Meesh

In planning our anniversary trip to FP, all the travel companies quote package prices that include a 3% discount for paying by check instead of credit card. With Tahitian vacations not coming cheaply, 3% is a considerable sum. Have those of you who have gone paid by check to get the discount, or did you stick with credit card payment in case something went wrong and you may have more recourse working with the credit card company? <BR><BR>

walkabout

I have not been to Tahiti, but I have been on many other tours, and I always paid by credit card rather than take the discount. In fact, the more expensive the tour, the more important it was to me to have the credit card protection.

walkabout

I forgot to add that since your question is not about Tahiti, but about credit card payment versus check, have you considered posting it on the Europe or US forums also? They get far more activity than this one, and you would probably get more feedback. <BR><BR>Your question is a good one, and I,too, am interested in hearing what others have to say. Good luck!

Chels

I am wrestling with the same dilemma; I have 2 weeks to decide. Although I have travel insurance through travel guard, the policy does not cover any loss if my travel company goes bankrupt. With this economy, one never knows... I am thinking of writing a check off of my credit cart (cash-advance check) to pay for the trip, and then immediately paying off the charge to avoid increased charges based on a the cash advance. That way, you still get the 3% discount, as well as full credit card protection. (According to my card company, the cash-advance check is afforded the same protections as charging in the conventional manner.)<BR><BR>I'd love to hear any other suggestions, however.<BR><BR>Regards,<BR><BR>Chels

wlzmatilida

Meesh,<BR><BR>on many packages, it's standard procedure for the tour companies /wholesalers to offer the 3% discount, because they are getting &quot;dinged&quot; by the credit card people and have to pass that cost on to you, the consumer.<BR><BR>Many of my clients prefer to still pay by credit card as they are anxious to earn mileage, and some have American Express which offers insurance and they can pay it off in &quot;installments&quot;.<BR><BR>Don't rely on paying by a credit card &quot;in case something goes wrong&quot;. Don't assume that the credit card company is going to be on your side in a dispute, this isn't always the case.<BR><BR>If you want to save money, pay by check and take out cancellation insurance (always a good idea); make sure you have your travel agent, or if you're doing this trip on your own, call the insurance company to find out EXACTLY what's covered and what's not (as in..an act of war, getting laid off your job and not being able to go, not covered).<BR><BR>Regards,<BR><BR>Melodie<BR>Certif ied Aussie Specialist

SimoneSassett

I asked my brother this question, because he actually sells credit-card processing and he says that you should definitely use your credit card instead of paying by cash/check. It's a lot safer - regardless.

Use a Visa or MC - because AMEX caters to merchants not card holders in situations of chargeback disagreements.

Also - what does 3% really save you? On a trip that costs $10,000 for air/hotel - it's only $300. You'd get more in terms of bonus perks on your credit card (i.e. cash back or airline miles) that make up for the $300 lost.

Come on - you're going to FP - where dinner for 2 could cost that much and you'd gladly spend $300 - so why not spend the same and keep your credit card protection - plus airmiles and/or cash back on your credit card?

We'll be charging our trip.