Never seen this before

[Shannow]

It's a debit card.

I can use it at EFTPOS, type my pin and go (and pay the bank$1), or I can press "credit", and sign the receipt.

Luvky I did it and not my BIL. he was touring on a budget, and wouldn't have made it home.

 

[wantin150]

Been common practice for years. Hotels and fuel stations are the worst for holding funds. A simple $10 gas purchase can hold (and then bounce other debits) $75 or more when used as a debit card. Always use it as a Visa unless it is a POS purchase at a retailer. Debit is more secure there because you have to enter a PIN. Very few merchants actually check ID anymore.

 

[BearZDefect]

All in the details, as others explained above...

That is why you need a $5,000 limit credit card for a $1,000 expedition.

And just say no to debit cards.

 

[Steve S]

Debit cards are like K@N air filters,

 

[mechtech2]

Many debit cards are protected by the issuing bank, nowadays.
It is not for certain, though.
I guess they can get away with it, but it just isn't right for them hotel/motel] to control someone else's money like that.

 

[JustinH]

Yeah, the bottom line is to avoid this, simply use a credit card.

You know, the high interest rate one in your wallet..

I have one in my wallet, with a zero balance on it. The only time I use it is at hotels, or when making a large purchase to get the extra warranty on the item.