Virtually any place that accepts a credit card will accept debit cards, too. Actually, most debit cards can be processed as credit cards. The comment you responded to simply highlighted that this trick is much easier to pull with credit card than a debit card, as the creditor hasn't yet been repaid for the credit issued.

I should have remembered that. I had to lend my card out to my friend who was in a credit lock at the time they needed a rental. Still, I don't think my advice is invalid, just irrelevant here.

debit = no rent

Funny, I rented from Hertz about two weeks ago and there was a big sign at the counter explaining their terms of business for renting with a debit card. And it didn't say "We don't do it."

Yes. I agree - on paper all three have a chargeback process that appear similar enough. However, assuming you aren't a financial expert who never needs help, I'm discussing the behind the front politics at play and each group's motivations to go above and beyond.

Or do they require a collateral fee when renting?

Yes

It's about who's lawyers you can rally to your defense in a dispute.

With a credit card you're spending the bank's money. If you can convince the bank you're in the right, it's you and the bank's lawyers recovering the bank's money.

As a debit card user, the banks will support your legal rights, because it's good business for your clients to prosper. While the bank's lawyers won't go to bat for you, many will be willing to give you quasi-legal and quasi-financial tidbits or point you in the right direction.

As the bank's client's employee, you're basically on your own. Good luck.

The other thing not being mentioned is that credit cards and debit cards have different legally required protections.