How to buy airline ticket online from foreign airline that only accept credit cards but not my visa debit card?
How can I buy a ticket online from an airline when they only accept credit cards & not my Visa Debit card?
The airline, EVA (evaair) has great online only web fares to Asia. Problem is they only process bookings with a credit card in my name. They will absolutely NOT accept any debit cards, even if they are labeled “Visa” from my bank. I find this amazing, since I am essentially offering them cash, but all the customer service people I spoke with say it’s because they process the transactions at their home-base in Taiwan. Obviously there are technology services to get around that, but I guess they are avoiding paying additional fees and save money. If the discount being offered was not significant, I would buy the ticket elsewhere. However, if I buy on their website I can save around $600! Believe me, I’ve shopped around. I also have frequent flier miles with them through a travel agent before and that gets me deeper discounts than normal, plus two nights free hotel…but only if I buy through the web. My friend offered to put the charge on his credit card and I can pay him cash, but the airline rules say the card has to be presented be in the name of and presented by one of the travelers. Well, I don’t see any option other then buying the ticket from another source and losing the discount. Unless someone brilliant here knows how to buy online with credit in my name within 3 (yes, three) days?
BTW: I tried entering the debit card since I figured it wouldn’t be a problem and processed the same way, etc. It is, in fact, immediately rejected because it’s a debit card. The payment processing system they use seems to able to tell through some instant feedback from a global financial system service.
the only thing i can think of since you need it imediatly, there are pre-paid visas that you can buy at any store. call the airline directly and talk to the supervisor see if they will accept that. because that card is cash they do not have to worry about the card being stolen. the card does not have your name on it, but they may require additional identification. I know some airlines staying in the states alow this, but you have a whole list of things that need to be brought with you for check in hope this helps. it never hurts to try