Checking Into Hotels Without a Credit Card: What You Really Need to Know

When it comes to hotel deposits, a common misconception lingers: do all hotels require a deposit secured by a credit card? The short answer is no—but the reality is more nuanced than most travelers realize. With an estimated 83 million American adults without credit cards, this is a real pain point for a significant portion of the population.

Why Hotels Care About Your Card Details

Before exploring workarounds, it’s worth understanding the hotel’s perspective. When a property demands credit card information at check-in or reservation, two primary concerns drive that requirement:

Protecting against no-shows and cancellations. Hotels face real financial losses when guests cancel outside the window or simply don’t show up. A credit card on file allows properties to collect these cancellation fees directly.

Safeguarding the room and equipment. A security deposit ensures guests won’t damage furnishings, pocket the remote control, or rack up minibar charges they can’t pay. The credit card hold serves as a financial guarantee that these incidental costs will be covered.

When you check a card during booking, the hotel typically places a hold rather than charging you immediately. If you pay your room rate through another method and incur no damages, that hold eventually disappears—though it can take several business days.

Which Hotels Actually Demand a Credit Card?

The hospitality industry isn’t monolithic. Payment policies vary dramatically:

Hotels that demand credit cards for all reservations:

• Hyatt requires credit cards across their entire platform
• Radisson properties accept only credit cards, not debit alternatives
• Wyndham mandates credit cards for online bookings

Hotels with more flexibility:

• Marriott allows debit cards at check-in, though a hold will still be placed on your account
• Hilton accepts debit card guarantees when booking directly through their site
• Best Western permits phone reservations without credit cards (800-564-2515), with flexibility on payment methods at the property
• Motel 6 varies by location but generally accepts debit, bank cards, and cash alongside credit options

One critical detail: even when hotels accept alternative payment methods, hold release times vary. Marriott and Radisson, among others, may not free up your funds for up to five business days after checkout.

Getting Around the Credit Card Requirement

If your preferred hotel traditionally demands plastic at the counter, several strategies can help:

Call the property directly. Automated systems are rigid, but a sympathetic manager sometimes will work with you. Phone policies often differ from website requirements, and exceptions exist more frequently than you’d think.

Book through third-party travel agencies. Expedia and Orbitz sometimes accept payment methods that the hotel’s direct booking system won’t. Orbitz, for example, accommodates debit cards, PayPal, and Affirm (which enables payments via debit, checking account, or mailed check). The trade-off: potentially higher rates and stricter cancellation policies.

Consider non-chain accommodations. Independent motels and bed-and-breakfasts typically operate without the rigid bureaucracy of major chains. They’re far more likely to negotiate terms with you directly.

Explore vacation rental platforms. Airbnb doesn’t require credit cards for payment in most countries and explicitly prohibits hosts from charging security deposits. Instead, they notify guests that their payment method may be charged for damage. The caveat: don’t attempt cash payments, as they violate Airbnb’s terms. They do accept Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal.

No Credit Card? Here’s How to Secure Your Booking

Assuming you’ve booked successfully but still face the deposit hurdle at check-in, alternatives exist:

Bring a substantial cash deposit. Some properties will accept a cash security hold instead of blocking your credit card. The upside: funds release immediately upon checkout. The downside: many deposits exceed $200, with luxury properties demanding $1,000+. Not everyone carries that cash, and managing that much currency while traveling presents its own risks.

Offer a debit card hold. Hotels may accept the same hold-based arrangement with a debit card. Watch out for spending limits on your debit account—the deposit could trigger overdraft fees if your balance is insufficient. Verify your available funds and contact your bank beforehand if necessary.

Call ahead and negotiate. Don’t wait until arrival. Contact your hotel early in the booking process to discuss alternatives. Most properties appreciate advance notice and are more willing to accommodate when you communicate proactively rather than showing up with a surprise objection at the desk.

The Changing Payment Landscape

The reality is that travel payments are becoming increasingly diverse. Cash remains viable; PayPal has expanded globally; “buy now, pay later” services now operate worldwide; and prepaid cards offer another option. Yet hotels—despite this evolution—remain somewhat conservative in their policies.

The hospitality industry’s reliance on credit card holds stems from legitimate business needs around deposits and incidentals. But for the millions of travelers without credit cards, the barrier isn’t insurmountable. It requires planning, persistence, and sometimes a willingness to pivot to alternative accommodations. The key is addressing the question early: call the property, confirm their actual policies (which may differ from what the website states), and establish your payment arrangement before you arrive.