S&S/Deibt Card Question

[FishPunkin]

I know they MAKE you sign up for the Sign and Sail, but can you use your debit card for purchases on ship? :confused: Even for purchases like sodas and snacks?

[KenMo]

No..

[dlbutler5]

No. But that is what you can use to back your S&S card. So it is the same thing.

[PaddleAddict]

No, you can't use a debit card anywhere on the ship. The only place you can use cash on the ship is the casino. Everything goes on the Sign & Sail card. It's really easier that way...

[Ykgorbie]

No, you can't use a debit card anywhere on the ship. The only place you can use cash on the ship is the casino. Everything goes on the Sign & Sail card. It's really easier that way...

There IS a debit card machine onboard, so you can get cash out to PUT onto your sail and sign account.....

[2 rednecks]

Just watch our when you back it with a debit card. They put holds on you account throught the week as you incur charges, so say you do your cruise and you spend a total of $700 on your s/s account. so you return and your s/s account has 700 worth of charges on it and your debit card (checking account) has 700 worth of holds. They will now bill the entire s/s balence before the hods have realesed you if you had any less 1400 in you account you will be overdrawn

[bakechef]

Just watch our when you back it with a debit card. They put holds on you account throught the week as you incur charges, so say you do your cruise and you spend a total of $700 on your s/s account. so you return and your s/s account has 700 worth of charges on it and your debit card (checking account) has 700 worth of holds. They will now bill the entire s/s balence before the hods have realesed you if you had any less 1400 in you account you will be overdrawn

 

Very good advise, if you have a credit card, just use that, and pay it off when you get home.

 

MAC

[2 rednecks]

yeah I wish I had done that, I ended up getting hit with a charge for being overdrawn from my bank, 4 days after me got home the holds all cleared and we have money in the account again

[yst347]

For the benefit of those who read this thread, not all debit cards will be accepted for setting up a shipboard account.

 

• Regular ATM debit cards are not acceptable.

• Guests may use a checking account debit card as long as it is a registered MasterCard or Visa card.

Carnival FAQ

 

If you do not have a Visa or Mastercard check card you will not be able to use it. You will be directed to the ATM machine where you will need to withdraw cash for a fee to use to secure your account.

[JesJ]

Because they do put a hold on your account...I highly recommend using a credit card...You wouldn't want to overdraw your bank account or not be able to access your account via the atm for when you need money for ports and/or the casino and/or Bingo.

 

The only places that take cash on the ship are the Casino and Bingo...You're S&S card will not work the day you disembark so if you want to purchase any last minute photos they will take cash only on the last day and the specialty coffee shops on the last day will take cash only as well...

 

If you have a credit card, I highly recommend you consider using this instead of your debit card...

 

Unless of course you the amount of money in your bank account is not a factor here!! :D

 

Only you really know your true financial situation!!

 

Have a great time, we leave in 3.5 HOURS!!!! (I love leaving from your home port!!!) :D

[sandy toes]

I sail with a lot of groups. You can save yourself by going to the Pursers deck several times during the cruise. Ask them to clear the balance on your S&S (using your debit that you also used when you boarded ship) YOU can tell them as you board that you plan to pay your card off with cash and are only using the debit to make things easier to process. This was advised to several in our group. That way only a $200 hold occurs unstead of a $500 or $700 hold on your card. Remember to clear up your account several times either with cash or your debit so you will not be hit with surprise charges. You can also request to know what abount is on hold. The ship will work with you. A lot of people either do not have or want regular credit cards and this works well. Took 24 kids(18-20yr) all with debit cards with $350. Not one issue (also good kids from a church youth group so no drugs or drinking).

[boaterette]

Not all banks put holds on the account when using a debit card. Mine doesn't. But if it may be a problem than just take cash to put on your s&s card. You need to put at the least, an amount to cover the tips. The rest will depend on how much you plan to spend. You can also go to carnivals website and purchase funship dollars and have them applied to your account so that you already have money on it when you board. You can get them for as little as $25 at a time. Good sailing.

[garrisonl]

The card that we will using for our S&S account is in my husbands name. Do I have to be an authorized user to use this card. Any help would be appreciated.

[CruisinMenika]

The card that we will using for our S&S account is in my husbands name. Do I have to be an authorized user to use this card. Any help would be appreciated.

No, my mom and I both use a card that is in my name and it is not a problem. I just fill out the sail and sign info. and they link that card to both accounts at check-in.

[bakechef]

The card that we will using for our S&S account is in my husbands name. Do I have to be an authorized user to use this card. Any help would be appreciated.

 

If your husband will be there to present the card for both accounts it will be fine. If you are traveling without him, I would get an authorized user card with your name on it, a merchant is well within their rights to refuse a credit card that is not in your name, although I know many use other peoples cards with no problem, but it is not entirely legal. When I worked retail, I would refuse a card if it was obviously the wrong sex, I would ask for their ID, and when there would be no match, I would refuse.

 

MAC