If you are planning to book a hotel in the USA, then in most cases you will need a credit card. Almost all hotels in the USA require an advance deposit while booking a room online. So, you have to make the advance payment using either a credit card or a debit card. If you use a credit card then the hotel will hold a put on the amount. On the other hand, if you use a debit card then the advance deposit amount will be deducted from your bank account!
Reasons Why Hotels Require Credit Card
There are some important reasons hotels require a credit card to book a room or during check-in. Using a credit card to book a hotel room ensures the validity of the booking. If you use a credit card then the hotel authority will be ensured that you won’t cancel the reservation at the last minute. Moreover, if you use a credit card to book a room then the hotel authority will be able to use your card information to charge a cancelation fee! Moreover, hotels also require a credit card during check-in. The hotel authority wants to have credit card information so that if there is any damage to the hotel or any items missing from the room then they can file a complaint and charge for compensation. Also, using a credit card allows the hotel authority to put a hold on the credit card for a security deposit as well as the number of nights you are staying in the hotel. So, hotels ask for a credit card as a security to ensure that they will be covered no matter what!
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using a Credit Card while Booking a Hotel Room
| Advantages of Using a Credit Card while Booking a Hotel Room | Disadvantages of Using a Credit Card while Booking a Hotel Room |
| Almost all hotels in the USA accept credit cards as a payment option | If you book a hotel room with a credit card and later cancel the reservation then the hotel authority can charge a cancelation fee to your credit card |
| Booking a hotel with a credit card will help you earn rewards | Hotels will put a hold on the credit card for advance deposit |
| Many credit card companies offer a discount on hotel payments | Many hotels charge a security deposit when using a credit card |
| Many hotels have different reward programs for credit card holders like free Wi-Fi, late checkout times, complimentary breakfast, etc. | If you use a credit card to reserve a hotel room and if there is any damage to you then the hotel authority will charge your credit card |
| Many high-profile hotels offer various lucrative perks for credit card holders like resort credits, airline credits, etc. |
How to Book a Hotel Room without Credit Card
If you don’t have a credit card and wondering how to book a hotel room then there is nothing to worry about. This is because you can book a hotel room without a credit card. Though most hotels in the USA ask for a credit card while booking or checking in but that doesn’t mean hotels don’t accept debit cards. Almost all hotels accept debit cards as a payment option. So, if you have a debit card then you can use it to reserve a hotel room easily. On the other hand, many travel agencies also work as a middleman between a customer and a hotel. If you don’t have a credit or debit card then you can use the help of a travel agency to book a hotel room for you. You can pay the travel agency with cash and the agency will book the room according to your requirement. The best part of using a travel agency is, that they accept all types of payment options like cash, card, PayPal, prepaid card, etc. Moreover, there are lots of Online Travel Agencies (OTA) available like Orbitz, Hotels.com, Expedia, etc. which also provide online hotel booking services through their official websites. Some hotels also accept the prepaid card. So, if you have a prepaid card then you can ask the front desk office whether they accept prepaid cards or not. Nowadays, many hotels also accept PayPal as a payment option. So, if you have a PayPal card and if the bank accepts PayPal then you can make the reservation using your PayPal card!
List of Payment Methods Accepted by Most Hotels
| Payment Method | During Reservation | During Check-in | During Check-out |
| Cash | No | Yes | Yes |
| Credit Card | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Debit Card | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Prepaid Card | No | Yes | Yes |
FAQs about Do All Hotels Require a Credit Card
Is a credit card required by hotels?
It is not mandatory by law to provide a credit card during reservation or check-in. However, for most hotels, a credit card is the first choice when it comes to paying for a room booking or check-in. The credit card offers more security to the hotel authority in case there is any problem by the guest while staying at the hotel.
Can you stay in a hotel with a debit card?
Yes, you can stay in a hotel with a debit card. In fact, you can use your debit card to book a hotel room. The main difference between using a debit and credit card is when you use a debit card, the amount will be deducted from your bank account. But if you use a credit card then the hotel will put a hold on the credit amount.
Can I pay cash for a hotel room in the USA?
Yes, you can pay cash for a hotel room in the USA. No law prevents you from staying in a hotel room and paying with cash!
Do Online Travel Agencies accept PayPal as a payment option?
Almost all the OTA accepts PayPal as a payment option. Below is a list of online travel platforms that accept PayPal –
| Booking.com Expedia Hotels.com Agoda Wimdu Tours4fun Orbitz | VRBO Big Bus Tours City Pass HomeAway Southwest Airlines Hotwire |
Is it possible to book a hotel room with a Visa gift card?
No, you can’t use a Visa gift card to book a hotel room. In fact, you can’t use an American Express gift card, personal check, money order, etc. to book a hotel room. The main reason, you can’t use a Visa gift card is it is a type of prepaid card and it’s not registered to anyone’s name!
References:
https://www.moneyunder30.com/book-hotel-without-credit-card
https://www.chase.com/personal/credit-cards/education/rewards-benefits/why-hotels-need-your-credit-card
Last Updated on August 7, 2022 by Ana S. Sutterfield
