Is a merchant who accepts Mastercard credit cards also obligated to accept Mastercard Debit cards? Same question with respect to Visa. Thanks
I have a M/C and Visa merchant account but I do not accept any debit cards. If I did I would accept the Visa/MC debit cards though.
According to a conversation with a MC rep the answer is yes. They said you can report anyone who refuses. They said that's the whole point of the MC logo being there.
This doesn't apply to holds, reservations, etc., though, does it? Here's an entry from the Enterprise website Help section: Can I use my debit card to rent the car? wajaba
I originally asked this question because I wanted to use a web hosting service that billed monthly. They would only take credit cards - no debit cards, no checks, no billing. I would prefer to use my debit card.
Anyone organization that accepts Visa/Mastercard credit cards are also required to accept Visa/Mastercard debit card, but they are to treat them as credit cards (if the co. does not have a debit machine set up). A couple months ago this caused a frenzy between some big retailers and Mastercard and Visa because the merchants had to treat the debit cards as credit cards (making the merchant pay extra in fees to V & M). An example, as a merchant the following fees (based on % of sales) are charged (these are just estimates) Visa credit card - 1.79% + $.20 per transaction Mastercard credit card - 1.79% + $.20 per transaction Discover - 1.79% + $.20 per transaction American Express - 3.3% of transaction Debit card - usually just $.20-.50 per transaction As a merchant it is much more affordable for a customer to use a debit card. And here is why: Say you're a small retail company specializing in home accessories a customer purchases $450 worth of accessories. A merchant would prefer the following: Cash or check (no transaction fee) Debit card - $.30 on $450 dollars, sale becomes $449.70. V, M, or D - $8.06 + $.20 = $8.26 (on a $450 tran..which is payable to the merchants bank). So the sale becomes $441.74, instead of $450.00. Amex - $14.85, sales becomes $435.15. You can see how credit card fees cut into a retailer's profits. But, M&V required all merchants to accept debit cards (with the M&V logo on them) as credit cards if that is how the customer chooses to pay. Dani
I have never had a problem using a debit card for reservations ie hotels, rental cars. I always thought they were accepeted anywhere Visa/MC was, and were treated pretty much they same way. But, that's just my experience, and like I said, I never had any problem with them what so ever. Andi Me casa es su casa, just don't be an idiot and drink all the beer.
I've never had a trouble using mine to travel. On rental cars they get an approval for the entire amount so you have to have funds available. This is where some people get in trouble not realizing how much is being reserved. Whenever I use my debit card I tell the merchant it's a Visa or MC. Try that with the web host that won't take debit cards.
last year Hertz would not let me make a resevation w/ my Visa check card(debit) they said I had to make the reservation w/ a traditional CC, however they said I could pay with the Visa check card when returned the car? kinda odd but I have hear other car rental companies have the same policy
