Can I use a credit card to guarantee car rental/hotel ressie before we file?

[goblue]

We are hoping to file Chapter 7 mid to end September. However, there is a short business trip in early September (2 nights). Can my husband use our credit card when he checks into the hotel and pick up the car and then pay cash as he leaves? I'm not sure how difficult it would be to get the car and hotel without a major credit card.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[mmenz22779]

As long as it is for work and you can prove it then it should not be an issue, but if you are going to use it the file then try and get the charges discharged then that could be an issue.

Sept is right around the 90 day window.

I would say this

If you use it to book the reservation then pay if off ASAP or pay in cash at the counter. Keep the recipts and what ever proof you have that it was for buisness and not pleasure.

You can also try a debit card with a VISA logo or get a prepaid credit card to use.

good luck.

[relief13035]

You can always pay cash at checkin at a hotel. Then use a credit card as a hold for incidentals. The card will be authorized upon arrival though. The authorization will normally drop off within 3-7 business days. Many hotels (mine included) do express checkout as a courtesy to our guests. Make sure at checkin to advise them that you do not want express checkout.

[BradyFL]

Stayed at many hotels and you can insist on paying cash even at the best ones...They will put a hold for incidentals on your cc..even that you can put cash up

[viking64]

I'm in a similar situation regarding car rental for an upcoming trip. It's partial business, partial family medical (brother beginning chemo-therapy, and I'm visiting him before he starts).

Anyway, I plan on using the card at car pick-up, and then pay with debit upon return. That way, no charges on card and no hassle at pick-up. Several car companies, including Hertz (whom I'm using) do a credit check if you use a debit card and place a hold for anticipated charged plus $200. While I will have cash in bank, I don't want the credit check (is 617 too bad to rent a car, hmmm?)

For hotel, we are using a Visa Travel Card through AAA. It's prepaid, but of a higher class than a typical pre-paid card. It basically replaces travelers checks. That way, no hold on cash in my checking account.

For what it's worth, Enterprise allows debit cards with no credit check at some locations. However, you have to be flying into and out of that airport. I'm flying into Long Beach and out of San Francisco. Since I don't need to use the car for the whole trip, I just want to pick it up at Orange County (closest to my location) for the part I need it but Enterprise wouldn't let me use Debit since I'm not using THAT airport. Oh well - thus my plan to stick with Hertz, use credit for hold, and then pay with Debit. Fortunately, credit card is paid up through trip (just consulted attorney yesterday).

I am a little nervous because I've stopped paying cards and two are due before July 16. I have this fear of those cards immediately reporting "deadbeat" in trashing my ability to use the good card for the hold. Of course, that won't happen since I will have just missed my first payment with the 2 cards, but this whole process is nerve-wracking anyway.

[Amy26]

viking64 ,They seem to be lax on reporting negatively in this bad economy. I have been watching my credit report like a hawk the last few months...why? Cause ... I'm .... like bored... anyways... it took my mortgage company 2 months to report me as late so I was "pays as agrees" till I was 61 days behind. My credit cards also seem to be lazy... I had stopped paying a month or 2 ago and they have already reported my June stuff as "pays as agreed". A few of them have changed my balances to zero and put IIB but the others are still just sitting there looking pretty. At least that is my experience!!

So, you might be ok for a little bit.

[viking64]

viking64 ,They seem to be lax on reporting negatively in this bad economy. I have been watching my credit report like a hawk the last few months...why? Cause ... I'm .... like bored... anyways... it took my mortgage company 2 months to report me as late so I was "pays as agrees" till I was 61 days behind. My credit cards also seem to be lazy... I had stopped paying a month or 2 ago and they have already reported my June stuff as "pays as agreed". A few of them have changed my balances to zero and put IIB but the others are still just sitting there looking pretty. At least that is my experience!!

So, you might be ok for a little bit.

Well, the 2 cards I just missed payments on are Citi and HSBC. I've not charged on Citi since January, paid $150 over minimum for 6 months, then they up my interest to 29.9% and drop my credit limit to below my current balance last month. Heck, I wouldn't be surprised if they sent private couriers after me banging on every door until they found me given that over-reaction to my history. (I write that last part in jest, but they do seem to be jittery.)

In the last 5 years, I've never been more than 30 days late on any payment, except for one $2 Shell remaining balance I forgot to pay. And another card shut me down because I was 30 days late. So, that's started a cascade of fun on my credit report and credit card terms. The card I'm using for the rental hold is Capital One, and they've always seemed happy with me and I've been happy with them.

[thereshope]

Thanks for posting this question goblue.

I have the same issue. I have to go on a business trip 100% for work, it was a pain process to get the approval to go. But once approved I had to get my ticket that day, but I didn't know I needed a credit card.

I only have one credit card that I can even use which has a low limit. I didn't have it with me, so my boss had to get the plane ticket and I'll have to pay the hotel. A bit of an embarrassment. The company will reimburse as soon as I return from the trip and submit my receipts.

I haven't filed yet so I was a little concerned since I'll be filing soon.