When Do Hotels Charge Your Card: A Complete Guide

Hotels often charge your card before you even arrive, usually 24-72 hours prior to check-in, to secure your reservation and ensure payment.

This practice is known as pre-authorization, which allows the hotel to hold a certain amount of funds on your card for a short period.

Most hotels will release the funds back to your account within 3-5 business days after check-out, unless there are any outstanding charges or damages.

It's common for hotels to charge your card for the full stay at the time of booking, especially if you're booking a non-refundable room.

Your card may be charged at any point after booking and until you arrive, as seen with EVEN Hotels by IHG, which charges your credit card between the time of booking and time of arrival for the total amount of your stay.

Many hotels, like Hilton, have a nonrefundable period, after which your card will be charged if you cancel your reservation. This period varies, but it's often between 24 and 72 hours prior to your reservation beginning.

If you haven't paid in full already, you may be charged once you check in, with hotels often charging an incidental fee, which can be a daily charge or even a daily charge per person.

A charge is a transaction made on your credit or debit card, such as a purchase, payment, or withdrawal.

When you make a purchase, the merchant's bank sends a request to your bank to verify the funds in your account. This request is called an authorization.

A charge can also be a withdrawal from an ATM, which is a type of debit transaction.

Prior to check-in, hotels may charge your credit card a certain number of days before your reservation begins. This is usually between 24 and 72 hours prior to your reservation starting.

Hotels like EVEN Hotels by IHG will charge your credit card between the time of booking and time of arrival for the total amount of your stay. Your card can be charged at any point after you've booked and until you arrive.

Some third-party sites like Booking.com offer a nonrefundable rate or free cancellation until a certain date for a slightly higher price. You pay more for the added convenience of cancellation.

If a reservation is canceled after the nonrefundable period begins, you will be charged upon cancellation, as is the case with Hilton's policy.

At check-in, a hotel may require payment upfront, especially for long stays. You could be charged the full bill or asked to pay for a certain number of days at a time.

It's standard for hotels to charge an incidental fee, which can be a daily charge or a daily charge per person. This fee covers the cost of property amenities.

Make sure to understand what's being charged when you hand over your card. If it seems high, confirm what the incidental fee is.

You can pay with a different card upon check-in if you haven't yet been charged. For example, Hilton accepts debit and credit cards at check-in even if they're different from the one used to book.

In some cases, like Disney resorts, an amount may be placed on hold to cover incidentals on day one and charged later. This usually happens for reservations longer than five days.

Hotels need your permission to charge your card, and they usually get it upfront. This rule applies to all online card-not-present transactions, including hotel bookings.

Hotels are considered merchants and must get your consent before charging your card. They can authorize a temporary hold on your card at check-in that covers your expected hotel bill and a nominal amount for incidentals.

When you check out, most hotels require payment, often charging the card on file. You don't need to physically check out, just leave when you're ready and the hotel will automatically charge the card on file.

Hotels use a hold to verify your credit card information, making it easier for them to charge your card later. A hold can also cover incidentals like room service, mini-bar purchases, and damage to the room.

Here are the primary reasons hotels use a hold:

A room deposit can serve as a down payment on the room, especially if you're planning a longer stay. It can also cover unexpected costs, such as room service and damage to the room.

Major hotel chains often discourage guests from using third-party sites, claiming booking directly guarantees the lowest rate and avoids additional fees.

Booking through a third-party website can require upfront payment, especially for discounted room rates, which are often non-refundable due to the discount.

Priceline, Trivago, Kayak, Expedia, and other third-party websites may charge additional or nonrefundable fees when booking through them versus booking directly with the hotel.

It's best to call the hotel's customer service directly to find out when they'll charge your credit card, especially when booking through a third-party website.

Booking with Debit can be a bit tricky. Most hotels will accept a debit card, but be aware that you might be asked to put down a security deposit upon check-in.

This deposit could tie up your cash for the remainder of the stay, so it's essential to consider this before using a debit card to book a hotel.

Booking through third-party websites can be convenient, but be aware that policies may differ from booking directly with the hotel. You may be charged additional or nonrefundable fees if you book through a third-party website.

Major hotel chains and groups discourage guests from using third-party sites, claiming booking directly guarantees the lowest rate and avoids additional fees. However, third-party websites offer the convenience of searching a wide range of hotels in one place.

Discounted room rates often require upfront payment through third-party websites, and these payments are usually non-refundable due to the discount. Be prepared to pay up-front for steep discounts and for little chance of a refund.

It's best to call the hotel's customer service directly to find out when they'll charge your credit card.

Hotels are considered merchants and must get your consent before charging your card. They can authorize a temporary hold on your card at check-in that covers your expected hotel bill as well as a nominal amount for "incidentals." If you rack up more charges than the initial hold, you'll make up the difference with your final bill.

A credit card authorization, also known as a hold, lasts anywhere between a minute and 31 days. This means that even after you've checked out, the hold may still be on your account until the merchant clears it.

Hotels may charge your card at various times, depending on their policies and the type of room you book. Some may charge when you check in, while others may require a deposit or pre-payment when you make the reservation.

If you're booking a room through a third-party travel provider, the hotel may charge your card for a promotional room rate at the time of booking. This is common with third-party travel providers like Hilton.

Here are some factors that can affect when a hotel charges your card:

So you're booking a hotel room directly with the hotel, and you're wondering when they'll charge your credit card. Here are some things to know:

Some hotel chains, like Hyatt, have many properties with different billing policies, so the timing of your credit card charge will depend on which property you book with.

Most Hilton properties require a credit card number to hold the room, and they won't charge your card until you check in.

However, some Hilton properties do require a deposit to reserve a room, so be sure to check with the hotel first.

Hotels have a credit card guarantee, which means they can charge your card for all or part of your stay if you don't show up.

If a hotel requires a deposit to hold your room, they won't charge you the full amount of your stay until you check in.

The first time a hotel charges your credit card might not be the last – they can always charge you for incidentals or damage after you check out.

Here's a quick rundown of what to expect: