I see from the RS guide that Velib bicycles can be unlocked for use with a chip-and-pin credit card. My question is, can I use a chip-and-pin debit card to unlock a bicycle? My new Schwab debit card has chip-and-pin. I guess I am wondering if the Velib credit card readers also have a keypad to allow a PIN to be entered.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9101 posts
The debit card should work, but be aware that a hold of about $100 will be placed on the funds in your checking account until you return the bike. If you are using the bike on a weekend or holiday it could take it could take a couple of days for the hold to be refunded. Of course if you rent multiple times that hold could cause some temporary cash flow problems. You can get around this by purchasing a one-day ticket via the official website with a credit card(the hold will be placed on your credit limit):
http://tinyurl.com/446r4pn
Posted by
OP
Northeast Ohio, USA
683 posts
Michael, thanks a lot; that is a very helpful website, and the online ticket purchase will work for me.