Credit Cards

Quick answers to the most common questions from our guests

• Can I make a reservation without a credit card?
  You'll need a valid credit card to guarantee your reservation with most hotels. However, we are offering an increasing number of hotels that will guarantee your booking without a credit card. You also have the option to book a hotel using someone else’s credit card, provided you have their permission. In this case, when making your reservation please note the cardholder’s name and confirm that you have permission to use their card in the "Special Requests" box.

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• The property has charged my credit card. What should I do?
  The charge you see could be any one of the following:

  • Pre-authorization: A pre-authorization is just a validity check that temporarily blocks on your credit card an amount roughly equivalent to the cost of your reservation. The amount will be unblocked after a certain amount of time. How long this takes will depend on the property and your credit card provider.
  • Deposit or prepayment: Some properties require a deposit or prepayment at the time of reservation. This policy is clearly highlighted during the reservation process, and you can see it in your confirmation email as well. If your reservation allows for free cancellation, this amount is returned to you if you choose to cancel it.
  • If you feel you've been charged in error, our Customer Service team is happy to find the best possible solution for you. Please https://secure.booking.com/content/cs.htmlcontact us with your reservation number and details of the charge made, and we'll follow up with the property on your behalf.

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• Can I use a debit card to complete my reservation?
  In general, hotels can't accept a debit card to guarantee a booking. However, there are some exceptions. You'll be able see if it is possible during the booking process.

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• What is a pre-authorization?
  When you make a reservation, there may be instances where the hotel will contact your credit (or debit) card company to confirm that the card you are using is valid and hasn’t been reported lost or stolen. At this time, they may also check to see if the card has enough money to cover the transaction. This is communicated in the form of a pre-authorization for the full amount of your reservation.

  • The hotel, however, will not proceed with the charge. The time at which your card will be charged will depend on the terms and conditions of your booking.

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• What’s the difference between a pre-authorization and an actual charge to my credit card?
  Pre-authorizations are common but are often confused with actual charges. While in-store purchases are immediately charged and deducted from your available balance, pre-authorizations are temporary holds. The length of the hold will vary, and your credit card company can advise you on how they handle this.

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• How will I know if my card has been pre-authorized?
  Your available balance will be reduced temporarily by the full amount of your reservation. You may also see “pending transactions” on your credit card account summary. If you’re not sure if your card has been pre-authorized, both the hotel and your credit card company can verify this.

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• How long will the pre-authorization hold affect my available balance?
  Your card provider can better explain this, along with the general terms and conditions associated with their pre-authorization procedures. These terms vary across the board, so it’s best to contact them for specific details.

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• Will the hold always equal the exact amount of my reservation?
  In most cases, the hotel will pre-authorize your card for the full amount of your reservation. On occasion, you may see an amount slightly higher than the rate shown on Booking.com. If this does happen, the hotel can explain why this has occurred.

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• Will this happen with all bookings made through Booking.com?
  Hotels reserve the right to pre-authorize your card, but this doesn't mean it will occur with every booking. Don’t worry, if your card is pre-authorized, both the hotel and your credit card company are there to help. They may also be able to assist you with removing these holds sooner.

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• Can I make a reservation for myself using someone else’s credit card?
  Yes you can, but only if you have the cardholder's permission. In this case, when making your reservation please note the cardholder’s name and confirm that you have permission to use their card in the "Special Requests" box, and be aware that the hotel may also require authorization from the cardholder. In the case of no-shows/late cancellations, any penalties will be charged to the card provided.

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• Why do I need to give my credit card details?
  In most cases, Booking.com requests credit card details to confirm your reservation with the hotel, on your behalf. Your credit card may be checked (pre-authorized) to ensure that it is valid and/or that sufficient funds are available. After the check, the full amount will be available to you again. In some cases, your credit card details will be used to process the payment for the reservation at the time of booking. Your credit card will only be charged if you have requested a prepaid room or if the cancellation policy, found under "Hotel Policies" and room "conditions" has not been followed.

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• Which credit cards can I use to complete my booking?
  To guarantee a reservation via Booking.com all hotels accept:

  • MasterCard
  • Visa

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• Are my credit card details safe?
  Booking.com uses a secure connection for your booking:

  • Your personal data and credit card details are encrypted.
  • Our secure server uses "Secure Socket Layer" (SSL) technology, the online industry’s standard.
  • Our SSL certificate has been issued by Thawte.

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• The credit card that I used to make a reservation is no longer valid. What should I do?
  Please contact the hotel directly. You can find their contact information in your confirmation email or online via My Booking.com. For security reasons, never provide your credit card details by email.

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