Hmm. Sounds like you don't travel often. Between the wife and I we deal with this kind of stuff quite often. Usually it works out in our favor in the end other than getting home a little later than planned.

For many years she and I didn't have credit cards. Never had an issue renting a car on the debit card but they usually put some sort of higher amount on the card until the car is returned. I actually rented a car in Houston three weeks ago on my debit card. There was an $800 pending charge on the account until we returned the car then the charge pushed through for $250 after we returned it.

I do actually recommend you get a credit card for stuff like this. You really aren't going to be going into debt if you pay it off every month.

Anyhow, still sucks for you. Hope your luck changes.