When do Hotels Charge your Credit / Debit Card?

Hotels typically swipe your credit card at the time of check-in and charge your card at check-out, depending on their policies. Some hotels may also charge a deposit or hold on your credit card at the time of booking or before your stay to ensure that they have a valid form of payment and to cover any incidental expenses, such as room service or damage to the room, or if you raided the mini bar.

It’s important to read the hotel’s policies carefully when booking to understand their payment and cancellation policies. Before you hand over your credit or debit card ask the front desk what their policy is. Some hotels may offer a refundable or non-refundable rate, and may have different policies for cancelling or changing reservations depending on the rate you choose.

Do hotels charge your card at check in?

It depends on the hotel’s policy. Some hotels may require a pre-authorization or a deposit at the time of check-in to cover any incidentals or damages that may occur during your stay. This means that they will temporarily hold a certain amount of money on your credit card, which will be released back to you after you check out and there are no charges to be applied.

Other hotels may charge the full amount of your stay at the time of check-in, particularly for non-refundable bookings. It is important to check the hotel’s policy regarding payments and deposits before you arrive so that you are aware of any charges that may be applied to your credit card. If you have any questions, it is always best to contact the hotel directly to clarify their policies.

Stay for free at your next hotel, when you apply for a hotel rewards card and get bonus points.

Many credit cards offer points or rewards towards free hotel stays as part of their rewards program. These cards get you points or rewards for every dollar spent on eligible purchases, and these points can be redeemed for free or discounted hotel stays. Some credit cards also offer bonus points or rewards for spending at specific hotels or for booking through certain travel portals as well as spending a certain amount in a certain time period.

What are some great hotel credit card offers I can apply for?

There are several great hotel credit card offers available from various issuers. Some of the popular hotel credit cards are:

Please note: These terms are current as of 2/28/2023 and subject to change. Review the website for current deals, rates and offers.

1. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card: This card offers a sign-up bonus of 100,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months. It also offers 6X points per dollar spent at Marriott Bonvoy hotels (with up to 17 points), 3X points on all other purchases, and a free night award every year after your account anniversary.
2. World of Hyatt Credit Card: This card offers a sign-up bonus of 30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months, plus an additional 30,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months. It also offers 4X points per dollar spent at Hyatt hotels, 2X points on dining, airline tickets purchased directly from airlines, local transit and commuting, and fitness club and gym memberships, and a free night award every year after your account anniversary.
3. Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card: This card offers a sign-up bonus of 150,000 Hilton Honors points after spending $2,000 in the first 3 months. It also offers 12X points per dollar spent at Hilton hotels, 6X points at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations, and 3X points on all other eligible purchases.
4. IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card: This card offers a sign-up bonus of 150,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months. It also offers 25X points per dollar spent at IHG hotels, 2X points on purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants, and a free night award every year after your account anniversary.

When considering a hotel credit card offer, it’s important to take into account the annual fee, rewards structure, and any additional benefits such as elite status or statement credits.