Can hotels charge credit cards?

Can Hotels Charge Credit Cards?

In the hospitality industry, hotels often require guests to provide credit card details upon booking or check-in for various purposes, such as securing the reservation, covering incidentals, or facilitating future transactions. While this practice is generally accepted, it raises the question of whether hotels can charge credit cards without explicit permission.

Authorization vs. Charge

When a guest presents their credit card at a hotel, the hotel typically requests an authorization hold. This is not a charge, but rather a temporary block of funds on the credit card to ensure that there are sufficient funds available for the potential expenses. Authorization holds are typically released within a few days after checkout.

Actual Charges

Hotels are generally not permitted to charge credit cards without explicit permission from the cardholder. This means that the hotel must obtain the guest’s consent before processing any charges to their credit card. This consent can be obtained verbally, in writing, or electronically.

Discrepancies and Disputes

Despite the requirement for explicit permission, billing discrepancies can sometimes arise. This can occur due to unforeseen circumstances, such as:

• Errors in calculating the bill
• Unauthorized charges by hotel staff
• Fraudulent use of the credit card

If a guest believes that there has been an unauthorized charge on their credit card, they should contact the hotel immediately to dispute it. The hotel is obligated to investigate the dispute and provide an explanation or rectify the error as necessary.

Cardholder Protections

Credit card companies offer various protections to cardholders in case of unauthorized charges. These protections may include:

• Chargebacks: Cardholders can request a chargeback from their credit card company if they believe that a charge was made without their authorization.
• Fraud protection: Credit card companies have fraud monitoring systems in place to detect and prevent unauthorized transactions.
• Dispute resolution: Cardholders can file a dispute with their credit card company to resolve billing discrepancies.

Conclusion

While hotels are authorized to request authorization holds on credit cards, they cannot charge the cards without explicit permission from the cardholder. In the event of billing discrepancies, guests are encouraged to review their statements carefully and contact the hotel for clarification. Credit card companies also provide protections to cardholders in case of unauthorized charges. By following these guidelines, hotels and guests can ensure a secure and transparent payment process.