Using a card to pay for a hotel stay can make your trip a little more stress-free and seamless. It can even allow you to earn points or miles that you can use for future travel.
Let’s explore some reasons you might use a credit card for hotel stays, as well as the potential benefits.
Why use a credit card for hotel stays?
There are a few practical reasons to use a credit card for hotel stays. Many hotels require a credit or debit card to secure your reservation. Whether you call or book online, you’ll need to use a card, or the hotel might not even allow you to make a reservation.
Hotels also want a card on file in case they have to charge for any incidentals, damage or theft. Having a card on file also means the hotel can charge you cancellation fees if you no-show or cancel your booking past the cancellation window.
Many hotels allow you to charge things to the room. Using a credit card can also mean you’ll be able to enjoy your stay without worrying about keeping cash or other forms of payment for add-ons like mini-bar snacks, room service, parking and other amenities and services.
Using a credit card vs. a debit card or cash
You can often use a credit or debit card to secure a hotel reservation. The hotel might place a hold on a certain amount on your debit or credit card for the stay, taxes, fees and incidentals.
When you use a debit card to reserve a hotel room, you also miss out on the opportunity to earn points or miles and any additional benefits or protections your credit card may offer.
Paying for a hotel with cash is not always possible. Sometimes you can pay with cash at checkout, but most hotels will require you to put down a card to make a reservation. They also want a card on file to charge for incidentals, damage or theft.
