Spain car rental really cheap?

[TimberWolf]

I think you are correct in the UK, but it may be different abroad. I tried switching to a debit card and had problems with hotels because the technology didn't seem to be as reliable as credit cards for some reason. All else was fine except for when trying to rent a van for a house move. No joy at all there.

My reason for scrapping credit cards was more to do with avoiding currency fluctuations when I was earning local currency abroad. New country, no credit history, I didn't want to depend on a card in sterling, and I found I could get by without one nicely. I may be missing out on the occasional internet bargain, but given what they cost per year I can live with that.

The only time I've not been able to use my (visa) debit card over the last decade has been today in car hire. Never had a problem with hotels. Not that I've tried renting a car, I've been reading other customer woeful experiences. At best debit card holders get ripped off, but mostly they won't be able to hire a car at all.

[TimberWolf]

Make sure they don't charge you for a full tank (no refunds when you return) - most do, so check the small print veeeeery carefully.

After some research I've discovered that the fuel rip-off practise is ubiquitous in Spain, at least with the 'cheaper' hire operators. Fuel purchase off them is compulsory. A full tank. Their fuel prices are about double that in the petrol stations, so this can be a significant sum, perhaps approaching £100. Return with a full tank and there will be no refund (this will be hidden in small print). In fact the next customer will pay for the fuel again. All a bit academic for me anyway, as I don't have a credit card.