Originally Posted by MelodyL

Curious:

You said "some places like hotels and gas stations will put a "hold" on a certain amount of money. this can tie up your money for days or even weeks."

Let me see if I have this straight. Let's say I bank at XYZ Bank. I have a bank card which I can use either as a debit card or a credit card. When I go to any store, and use it as a debit card (let's say I'm shopping at the supermarket), I buy $50 worth of groceries. I have more than enough in my checking account to cover this amount. I use the card as a debit card. I swipe it. I have to put a PIN number in when I use a debit card.

Are you saying, that if I were to do this in a gas station or a hotel, the place would put a hold on the $50.00. I don't understand this.they can do this because they aren't sure what your final bill will be. they want to make sure they will get their money.

a hotel may put a $400 hold your card. you can't use the money. it is tied up. when you check out, then they debit your card for the final bill. the $400 can take time for the hold to come off. they also don't always tell you this when you check in.

grocery stores don't do this. nor do other retail type of places. it's the places that you have to scan your card before the purchase. like renting a car, gas station, hotel..... they want a credit card number before you make a purchase.

so if you are oly using your card for retail type of purchases, there should not be a reason to worry. i was told by bank of america to not ever swipe my card until the purchase was completed, incase a store had a different policy.

I simply assumed, that when I went to any place and used my bank card as a debit card (and not a credit card), that it would simply take the money from my checking account and that would be it.

Am I mistaken?

Thanks.
Melody