I was just wondering how the whole credit card reservation works. How much do they "hold" on the credit card before actually paying?
[Edited 1/7/10 9:11am]

It's my understanding that they don't hold any of the original amount, but use the card to verify identity. You pay with whatever card you want at the end of the stay. My guess is that they can use the card on file if you should decide to slip away in the night.

Some hotels require a deposit, and I think they have to tell you the amount. And I think those that do require cash a lot of times?

It varies from country to country.

i think it's like the price of the room plus some extra $$$$, for potential damages.

Fury said:

but that's when u actually check in...usually there's no hold to just book the room..unless they're in high demand, like a holiday/covention/bria valente record burning party etc

Thanks Fury and Dan!

I just wish they would just charge the damn room already in full so I can check it off my travel list. You know?

Usually there is zero charge to the holding credit/debit card

UNTIL you show up and they swipe the card ...


usually

Mach said:

Yes this is usually the case unless there is some kind of special on the room. If that's the case then sometimes they will charge your card when you reserve it and if you have to cancel you won't get a refund on your card. If you reserve online, be sure to read the Terms and Conditions before reserving. It will tell you how they will charge your card.

Thank you MACH and MISSFEE.

Duh, I shoulda checked the TERMS AND CONDITIONS. I'll do that now.

Mach said:

right, and it's a little confusing because they swipe your card when you check in, but it seems they don't officially charge you until the end of the stay.

It's as if there is some function that checks to be sure you have enough room on the card, but doesn't actually make the charge.

NDRU said:

See!!! That exactly what I'm worried about. My trip isn't until August so I'm hoping to charge some stuff on the credit cards I used to make the reservations. I don't want to show up in Scotland and they're like "Sorry your reservation was voided." Obviously by trip time I would've replenished the amounts.
[Edited 1/7/10 11:34am]

MIGUELGOMEZ said:

I wouldn't worry about that, they wouldn't swipe it until you get there.

They can always refuse you the room at that moment if the card is maxed out.

But remember, they want you to stay there. They will not be following every charge for 6 months looking for a reason to cancel your reservation

NDRU said:

Thanks. That's a load off.