Credit Cards FAQ
How can I avoid getting into trouble with credit card blocking?
There are several ways you can avoid getting into trouble with credit card blocking –
First of all not every hotel or car rental organization does block credit cards when you make a reservation or request an advance service. If the hotel or car rental place does block your credit card, ask how long your card will be blocked, how the amount of the block is calculated and how long the block will remain in place.
Use the same credit card or debit card at the start of the transaction that you plan to pay with for hotel, motel, rental car, or other “blocked” bills to prevent holds on cards from being held longer than necessary.
If you do pay with a different credit card or debit card, by cash, or by check, remind the clerk that you are using a different form of payment to pay off the bill and ask them to remove the block promptly.
Call your current card issuer to inquire if they allow blocks, for how long, and from what types of merchants. That way you are never taken by surprise.
When shopping for a credit car you may also want a card from an issuer that uses shorter blocks.