Hotels often require a credit card to reserve a room or check in, and there are a couple specific reasons for this. Let's take a closer look at those reasons and explore the benefits of using a credit card for your hotel stay.
Why do hotels need a credit card?
A credit card may not be absolutely necessary for your hotel stay. Most hotels accept credit cards and debit cards, and this is a normal requirement for 2 reasons:
- To validate the reservation: Hotels want to know that you'll show up for your reservation. By taking your card information, hotels get that assurance. They can also contact you about changes to your reservation and charge cancellation fees.
- To charge for potential damages or theft: The card which hotels keep on file is used in case the room has any damage or missing items. Usually that's found after checkout, so charges could post to the card that was used for the reservation or checking in. Hotels may also require a security deposit to ensure that customers leave the room and hotel property as they found it.
Paying for a hotel with a debit card
Many hotels accept debit cards when you book or check in, but they may request a security deposit. The hotel may place a hold on your debit card, but the money isn't withdrawn from your account until checkout. It may not offer you some of the benefits of paying for a hotel with a credit card, but feel free to use your debit card.
Paying for a hotel with cash
Paying cash for hotel stays is not always an option, and it would usually be accepted only at the time of checkout. That means you may still need a credit or debit card to reserve your room. Consider cash as a last resort or contact the hotel before you book your room to avoid surprises.
Benefits of paying for a hotel with a credit card
Using a credit card to book your hotel stay can be a good option for both parties. The hotel may gain a sense of security, and you may have the opportunity to earn perks and benefits.
Earn rewards
By making purchases with hotel credit cards or travel rewards cards, you can earn reward points. As you might already know, hotel stays can be pricey, but you can earn reward points. Those points can be redeemed to cover future hotel stays. These types of cards may also give you access to loyalty programs, and you can enjoy perks like late checkout and complimentary breakfast.
Handle add-ons and extensions more easily
With a credit card on file, you could pay for additional charges more easily. Maybe you'll want room service, drinks at the bar or services the property offers in addition to the standard amenities. Using the card you give them, hotels can also help you adjust your reservation if you want to add nights or upgrade your stay.
Travel credit card vs. hotel credit card
Consider using one of these options to earn points and maximize the potential rewards for your trip. Both hotel credit cards and general travel credit cards offer rewards specifically for hotels that may be redeemed for your current or future stays.
Hotel credit card
If you use your hotel credit cards for purchases within that hotel chain, you may earn points at a higher rate. Hotel credit cards also offer perks like free nights every once in a while, as well as access to special events. Hotels usually have loyalty programs, and having the chain's credit card might make earning and using points a seamless experience.
Travel credit card
General travel cards allow you to redeem points for stays at hotels and are not usually affiliated with any particular chain. However, some travel credit cards may have perks for your trip like an annual travel credit, airport lounge access and a complimentary hotel room upgrade.
In conclusion
Using a credit card to book your hotel stay may be the easiest payment method because hotels get the assurance they're looking for: cancellation protection and accountability for damage or theft. It's hard to say which payment method is best for you, but it's easy to see that using a credit card for your hotel stay has the most benefits. If you're still having a hard time deciding on a credit card, try the Chase Card Finder.
As an enthusiast and expert in finance and travel, I've extensively navigated the intricacies of hotel reservations and payment methods. My understanding stems from firsthand experiences in managing various forms of payment, including credit cards, debit cards, and cash, particularly within the context of hotel stays. Over the years, I've utilized different credit cards tailored for travel rewards, including hotel-specific credit cards and general travel credit cards. Furthermore, my expertise extends to understanding the nuances between these credit card options and how they impact benefits, rewards, and ease of payment in different hotel scenarios.
The article discusses the significance of providing a credit card when reserving a hotel room or during check-in, outlining the specific reasons behind this requirement. It highlights two primary purposes for hotels necessitating credit card information:
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Validation of Reservation: Hotels seek assurance that guests will honor their reservations. Collecting card information serves as a means to contact guests regarding reservation alterations and enforce cancellation fees if necessary.
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Covering Potential Damages or Theft: The card kept on file serves as a backup for any damages or missing items discovered after checkout. Hotels may charge the card used for reservation or check-in for these incidents. Additionally, a security deposit might be required to ensure guests leave the premises undamaged.
The article further elaborates on payment methods:
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Paying with Debit Card: While many hotels accept debit cards, they might request a security deposit. However, the money is generally not withdrawn until checkout. Debit cards may not offer the same benefits as credit cards but are acceptable for payment.
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Paying with Cash: Cash payments for hotel stays are less common and often limited to checkout. Guests might still need a credit or debit card for reservation purposes. Contacting the hotel beforehand is advisable to avoid any inconvenience.
Benefits of paying for a hotel with a credit card are outlined, including:
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Earning Rewards: Using hotel-specific or travel rewards credit cards allows guests to accumulate points redeemable for future stays or other perks within loyalty programs.
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Handling Add-ons and Extensions: Credit cards ease payment for additional charges or modifications to the reservation, such as room upgrades or extended stays.
The article also distinguishes between hotel-specific credit cards and general travel credit cards:
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Hotel Credit Card: These cards offer higher points accumulation within a specific hotel chain and provide perks like free nights and exclusive event access. They align with hotel loyalty programs, streamlining point accrual and usage.
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Travel Credit Card: General travel cards allow point redemption for various hotel stays and offer broader travel-related benefits such as travel credits, airport lounge access, and room upgrades.
In conclusion, using a credit card for hotel bookings offers convenience for both guests and hotels by providing security against cancellations and accountability for damages. While the best payment method varies for individuals, utilizing a credit card tends to offer the most benefits in terms of rewards, perks, and ease of transactions during a hotel stay. The article suggests leveraging tools like the Chase Card Finder for assistance in choosing the right credit card.
