Paying room fee with an ATM/debit card?

[WestCoaster19]

Hi all, curious to know what your experiences are like paying a room fee with an ATM/debit card. Should I just avoid it completely and stick to cash?

I've noticed a few AMP listings on LL mention paying the room fee with a debit card, so just curious. Thanks!

 

[emacky]

They are legally registered businesses. Unless you're planning on using it on a company card or you're planning on using your shared card where your partner can check your statements, it should be fine.

 

[westcoastrider1982]

Many places will tack on tax with credit cards.
Use prepaid gift cards that can be bought at gas stations if you want to be really discreet. They only have the ability to swipe and don’t have chips though and some places don’t like that!

 

[WestCoaster19]

I'm a single guy, so no need to hide anything haha.

So what's the tax like on a $60 room fee, standard sales tax or is there an upcharge?

 

[golferjohn]

I'm not certain what your city tax-rate is, but add GST as well (ask me how I know )

 

[Lo-ki]

Cash is king…..I never use anything that leaves a digital trail…..

 

[Happyendings]

Cash is king…..I never use anything that leaves a digital trail…..

Yeah but the cash withdrawls leave a trail for the SO to ask about haha

 

[WestCoaster19]

I prefer using my debit in some capacity, more cash to tip, less to take out initially

 

[Hazel Mei]

If you pay via debit or credit card, tax will be added to both the room fee and donation too. Something to think about.

 

[Mr Poon]

They usually charge 5 -7% for tax as the fees are now reportable. Some are greedy and tack on 10 - 15% . However sometimes you can negotiate the all in price including fees for the as as the cash price too. Depends on their mood and your ability to play their good side.

 

[WestCoaster19]

Wait, so I could pay for *everything* with the ATM/debit card? Didn't know that.

So a $180/30 session would run about $200 with taxes/fees?

 

[Lo-ki]

Yeah but the cash withdrawls leave a trail for the SO to ask about haha

lol…no worries there…..

 

[steven69]

I would avoid using a card for room fees at all costs. The one time i did use a credit card at a Vancouver establishment it was scanned and used for a number of fradulant transactions.

A real pain dealing with the credit card company and claims after the fact.

 

[WestCoaster19]

I would avoid using a card for room fees at all costs. The one time i did use a credit card at a Vancouver establishment it was scanned and used for a number of fradulant transactions.

A real pain dealing with the credit card company and claims after the fact.

Thanks, this is what I was afraid of. I guess I'll just take out alot of cash and transfer currency when I'm back in the states with any leftover.

 

[westcoastrider1982]

Yeah but the cash withdrawls leave a trail for the SO to ask about haha

Prepaid cards at gas stations work wonders.
Especially with these gas prices!
I also have the “benefit” of driving a V8 truck.
Over $200 to fill now. Can easily sneak in a visa purchase here and there
$200 prepaid Visa cards are available. There is an activation fee of $7 or something though.
The prepaid Visa route costs more but very discreet (it’s just a transaction at a gas station) and there’s no worry about these sketchy spas getting your real credit cards.

I no longer have a SO but my financial situation is complicated….not getting into that but discretion is a must for me!
Taking out cash and having “spas” appear on my credit card statements sets off red flags!

But I’ll continue to “fill my gas guzzler” lol!