Has anyone ever had problems of using a debit card on cruises? I haven't written a check in years but with the debit card isn't there something about a limit? Or is a regular credit card better to use? Of course we'll take cash also but just wanted to know about the cards.

This question comes up alot. Yes, you can use your debit card but some things to consider-

Your debit card will get a "hold" placed on it so the cruise line can verify that the account is good. I don't know how much that is, but it could be $2000. You will have to ask the cruise company how much. But it will be on there for the duration of the cruise because they do not actually charge your card until the last day once they settle your account.

Most debit cards have a few hundred dollar limit applied to them, so you would need to contact the card issuer and see if they can temporarily change that limit for the cruise.

Personally its not worth the bother to me and I just use a credit card and then pay it from the checking account after I know how much it is.

That's good to know. I've made a habit of using my debit card more often than my credit cards, so I probably wouldn't have thought twice about doing the same on a cruise.

I would use a credit card for sure just for one other safety reason. If you have a disputed amount, something on your bill that you can't get resolved, you can put it on review with your credit card company. With a debit card, the funds will already have been taken from your account.

Excellent point, carlg; I had not thought of that. Same would apply to any purchases made off the ship.

All very good points. I like the wisdom of using the debit card because it is equal to writing a check. I have a vague memory of using the debit card out of state and there were some difficulties that I just can't remember.

I see an advantage in using the credit card on the cruise and in various ports of call for just that reason of disputed claims. Also, if you get either rebates or are collecting miles or points on a credit card, why not use the card. I buy big pieces of equipment on my Amex gold card and get big time points.

When you get back, you can simply pay the credit card with the debit card.

I never use a credit card for anything. I ALWAYS use the debit card. I think most accounts have a maximum per transaction and/or daily limit. I know that mine is $500/per transaction so if I know that's not going to cover my needs I just call the bank and have them up the limit for a specific time period. Doing this, I have never had a problem.

The limit(s) on the debit cards are for your protection in case there is some hanky panky going on.

It would pay to make a quick phone call to your bank to verify what if any limits are on your debit card and have them adjust it accordingly.

We have only used a credit card. If there is a dispute regarding a charge on our bill, our credit card company will dispute it for us or refund our money. I'm not 100% sure you have any recourse with a debit card.

Chef Ken makes the good point about earning miles. I always use my rewards credit card. I get extra "miles" points while using it. I have to pay for it either way, might as well get extra benefits. I agree that the debit card would be good if you don't have a credit card AND you have the money in the account. I just perfer not to stress over how much of a hold they put on my account and if there is enough to cover the auto payments and such after the hold.