unless bank gives authorization in either method.
Better be careful. IF AIG uses the corporate Amex the individual is personally liable if the company for some reason cannot pay. I have some colleagues that had several thousand on the Amex Corp cards when Andersen went down. They got stuck.
Funny little site story, to me at least.. not to my wife.... I planed out our honeymoon about eight months ahead of time and paid for/scheduled everything in advance. Well, we arrived at airport in Anchorage, went to get our rental. The clerk was adamant that a credit card was required and a debit card could not be used. The look on my wife's face is one to remember forever.
My corporate card is a Visa but it's up to me to ensure that the Company pays the bill. If there's a late fee, I have to pay it. If it goes bad it's my credit rating that takes the hit. Needless to say, I stay on top of it. One of my employees was several months past due and Visa cancelled his corporate card last year and, thus far, have steadfastly refused to issue a new one.
I don't have a debit card, but I have a credit card that I use like one -- deducting every purchase from my checking balance at the time of the purchase. Then I pay it off in full every month. The card points I built up paid for a new floor in 3 rooms of the house last month.
Chase has a debit card that builds reward points but you have to use it as a credit card, i.e., you have to sign a receipt.
