Guest post by Steve Brandt

Jim Leinfelder and Steven Morris weren't expecting an eight-day, $250 hold on their checking accounts when they rented bikes at Nice Ride Minnesota. They think people should know, in case their bank balances are low. Who wants to pay an overdraft charge?

Bill Dossett, who heads Nice Ride, said the kiosks remind riders that debit cards and bike rentals don't mix. But the group, which has 46 kiosks in Minneapolis, added larger stickers Wednesday.

The firm's pay stations put a $250 security hold on credit cards. Debit cards are supposed to be rejected, but cards without PINs are treated like credit cards. The hold can last up to eight days, depending on bank policies.

Nice Ride has offered to contact banks to get those holds lifted. Call customer service at 1-877-551-6423.